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 gauzy dress is simple yet features sweet puff sleeves and a lace-up, partially open-back design.
Pair it with white faux leather ankle-strap sandals with a block heel, a dainty pearl pendant necklace, and a matching gold bracelet for a quintessential graduation look.
A satin bow hair barrette also makes for an adorable accessory; consider wearing your hair in a half-up, half-down style with the white bow peeking out from your graduate cap.
Floral Print Dress Graduation Outfit
With graduations often taking place during the spring season, 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 refined floral print featuring more subdued hues rather than an ultra-bright or bold floral print. You’ll look more classic that way.
That’s why this strapless floral print mini dress with a tailored silhouette is a great option, featuring calming shades of blue and an elegant floral print.
Style your outfit with dainty silver jewelry like small silver hoop earrings and a silver pendant necklace with a blue stone.
These nude-colored block heel sandals are going to elongate the look of your legs and are super versatile — you’ll be able to wear them plenty after graduation, too.
Complete the ensemble with a cute blue clutch bag that matches the color palette of the dress.
Solid Color Dress Graduation Outfit
If you don’t want to wear white and floral print isn’t your thing, go for a solid colored 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 timeless navy blue slip midi dress, which is made with a satin material that gives it an elevated feel.
Compliment its classic silhouette with some pointy-toe pumps that match your skin tone, and opt for dainty jewelry like a crystal pendant necklace and some lucite drop earrings.
You can add a trendy (yet still chic) touch with a structured handbag like this acrylic clutch with a beaded handle to show some personality and make your ensemble look (and feel) extra special on your big day.
Fashion-Forward 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 two-tone black and champagne-colored strapless mini dress featuring an oversized bow detail is ideal for fashion-forward girlies. It’s just the right balance of being on-trend yet classic (and will look great under a black graduation gown).
Accessorize with a cute handbag, like this one with a trendy rosette detail, and simple yet statement-making jewelry like a signet ring and dangly earrings.
When paired with some strappy heeled sandals — these have a stylish flared heel — you’ll make the stage your runway.
Two-Piece Graduation Outfit
Want to stand out and wear something different than a traditional dress for graduation? Try a two-piece pant set instead!
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 rectangular earrings, a stack of gold bracelets, and a beaded clutch bag (that comes 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.
White Bustier Mini Dress
Simple yet ultra-flattering, this white mini dress is an excellent choice for graduation.
It features a bustier-inspired design that is feminine, but not overly sexy or trendy, meaning your graduation photos will stand the test of time.
Just jazz it up with a cute handbag and jewelry, plus heeled sandals, for a perfect graduation day look.
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.
Blue One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Make a statement with this blue one-shoulder mini dress with an asymmetrical hemline.
Its sleek silhouette feels modern yet will look timeless, and its rich blue hue looks incredible on just about every skin tone (especially if your graduation gown happens to be a similar shade of blue!).
Consider wearing it with some long, dangly earrings to balance out the one-shoulder design.
Black Square-Neck Midi 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 dress has a square neckline, wide straps, and a side slit to give it a bit of flair while still staying classic (and classy).
Best of all, you’ll be able to wear this dress plenty of times after graduation since it is so versatile.
Backless Lace Dress
Chic with just a touch of daring, this blue lace mini dress with an open back is certainly worthy of a special occasion like graduation.
It features a backless design that you’ll be able to show off after the grad gown comes off and you’re ready to celebrate. The dress’s floral lace construction adds to its elevated and feminine look.
BTW, it also comes in light blue and white, which are excellent graduation options, as well.
Floral Print Midi 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 features an earthy sage green shade.
Along with its sweetheart neckline and adjustable cami straps, this dress is as cute as they come.
Bow One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Who says you can’t make graduation your runway?
This one-shoulder mini dress with a sweeping bow and sash is a total show-stopper that is sure to stand out from the crowd.
Available in both black and white, this stunner is going to make a major (yet graduation-appropriate) fashion statement, especially when you walk and the sash flows behind you.
Sleeveless Blazer Mini Dress
Does the Old Money/Quiet Luxury aesthetic have you in a chokehold? Because same here.
Luckily, this trending aesthetic is the epitome of classy, so wearing a dress to graduation that is giving Old Money vibes won’t be something you’ll regret later on (unlike other overly trendy aesthetics that are fleeting).
This elegant sleeveless blazer dress looks ultra-luxe but is under $150. With its blazer-like design, it has a polished appearance that is dressy yet refined.
Wear it with gold jewelry to accentuate its oversized gold buttons.
Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress
Embrace your girly side with this floral print dress with a fit and flare silhouette.
It’s white with a subtle lavender floral print, making it ideal for a springtime graduation.
The dress has a delicate bow on the front for added charm and will look adorable with both heeled and flat sandals, depending on your preference.
Lace Mini Dress
How adorable is this lace mini dress? It’s equal parts cute and classy and comes in six different colors, including white.
This frock features a beautiful crochet floral lace overlay and a high neckline with a sleeveless design.
It has many positive reviews, including some that said it was a great choice for their graduation, so it’s been tried, tested, and graduation-approved!
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!