43 Graduation Outfit Ideas To Wear If You Can’t Decide | Swift Wellness (2024)

Graduations are the only events harder to plan an outfit for than birthdays. Graduates and attendees are typically required to adhere to a specific dress code that varies for each school. Common requirements for graduates include no jeans, no dress longer than the gown, minimal jewelry, and shoes with backs. With all these rules, most graduating students find it easier to dress business casual. There are probably thousands of young students dreading the idea of wearing business casual in place of their true fashion sense.

This is understandable because graduation can be a momentous time of the year. So it’s important to feel confident and of course, be ready for all of the photos that will be taken. We promise there are ways to incorporate your individuality while staying within the relative bounds of your school’s graduation dress code. So, again what to wear for graduation?

We’ve gathered a few things to help you choose, and they’re all based on the latest fashion trends! In any one of these pieces, you’re guaranteed to strut across the stage just like Bella Hadid walks the runway! We’re here to help provide some graduation attire inspiration that will make you look great and feel great on this memorable day.

What Style Graduation Dress Should I Wear?

There are so many different types of dresses and outfits that you can wear underneath your gown. But here are a few of our favorites!

Pockets

Never underestimate the importance of the once-again trendy pockets, especially at graduation. After all, most schools do not let you take your purse with you doing the ceremony! You’ll definitely want a look that has a pocket–or several–to tuck away your necessities.

Who says you can't wear your favorite cargo pants just because it’s Graduation Day? This Y2K fashion can be easily made to look business casual and dressy enough for graduation ceremonies when paired with a bodysuit, statement earrings, and wedges that’ll give you heel height without the discomfort. After all, you’ll probably be walking nonstop throughout the day so you’ll need to be comfortable.

The road to a degree is full of twists and turns. So why wear something clean-cut when you can wear something more symbolic–an uneven hem.

This jean skirt is a chic combination of several of 2023’s hottest trends: 2000s fashion, the midi skirt, and an asymmetric hem. It's a Y2K-inspired denim skirt with a split that will make your walk as easy as it is fashionable. And, just because you’re wearing a denim skirt, it doesn’t mean that your look has to be casual. This piece could be styled for a special graduation look with a sleeveless vest for springtime, cute heels, and ultra-cute jewelry, like a Y2K style bracelet for a fun grad look!

Our personal favorite thing about Gen-Z fashion is the pushback against needing form-fitting clothes to look appealing. Instead, young fashionistas have made loose-fitting clothes and relaxed silhouettes a stylish way to express confidence and individuality. This is a 2023 runway trend that is sure to make both you and your parents happy!

You can be a timeless bombshell for your graduation day–you already have the looks for it. This dress is elegant and vintage-inspired with a relaxed silhouette to boost your confidence. Kitten heels, simple jewelry, and a crossbody bag complete the outfit. The subtleness of this look will only maximize your natural beauty!

What Color Should I Wear To A Graduation?

Once you’ve figured out what style of graduation outfit that you want to wear, now it’s time to choose a color!

Y2K Denim

You already knew this was coming, didn’t you? Y2K style has been the biggest resurgence trend for several years now. You might have even been sporting this nostalgic aesthetic this year while working hard for your degree! So it’s a must to embrace Y2K fashion during the commencement ceremony, too.

What can I say? Buying sets will save you time, stress, and money, too, when choosing your graduation outfit. This set may be a little more on the late ‘90s side than purely Y2K, but it’s still perfect for you if you have a flair for the classics or loved Clueless! You could make this inherently preppy two-piece set feel retro by adding chunky heeled boots, a big bracelet, flower earrings, and a resin bag.

Speaking of green, that just may be the color of Summer 2023–and we understand why. It’s vibrant, flattering on all, and symbolizes money and prosperity. If you’re still thinking of what to wear to a commencement ceremony, those are all the reasons why you should be wearing green on your big day!

Every soon-to-be graduate needs to at least try on a jumpsuit. There is a strong chance you’ll love it once you put it on. With the elegance of formal wear yet with the functionality of pants, this vivid green jumpsuit is all you’ll need to stand out. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to add some colorful jewelry for extra razzle-dazzle, flats for practicality, and a statement belt that highlights your personality.

One of our favorite 2023 fashion trends is all things sparkling silver! It feels like New Year's Eve all year long. That’s why this trend is the one you’ll love wearing for graduation. I mean, Graduation Day is basically the real New Year's Day anyhow.

A pantsuit is the right way to show off this sparkling trend. This eye-catching suit could be paired with clear heels to show off your graduation pedicure, simple statement jewelry (such as a long necklace), and a bag that glitters as bright as your future. You’ll truly be a shooting star walking across the stage!

Wear The Tried-and-True Colors Under a Graduation Gown

Still not sure what to wear to your graduation this year? These colors will always be chic options that you likely already have in your closet. (And if not, it’s time to add one of these timeless pieces!)

Black & White (Or Just White)

If you would describe your closet as sensible, then black and white combination outfits might just be your favorite. And, a perfect combo to wear for graduation! This color combination flatters any skin tone and every body shape. There are hundreds of ways to style a black and white look for your special graduation outfit. Stay true to yourself and keep the look simple, yet no less eye-catching.

All Black

If you love a good all-black look, then you are in good company. Solid black seems to be the preferred color scheme of just about everyone. It’s said to be slimming, dramatic, and it can hide sweat stains easier (important to keep in mind on such a nerve-wracking day). Despite it just being one color, all-black ensembles are extremely versatile, so you should have no problem finding solid black looks that fit your unique style perfectly. Everyone needs a little black dress in their closet. Why not wear it for graduation? Be very minimalistic. Wear a chunky heeled shoe that’s comfortable enough to stand and walk in for hours. If you can’t live without accessories, add simple jewelry like a small pendant necklace and matching stud earrings for an extra touch of elegance.