20 On-Trend Graduation Dresses That Will Get Your Next Chapter Off to a Stylish Start

There are few things more exciting than graduation. After years of work, you’ve finally earned your right of passage, and you obviously want to start the next chapter of your life in style! When the pomp and circumstance are over, you don’t want to take off the robe and reveal something boring. You want to be bold!

It’s time to spice up those photos and show off your style, and we’re here to help you with our picks for the best graduation dresses for 2024!

Pastel Graduation Dresses

As noted by Varsity, there are few things as timeless as a gorgeous pastel look.

Pastel is super adaptable. You can go for a refined and classic all-pastel look, or you can mix it up. Try adding some darker shades to make for a trendier, more modern look. Don’t forget to accessorize, too! Each extra piece of your pastel outfit will make or break the vibe you want for your graduation, so be sure to choose your accessories with care.

White Graduation Dresses

Sometimes, you just want to stick to tradition.

Traditions often stay in place because they work. Many schools actually require white graduation gowns for one reason or another. Perhaps your school’s colors include white, or your graduation robe shows darker colors underneath. Whatever the case may be, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a timeless white dress.

Being the most traditional pick, white graduation dresses also tend to come in a wide variety of styles, lengths, and silhouettes. Be sure to check your school’s dress code before you buy your dress, just to make sure you aren’t about to step on any toes!

Black Graduation Dresses

Another timeless look is a gorgeous black dress. This option screams elegance and sophistication, and it boasts its own unique charm.

One of the best things about a black graduation dress is that it can be multifunctional. In addition to being a stunning look for your photos and post-grad party, you can hang your LBD back up when you’re done and bust it out later.

Have a cocktail party later? Maybe you’re planning on having a night out with your besties. Whatever you’re doing, that black graduation dress will still be relevant and chic.

Primary Color Graduation Dresses

For something more avant-garde, consider a primary color graduation dress. Long, short, off-the-shoulder, or with sleeves, these eye-catching looks are guaranteed to turn heads!

True primary color dresses are mostly or entirely a single color like red, blue, or yellow. Unlike pastel dresses, primary color options are bold, bright, and in-your-face. For the best results, we recommend a red, blue, or yellow outfit. This is because these three colors are the most common school colors, which means that you can show off your school spirit and your sense of style.

As a pro tip, be sure to double-check that your graduation dress’ colors don’t show through your gown. As stunning as our dress may be, many schools dislike when it interferes with the ceremony’s overall look.

Floral Graduation Dresses

Depending on your pick, a floral graduation dress can be the perfect compromise between all of these options.

If your school prefers white or mostly white dresses, then a soft floral dress is the perfect way to add your own style. More lenient dress codes offer you plenty of wiggle room to be truly creative with your look! Playful grads may want to have a bright and vibrant floral outfit. If you’re more conservative when it comes to looks, a burnout floral dress can add a touch of whimsy to your refined graduation outfit.

Matching Two-Piece Sets

A fresh new arrival on the graduation dress market, matching two-piece sets are made from a top and a matching skirt, shorts, skorts, or pants.

When you opt for this choice, you’re giving yourself space to go wild! You have a wide range of styles, silhouettes, and hues to choose from. For the top of the outfit, you can go bold, fresh, or classical. Then, you can mix it up with a contrasting skirt.

In terms of graduations, two-piece sets offer a massive amount of adaptability and function. Everyone knows that outdoor ceremonies can be a sweaty affair, especially if you happen to live in a particularly humid environment. Fortunately, with a two-piece, you get all of the elegance of a traditional dress and the added airiness of a combo outfit.

Which of these cute graduation dresses are your favorites? Be sure to show us your stylish commencement outfits on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop our selection of Graduation Dresses for more!

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated with new content.