Everything is leading up to graduation, the day you get to walk across the stage to be rewarded with a diploma for all of your hard work. In some ways, choosing your graduation outfit is easy, right? You’ll be wearing a graduation gown in your school’s choice of color, and one of those weird square caps. Not exactly the fashion statement of the century.
While the traditional graduation gown might not be the most exciting thing to wear, it being a blank slate actually works to your advantage! You can wear whatever you want under your graduation gown, and style your graduation outfit based on your vibe and personal fashion preferences.
Remember, you’re stepping into the next part of your life, so make sure you dress in a way that makes you feel confident. Ahead, check out aesthetic graduation dresses (and more) that’ll have you looking stylish and feeling like your best self as you take that all-important commencement walk.
Graduation Outfit Ideas
Cottagecore Grad
The dreamy, romantic cottagecore aesthetic lends itself beautifully to graduation dresses! Look for details like fluttering sleeves, ruffles, and sweetheart necklines that will make you look just as sweet and feminine as you feel. Simple rustic-inspired accessories, like espadrille sandals, add to the overall whimsical vibe and complete this charming look.
Barbiecore Grad
Barbie can be anything, which is why she’s the perfect inspo for graduation outfits! Think positive and pink with a bright, bold outfit. A blazer-styled romper is a playful nod to the professional world awaiting you, and you can’t go wrong with a fun, embellished or floral print pink dress. It’s your big day, so don’t be afraid to wear something eye-catching! And while your school’s graduation gown will hide your style during the ceremony, you can make a statement with a pair of hot pink heels.
Balletcore Grad
Classic and delicate, the simple elegance of balletcore is the perfect inspiration for aesthetic graduation dresses. The sweet simplicity of a blush wrap dress or a romantic white dress will match any school’s regalia, and the swinging skirt of a balletcore-inspired graduation dress will add a graceful touch to your special day. And the timeless balletcore hair accessory–the bow–adds the perfect on-trend touch to any hairstyle you wear under your graduation cap!
Western Grad
Saddle up for your next rodeo with these western graduation outfit ideas! Whether you prefer the beachy vibes of Coastal Cowgirl, or the warm tones and layered textures of Westerncore, a cowgirl aesthetic is a great look for your graduation. The toes of cowgirl boots sticking out from the long graduation gown is an iconic look, and you can trade the mortarboard for a cowboy hat when you’re done with the ceremony. Whether you opt for a cute, comfy dress with details like eyelets and lace, or a dark denim style, these western graduation outfit ideas will transition perfectly from the ceremony to the afterparty.
Tomato Girl Grad
Tomato girl style combines the comfy and the picturesque, and it couldn’t be cuter. Look like you’re ready to go from graduation to Greece (or anywhere else along the Mediterranean) in cute patterned dresses and breezy vacay-inspired details. And who could pass up the cute patterns of this aesthetic? This aesthetic looks charming with minimalist or clean girl makeup, and accessories like espadrilles and sunnies dress t up to perfection.
The ‘All Eyes On Me’ Grad
If you’re the type of person who craves the spotlight, try wearing something bright, bold, and eye-catching. Choose a color that makes you feel like your best self, then look for a dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set in that color family!
You can also choose a bold hue based on the color of your graduation gown. For example, if you have a neutral white or black gown, go for a green, pink, or purple look. If your school has chosen a colorful graduation gown, try wearing a different hue of the same color to create a dynamic, bold monochromatic look, or choose a contrasting color to really stand out.
The Y2K-Obsessed Grad
If you’re graduating this year, you probably didn’t get to enjoy Y2K fashion to the fullest–you were just a baby, after all. Pay homage to your birth decade, and wear a graduation look inspired by the retro-futuristic vibes of the early 2000s!
Rock a 13 Going on 30 style slip dress with kitten heels, a handkerchief top and matching skirt, or go full Spice Girls with a shiny mini dress and platform shoes.
The Coquette Grad
Femininity is powerful and can be expressed in any number of ways! If you’ve been exploring your femininity and want to embrace it, use graduation as an opportunity to channel your inner coquette.
There are all sorts of ways to do the flirty Coquette aesthetic, a mix of flirty and sweet. Choose a dress with bustier or corset bodice, a delicate floral print, a look with ruffles or tiers, or something featuring delicate details like lace trim or embroidery.
The Boho Grad
You have an easygoing vibe, an artistic soul, and a reputation for wearing eclectic colors, patterns, and fabrics: You’re a total boho babe. Choose a crochet or knit dress that you can also wear to a gorgeous beach event, or pick wildflowers in, and pair with espadrilles to complete the earthy aesthetic.
Bohemian babes love to accessorize. While you’ll need to wear your graduation cap until you throw it at the very end, there’s no reason you can’t bring a backup (more fashionable) hat to wear after the official ceremony!
The Quiet Luxury Grad
Whether you’re graduating top of your class or just love a timeless minimalist vibe, dressing in a simple, classic look is a sophisticated way to celebrate graduation! Simple monochromatic looks like a sleek LBD or the more modern LWD are always a good choice, and can’t miss no matter the color of your graduation gown or how you accessorize.
If you’re into the academia vibe, you could even go the tailored business-wear route by wearing slim trousers with a blazer and/or a button-down shirt. Give the look extra powerful vibes by adding a pair of feminine strappy heels.
The ‘Coastal Grandma’ Grad
Sail into the seas of your future in a laidback, “coastal grandma” style outfit! Nautical, beachy looks are a fun alternative to the more serious academia vibes but still have that sophisticated preppy feel.
Stripes, blue and white combos, natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and simple accessories are all hallmarks of this style. Try bringing a light cardigan to toss over your shoulders after you’ve taken off your gown, and accessorize with simple gold jewelry.
We want to see your graduation outfit ideas! Show us on InstagramorTikTok@lulus using #lovelulus! Still shopping? Head to our Graduation Dresses Shop to find your commencement ‘fit!
