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This post will show you tons of cute college graduation outfits.
It’s time to celebrate your academic accomplishments—in style, of course.
Graduation season is here, and there’s no doubt you’ll want to look your best on your big day! After all, you’ve put in the hard work to earn that diploma, so a cute graduation outfit commemorating your college experience is a must. If you’re searching for the perfect outfit for graduation, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on for stylish college graduation outfit ideas, with affordable dresses under $200 that will be perfect for your college graduation ceremony.
Related reading: 40 Incredibly Cute Graduation Dresses to Rock This Year
Table of Contents
White Dress Graduation Outfit
It doesn’t get more classic than a white dress for graduation. This is a tradition that has been around for years, and while it’s not required, it can feel symbolic of a new chapter of life starting. Plus, a solid white dress will look timeless in your graduation photos. Unlike trendy colors or prints that come and go, wearing solid white is a safe, classic choice that you likely won’t regret when looking back at your graduation photos in the future.
This white linen-blend dress is simple yet features an elegant square neckline and short balloon sleeves, along with an open-back design. Pair it with white leather block heel sandals and a dainty pendant necklace for a timeless graduation look.
A pearl hair clip is an adorable accessory; consider wearing your hair in a half-up, half-down style with the clip peeking out from your graduate cap.
Floral Print Dress Graduation Outfit
With graduations often taking place during the spring, a floral print dress is a great choice for the occasion that will give you a sweet, feminine look.
I’d suggest opting for a more “low-key” floral print rather than a very loud or bold one; for example, this cream mini dress features a subtle pink floral print that adds just the right amount of interest without being too distracting or overly trendy. I adore its flattering bustier-inspired design and tie shoulder straps, too.
Style your outfit with dainty gold jewelry like small gold hoop earrings and a matching necklace. These ivory two-strap heeled sandals match the dress beautifully and are versatile shoes you can wear plenty after graduation.
Complete the ensemble with a cute straw and faux leather crossbody bag with gold metal hardware; it’s the ultimate springtime accessory.
Solid Color Dress Graduation Outfit
If you don’t want to wear white and floral print isn’t your thing, go for a solid color dress instead. Consider wearing a dress that features your school’s color(s) as a nod to your (almost) alma mater—plus, it’ll look fantastic in any photos you may take around campus.
One excellent option is this cobalt blue mini dress with a ruffle hem that is sure to pop against your graduation gown and is made from a stretchy crepe fabric that gives it an elevated feel.
Give your outfit a bit of dazzle with some metallic heeled sandals, some gold pearl hoop earrings, and a dainty necklace with a pearl embellishment. These glam touches, along with a beaded pearl clutch bag, will make your ensemble look (and feel) extra-special on your big day.
Stylish Graduation Outfit
While I’d recommend staying away from *overly* trendy outfits on graduation day, this doesn’t mean you can’t still dress on-trend and show off your impeccable sense of style.
This white halter mini dress is ideal for the fashion-forward girlies, featuring a rosette detail which is this season’s big fashion trend. It adds a subtly stylish touch while still having a classic feel.
Fashionistas know that adding a pop of color with shoes and accessories is one of the best ways to make an outfit look stylish, so try accessorizing with a beaded handbag (this one features spring colors) and coordinating heeled sandals. These metallic purple sandals with a square toe and ankle strap have a modern look and match the handbag perfectly.
Complete the ensemble with some small yet statement-making pearl hoop earrings.
Two-Piece Graduation Outfit
Products: Two-Piece Set, Earrings, Bag, Bracelets, Heels
Want to stand out and wear something different than a traditional dress for graduation? Try a two-piece pant set instead!
The key to making this work is picking a pant set that looks elevated based on its cut and fabric. This two-piece features design details that give it a polished look, from its stretch crepe knit fabric to the top’s princess-seamed bodice and the pants’ wide-leg silhouette. It’s a modern take on a classic look, and the white color makes the set feel extra-appropriate for graduation.
Accessorize with chic extras that won’t overwhelm the outfit, like some clear U-hoop earrings, a stack of gold bracelets, and a tan faux leather quilted crossbody bag with a gold chain strap.
A pair of neutral-colored pointy-toe pumps complement the ensemble perfectly and will give you a height boost to allow the pants to flow as you walk across the stage.
More College Graduation Outfits
Want more options? I got you! Here are some more graduation outfit ideas, with ten dresses under $200 that will be perfect for graduation.
Lace Overlay Dress
With a delicate lace overlay, ruffled sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline, this white dress couldn’t be more adorable for graduation. And since the dress is so intricate, you won’t need to worry about accessorizing or over-the-top hair or makeup—this dress makes an impression all on its own.
BTW, it also comes in light pink and sage green, which are equally beautiful.
Strapless Bustier Mini Dress
There’s so much to love about this white strapless mini dress. From its crochet lace construction to its strapless design with a bustier bodice, it’s definitely a dress special enough for graduation.
Its ruffled, tiered hem is balanced out by its fitted waist with supportive boning and seamed cups, and best of all, it features no-slip strips, so you won’t have to worry about it falling down while you’re walking across the stage, and later, celebrating.
Peplum Midi Sheath Dress
You can’t go wrong with a classic LBD—a black dress works for just about any occasion, including college graduation. This black midi sheath dress has a square neckline and a fitted midi skirt with peplum flare that looks flattering on every body type.
Best of all, you’ll be able to wear this dress plenty of times after graduation since it is so versatile.
Two-Tone Mini Dress
Can’t decide between a black or white dress for graduation? You won’t have to with this black and white two-tone mini dress!
With its classic color palette and silhouette, this silky frock will look fab with delicate jewelry and some strappy, heeled sandals.
Cut-Out Mini Dress
Chic with just a touch of daring, this white mini dress crafted from luxurious silky stretch cotton twill is a perfect choice for graduation.
It features small, subtle cut-out details on the sides that only show a hint of skin (meaning it’s still appropriate for your graduation ceremony). The fitted top is balanced by a full, A-line skirt, giving it feminine appeal while remaining classic. And it even has pockets!
Ruffled Floral Print Mini Dress
For a spring or summer graduation, try wearing a pretty floral print dress. The key is picking a floral print on the subtler side, like the print on this dress, which isn’t over-the-top. Along with its ruffled detailing and waist tie, this dress is as cute as they come.
One-Shoulder Asymmetric Mini Dress
Who says you can’t make graduation your runway? This white one-shoulder mini dress with a long side skirt overlay is a total show-stopper that is sure to stand out from the crowd.
With one long sleeve, an asymmetric skirt, and stretchy crepe fabric, this frock is fashion-forward in all the right ways.
Sheath Midi Dress
Flatter your physique with a bodycon sheath midi dress, a timeless dress silhouette that accents curves (especially thanks to this one’s smooth, stretchy fabric).
I adore its pretty lilac hue, which is a less-common color, meaning you’ll stand out in all the right ways with this frock.
Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress
Embrace your girly side with this blue floral print dress with a fit and flare silhouette. It has a ruffled design with self-tie shoulder straps for added charm, and will look adorable with both heeled and flat sandals, depending on your preference.
Tiered Midi Dress
How dreamy is this tiered white midi dress? It features beautiful tulle fabric with a swiss dot pattern throughout, a bustier-inspired bodice, layers of tiered ruffles, and sheer tying shoulder straps. It’s definitely a dress special enough for an occasion as special as graduation.
What do you think of our college graduation outfits guide?
Would you wear these graduation dresses? Which graduation outfit is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!
