Home
About
RSS Feed
E-Mail
Categories: Fashion Tips
Tags: Dresses, Featured, Graduation, Outfits, Special Occasion, Spring
It’s hard for me to believe, but by this time next week, I’ll officially be a college grad — woo hoo! Soon enough, high school and college-aged girls from all over the country will be attending commencement ceremonies. If you’re not sure what to wear, whether you’ll be graduating or attending a ceremony, I’m here to help. Here are five cute and stylish outfit ideas for upcoming spring commencement ceremonies:
If you have a girly sense of style, try wearing a spring-appropriate floral dress with on-trend crochet detailing. Add some peep-toe pumps in a bright red hue for a fun pop of color. Then, add some delicate jewelry like pearl earrings and unique gold ring.
Dress, Bracelet, Necklace, Shoes
The LBD is always a fashionable and classic choice for special occasions, and graduation is no exception. For this look, I chose a LBD with pretty details, and paired it with some Mary-Jane pumps. Some vintage-inspired jewelry gives this outfit a timeless look and finishes off this classically stylish graduation ensemble.
If you’re a fan of bright colors and simple silhouettes, look no further than this commencement ceremony outfit. Wear a gorgeous coral dress and add a structured belt to define your waist. These turquoise drop earrings look amazing against the coral, while some nude heels finish off the streamlined look.
Top, Skirt, Ring, Bracelet, Flats
If skirts are more your thing, try pairing a preppy pleated skirt with a lacy top for that perfect mix of trendy and classic. Woven flats are both comfortable and stylish, while an adorable charm bracelet and unique bow-shaped ring complete this polished look.
Blouse, Pants, Necklace, Earrings, Pumps
This chic outfit is a great choice if you’d rather wear pants to graduation. Pair some sleek black trousers with a sophisticated printed top. Some pointed heels elongate the legs, while elegant jewelry makes this look perfect for a commencement ceremony.
Are you graduating this semester? What do you think of these outfits? Which one is your favorite? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Also, on behalf of myself and everyone else at CF, congrats to the class of 2011! Good luck in the future and we hope you have an awesome graduation!
 |
29 Responses
Del.icio.us
Digg
Technorati
Magnolia
Newsvine
Reddit
Yes, thank you for this! I was wondering what to wear to graduation! I like that you included outfits that aren’t just dresses, I hadn’t thought of that. This article was really helpful!
My graduation is a month away, which I thought was soon, but yours is only a week away! Good luck with everything!
~Sara
Thank you! I was hoping CF would do a graduation post, since i’ve been trying to find a perfect dress for graduation for awhile now. The one I think i’m most likely going to end up wearing looks very similar to the floral print dress in your post. Good to know my choice was the same as CF’s :)
I’m not graduating this year, but a good friend of mine is, and her family is having a big semi-formal dinner for friends and whatnot. I am definitely wearing the last outfit, except with a pencil skirt, I think!
I can’t believe you only have a week until graduation! I’m graduating this year too, but my graduation isn’t until May 29th!!!
I like the outfits you included here. I especially like that you included an outfit with pants, since it can sometimes still be chilly here and I’d be freezing in a dress!
I love this article, but I especially like the evil eye ring from the first post. Any idea where I could get one (or something similar) in the UK? I can only see it on the US website.
I love this. I’m graduating soon, and at my school we can only wear black dresses and black shoes which is pretty lame. I really wish I could wear a floral dress instead.
My convocation is June 1st and even though I’ve been using the thought of walking across that stage as motivation to get through the term, I haven’t thought about what to wear. Thanks for reminding me that I should probably figure that out! haha
Yay! I’m graduation from Community College in a month or so and was going crazy over finding the perfect dress. I was looking for a flower print, modest, with or without sleeves dress. (Since mine is in the morning, a strapless or spaghetti strap dress wouldn’t do and since I live in a 100F+ climate, wearing a cardigan wouldn’t due either). Finally, after searching every fashion website (major & indie) I found one in etsy.com So, I would definitely recommend you look beyond the obvious options if you’re looking for an modest or unusual dress like myself.
I’m planning on wearing my dress with a pair of brown leather oxfords. Since my graduation is pretty casual, I don’t see a reason for wearing heels, and would definitely recommend oxfords or flats if you dislike heels like I do. Also, if your graduation is outside (like in a football stadium, or whatever) that requires you to walk over grass, wear flat shoes or wedges. In my High School Graduation, girls that were wearing heels would be tripping all over themselves and some even had the point of their heels digging into the dirt… it was a nightmare, they had to pull their heels out of the dirt.
By the way, I’m surprised white dresses weren’t on this list, since I’ve heard they’re pretty hot this summer and that there are some universities that *require* you to wear one.
This are brilliant! I’ve been trying to think of what I can wear to graduation (even though it’s not until November!) I want to wear a dress and heels, but I didn’t know what would go with my black robes + blue and gold hood….
This is great, I was definitely leaving my outfit to the last minute. Now I’m just inspired, probably with the LBD, very classic!
I am in love with all of these outfits! My favorite’s the lace and bows one. So adorable!! <3
I have to second Paola and say that if your graduation is outside, wedges are a better option since you will probably end up sinking into the grass if your wear stilettos. Also, think about how loud your shoes are on a stage, especially in a more intimate graduation. If you are wearing flip-flops (don’t do that) or heels with a plastic or metal heel will be very loud and distracting. Have fun and try to wait until after your parents get pictures to start crying (you may want to think about waterproof makeup if you think your graduation day is going to be as emotional as mine was).
I love the Colorful & Simple look! While I’m not graduating until next year, I think it’s a perfect day look (most ceremonies are in the morning/late afternoon), but the pumps and the turquoise earrings help the outfit work for post-grad parties as well.
Great post and congrats to everyone graduating soon!
Thanks for the ideas! What would you suggest if you have a white graduation gown. Our gowns are white and if we wear dark colors underneath they definitely show through do you think that matters?
Wow! I so v badly want to graduate,but 2 years left still! :(
Great oufits!!! Awesome!!!!!!!
These outfits are all AMAZING! Especially the first and second. I’m not graduating anytime soon but I’m definitely checking these outfits out anyway. :)
i remember i wore heels to my hs graduation the one thing i learned was NOT to wear heels if your graduation is outside on the grass :) just a thought.
I love the second and the fifth outfits. The fifth one looks so sophisticated, especially if you are in your late twenties and onwards during time of graduation. I’m graduating from my PhD next year and I’m already planning outfits :)
Hey great post love all the looks :)
However my univeristy requirement is that we wear white,I’m looking for the perfect white short dress !!!!
Still have a year to find it though LOL :)
I’ve never heard of the white dress requirement for graduation! My high school and college just ask women to wear either a dress, skirt or nice pair of pants. If anyone’s looking for some inexpensive white dresses, here are a few for under $50:
http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=53886&categoryID=424&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-du5SBlAzJmuklxgubDz%2FBg&crID=1&crPUB=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&crTYPE=10
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=dress&product_id=2055985460&Page=4&pgcount=100
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15292&vid=1&pid=809600&scid=809600002
Thanks for all of the feedback everyone!
@Ashley
Thanks for the dress ideas I love the one from Forever 21! This helped so much so thank you!
Thank you @ Ashley :)
i’m graduating this year and i’m wearing a little blue dress that has a grace kelly feel to it and i noticed that a lot of girls now-a-days happen to be opting for more simple dresses that display elegance
I’m graduating on the 9th from Auburn. I wanted to recreate the outfit the lady had on in the tjmaxx commercial (yellow pencil skirt and blue top). Had a bit of trouble trying to find the skirt so I think I’m wearing something similar to The Classic LBD.
Those are some nice dresses … wish I was a girl!!
Hi CF! I’m also graduating this year and we’re required to wear semi-formal attire. I’m planning to wear a black skirt (the type you wear at work), a sheer peach tank top, and nude pumps….is that ok? I’m worried it’ll be too simple and i don’t want to end up looking underdressed…btw, i love your website! I check it daily for fashion updates :) Thanks a bunch! :)
Hey artistlove! That sounds like a very chic and sophisticated graduation look– I don’t think you’d be underdressed at all! If you still have concerns about it not being dressy enough, you can always add some nice jewelry like elegant drop earrings or a bold statement necklace. I hope this helps :)
Wow! This article totally brings back memories for me! I remember just trying to find something that was comfortable to wear underneath my graduation gown but then I regretted it when I looked drab for the graduation dinner :( This is a great article if you want to avoid my mistakes and look fashionable and still be comfortable on your special day!