Graduation Dresses | Short to Long, Formal & Semi-Formal (2024)

On-Trend Graduation Dresses for 2024 Grads

Commence down the aisle in 2024 graduation dresses from Windsor. These chic dresses are perfect for the ceremony to the celebration! From breezy skater dresses to bodycon silhouettes, find the perfect high school or college graduation dress to have your moment to shine. Windsor’s commencement dresses feature silky satin, crepe, velvet, glitter, sequins, slinky knits, airy chiffon, and smooth woven fabrications that elevate your special day.

For the grad looking to follow the classic tradition of wearing white dresses, you’ll find a wide variety of white styles in lace, chiffon, satin, crepe, and trendy glitter knit fabric for a subtle shimmer. If you’re the grad who likes to keep it elegantly simple, co*cktail attire is exactly what you need! Update this classic look with the latest co*cktail details like one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder sleeves, cascading ruffled accents, and sheer inserts or skin-baring cut-outs that can take you from the throwing of the cap to celebrations following! Discover chic black dresses in iconic short LBD styles, with midi-length hems, or floor-length silhouettes. Black graduation dresses are an elegant choice for those who want to keep their look subtle yet stunning!

For the post-ceremony dinner or party, discover party dresses for the graduation celebration in beautiful colors like red, burgundy, hunter, royal, navy, or pink. Explore fit-n-flare dresses or ruched romper dresses that style perfectly with strappy mules or stiletto heels, and layer on a posh blazer for a chic look. Formal velvet flocked dresses, satin ruched dresses, or long-sleeve midi dresses are the perfect graduation outfit for those post-worthy moments. You’ll find at Windsor in-store and online a stunning collection of commencement dresses that are both affordable and stylish. You're going to be ready to celebrate with the trending graduation styles before they blow up on the 'gram.

Whether you’re a high school or college grad, find your perfect graduation dress or commencement dress at Windsor!

What Is The Best Dress To Wear For Graduation?

The best dress to wear for graduation will depend on your school’s dress code and the graduation dress that makes you feel confident and proud to celebrate the occasion. Popular graduation dress styles include skater, high-low, and dress designs that are shorter than the length of your graduation gown. A skater or midi dress is a perfect option because they usually do not add bulk or weight to your graduation attire. Discover cute, flared skater dresses with pockets, sexy ruched dresses, and figure-flattering wrap satin dresses as your short dress options.

What you wear with your cap and gown, from shoes and accessories to clothing, should be comfortable as you may have to sit for a while, stand up and down, and walk a short length to and from your seat. If white is part of your commencement dress code, choose here from an assortment of white dresses in lace, satin, or glitter, white skater dresses, and trendy square-neck dresses in off-white to ivory. Also, think about happenings after the ceremony. If you’ll be attending a graduation party, celebration, or dinner, pick a dress you can style up or down accordingly.

Once you’ve got an idea of the type of dress you want, it’s also essential to take the weather into account. For instance, a ceremony that takes place outdoors during warm months will call for lightweight fabrics like chiffon as opposed to a winter ceremony that calls for more rich fabrics like velvet. If you’re looking for dress alternatives, a sleek jumpsuit or a dressy floral romper dress brings the glam too while offering added comfort.

As far as what not to wear, avoid any attire that may violate your high school, college, or university dress code or that can make you feel over or underdressed. For example, you may want to save your ball gown for another occasion to avoid feeling overdressed; on the other hand, save your jeans for more casual occasions. If you are a guest attending the ceremony, the dress code options will be different and usually more open. Striking the right balance of dressy casual is how you know your graduation dress is on point. This graduation season stay chic and comfortable in gorgeous dresses and on-trend outfits that make you feel confident as you celebrate this major accomplishment!

Is There A Dress Code For Graduation?

Yes, some high schools, universities, colleges, and organizations may have a dress code to consider for graduation ceremonies. Be sure to check your attire against these guidelines when picking the perfect outfit because your style options may range from smart casual to business professional, dressy to semi-formal. Your graduation dress should be appropriate enough to not feel out of place, but also comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time as graduation ceremonies are known to be hours in length. Aim for a timeless, polished look that makes you feel confident and that you can look back at with pride. Be sure to unpack/unwrap your regalia (i.e. cap, gown, tassels, stole, etc.) to take out wrinkles and to make sure you know how each piece should be worn. If your school’s commencement dress code is unclear, consider running your look by your squad to check for any red flags with your look. Picking your graduation dress should adhere to guidelines while reflecting your personal style and celebrating your accomplishments.

Graduation Dresses | Short to Long, Formal & Semi-Formal (2024)

FAQs

Are graduation dresses supposed to be long or short? ›

3. How long should you dress be for graduation? You can choose what length you're comfortable with, but remember, the graduate gowns are usually mid-calf to ankle length, depending on your height. Here's my tip: keep the length of your dress or skirt shorter than your gown length.

What is semi-formal dress code for graduation? ›

A semi-formal suit is a classic choice for a graduation ceremony. Choose a neutral colour such as black, navy, or grey, and pair it with a dress shirt in a light colour. Accessorize with a tie in a coordinating colour and a pair of dress shoes.

Can I wear a short dress to graduation? ›

As previously mentioned, you should avoid overly short dresses and skirts - just remember, you'll also spend part of the day walking in a procession so you don't want something too long either. When it comes to shoes, the dress code will most likely require you to wear formal footwear.

What makes a dress formal vs semi-formal? ›

At a formal event, you'll see the finest suits and tuxedos, and almost all women will be wearing floor-length gowns. In contrast, semi-formal events feature guests in a wider range of suits and dresses, with more colors and textures on display.

What is the best length for a graduation gown? ›

If you chose your size using our guidelines, your gown length should fall somewhere below your knee, but above your ankle.

What kind of dress is appropriate for graduation? ›

If your school doesn't have a commencement dress code, you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Feel free to express your own personal style under your gown in a pretty and polished way. That means you can wear anything from floral dresses and little black dresses to sleek blazers, pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers.

What color is semi-formal dress code? ›

Go with minimalism and traditional tailoring, darker colors, and matching accessories—a black belt with black shoes. Avoid brightly colored socks, sneakers, and t-shirts. Aim for an ensemble that makes you comfortable. If you're not used to semi-formal clothing, practice wearing your outfit ahead of the event.

What should you not wear to a semi-formal event? ›

First up is, any garment that is explicitly formal wear, like a dinner jacket or morning coat, white or black bow tie, formal waistcoat, cumme*rbund, formal evening shirt or formal trousers with a gallon stripe. These should all be avoided. I mean, after all, this is semi-formal, not formal attire.

Do graduation dresses have to be formal? ›

There is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for picture-perfect attire, here are some practical tips to help dress and prep for the big day.

What is the dress code for female graduation? ›

The dress code for a college graduation ceremony is typically formal. For men, this means wearing a suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt and a tie. For women, a dress or a skirt and blouse combination are both acceptable choices. Some institutions may have rules about dress length or colour restrictions.

How long should dress be under graduation gown? ›

These graduation dress do's and don'ts will help you light up the stage. DO stick to a knee-length dress or shorter with a simple cap sleeve. Off the shoulder dresses also work well and even show a bit of your décolletage from beneath your gown. DON'T pick a skirt that's too layered, too long, or cut on a diagonal.

What to wear to a graduation as a guest female? ›

Go with a nice dress, jumpsuits, or fun co-ord set. 2. Wear something comfortable - Graduations are usually pretty long, so you will want to wear something comfortable. Try to steer clear of anything heavy, itchy, or too tight!

What does a woman wear to a semi-formal event? ›

A semi-formal dress is the epitome of femininity and sophistication. Opt for knee-length or tea-length dresses for a classic look, or embrace the allure of a chic co*cktail dress. Neutral tones like black, navy, or jewel tones are timeless choices, exuding sophistication.

Is it okay to wear a long dress to a semi-formal? ›

What colors and styles should women wear to a semi-formal wedding? While black tie affairs call for floor-length gowns and tuxedos, semi-formal weddings require a less fancy aesthetic. Jumpsuits, pant suits and dresses (knee-length and midi) are all great options.

Should a graduation dress be shorter than the gown? ›

The perfect graduation dress should be on the shorter side. No longer than mid-calf and that's at the longest. You don't want it to peek out from under the graduation gown.

What if my graduation gown is too long? ›

Zip the gown up and turn it inside out and drape the bottom half over the board. Fold the bottom hem up based on the measurement you need to shorten. (I needed to shorten by 10 inches) Pin topside and underside of the fabric together to hold in place.

How far off the floor should a long gown be? ›

Floor Length

While wearing a floor-length dress, make sure the hem is at a suitable height, such that the front of the gown sits approximately one inch from the floor and just above the top of your shoes.

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