Top 10 Graduation Dresses
The Best Dresses To Wear On Graduation Day
Congrats Grad! You’ve made it this far, so you may as well finish off strong with a cute dress for the occasion. Whether you’re finishing up undergrad, officially done with grad school, or just attending the obligatory celebrations that come with finally snagging that well-deserved diploma, the following options will not disappoint. Since the big day most often tends to fall somewhere between spring and summer, breezy sundresses are almost always your best bet. And lucky for you, the picks below are ones you’ll want to wear long after the ceremony is over (summer vacay plans, anyone?). Below, you'll find a selection of one-shoulder sheaths, lacey layered numbers, flowy frocks, and more—all of which will look excellent in those post-grad photos, we might add. Keep scrolling to check out the 10 best graduation dresses to wear on your big day, and get ready to stun on that stage. Opening image: @likelynyc
Love our 10 Best Graduation Dresses? Check out our 10 Best White Dresses for more top-ranked finds!
May 6, 2019
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The Rankings
Likely Packard One-Shoulder Dress
BEST FOR: If you’re looking for a total stunner to offset that frumpy grad gown, this body-hugging dress will do just the trick. It’s sexy—but still classy—so it’s perfect for the occasion.
USERS SAID: “This dress is exquisite. It fits like a glove, accentuates all your curves, and has a bit of stretch so it fits just right.”
Eliza J Ruffle Sheath Dress
LOVED FOR: Simple but definitely not boring, this ruffled sheath will have you turning heads the moment you cross that stage.
STYLE WITH: Keep the accessories simple with barely-there heels and delicate gold jewelry.
Bardot Lace Sheath Dress
LOVED FOR: Lace will always be classic, but ladder stitching, a high neckline, and fitted silhouette add a little edge to this dress.
STYLE WITH: Due to its slightly see-through details, a nude bra is best.
BB Dakota Renley Lace Fit & Flare Dress
BEST FOR: If your grad ceremony is taking place outside (we’re looking at you, Texas gals) this flirty fit-and-flare number will keep you cool and cute.
LOVED FOR: You can easily dress this up or down, so be prepared to find yourself reaching for this piece all summer.
French Connection Whisper Light Sheath Minidress
WHY YOU NEED IT: With a flattering square neck and fitted skirt, this minimalist dress can be styled multiple different ways for different occasions—graduation included.
USERS SAID: “This dress is really chic! I wore it out at my bachelorette party and got many compliments. Cute fit, great length, and interesting neckline. It runs a little small so if you’re on the fence about two sizes, go for the larger size.”
Bardot Gemma Halter Lace Sheath Dress
LOVED FOR: The ladder stitching, open back, and sheer illusion hem adds subtly sexy details that will earn you compliments all night.
STYLE WITH: This lacey dress won’t need much styling—we suggest nude pumps and a classic clutch.
Eliza J Lace Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
WHERE TO WEAR: If your post-grad plans include hitting the dance floor (and they should!), this twirl-worthy dress will do just the trick.
USERS SAID: “This dress was perfect! I wore it to a formal evening wedding and received multiple compliments throughout the night. It is very comfortable to wear and easy to accessorize.”
WAYF Blouson Midi Dress
BEST FOR: If you’re looking to stay comfortable all night, this easy-breezy dress won’t let you down.
STYLE WITH: Dress it down with flat sandals and a straw bag on your summer vacay.
Rhode Ella Dress
WHY YOU NEED IT: Believe it or not, this dress was actually designed to be a swim coverup (and a gorgeous one, at that). Pair it with wedges and bam—you’ve got a dress fit for a cocktail occasion.
HELPFUL TIP: Keep in mind that as this dress sizes up, only the length changes. Tall gals, go with a bigger size!
ASTR the Label Lace Midi Dress
LOVED FOR: This one is just under $100, but looks a lot more expensive—score!
AS SEEN ON: Style it with edgy, black accessories like blogger Crystalin Marie.
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