Fashion

Graduation Party Outfits Guide: What To Wear Whether You’re The Grad Or A Guest

Published by
Sonja Henrikssen
Shop the Look: Dillon White Drop Waist Tiered Halter Skort Romper

This is your time, seniors! Graduation is here, and you’re about to reap the rewards of your hard work. Once you’ve crossed the stage and accepted your diploma, all that’s left to do is party!

Shop the Look: Alyvia Pale Yellow Pinstriped Sleeveless Mini Dress

Whether you’re the guest of honor and need help finding the perfect fit for your party, or you’re a guest that wants to match the vibes, we created this graduation party outfits guide for you. The easiest way to figure out what to wear to a graduation party is to dress for the venue. For example, if the graduation party will be a backyard BBQ at the grad’s house, attire will probably be comfortable and casual. If the party is being held at a nice restaurant, you might want to dress up a little more.

Casual Backyard BBQ: Cute Tops & Denim

What to wear to a high school graduation party hosted at a house? There really are no rules for a backyard BBQ party, but you definitely can’t go wrong with a cute top and denim! You don’t have to limit yourself to jeans, either—don denim shorts for a laid-back look, or a skirt or skort for a flirtier denim vibe.

Tie-Front Cami Top + Cuffed Jeans

Shop the Look: Mariasole Light Blue Floral Lace Tie-Front Cami Top, Eastside Light Wash High-Rise Cuffed Denim Jeans,

Striped Sweater Tank Top + Sailor Shorts

Shop the Look: Prisha Cream and Blue Striped V-Neck Sweater Tank Top, Jolie Ivory Denim High-Rise Sailor Shorts, Tenzin Cream Linen Buckle Slide Sandals

Vest Top + Cutoff Shorts

Shop the Look: Suits You Perfectly Olive Green Linen Vest, Crossroads Medium Wash Distressed Mid-Rise Cutoff Shorts, Rigmore Chocolate Suede Fisherman Sandals

Graduation Picnic in the Park: Sweet Sundresses

Graduation parties held away from home feel a little more formal than events held at home, even if the event is a picnic in the park! To match the celebratory vibe, we love a sundress paired with sneakers or sandals and whimsical accessories like straw bags and satin hair scarves for grad party attire. Dress slightly up or down depending on whether you’re the guest of honor or an honored guest. 

White Eyelet Mini Dress + Satin Scarf

Shop the Look: Friendly Flirtation White Sleeveless A-line Eyelet Mini Dress, (similar) Roselle Blue and White Multi Print Satin Scarf Set

Drop Waist Midi Dress + Strappy Sandals

Shop the Look: Jalessa Light Blue Multi Striped Drop Waist Midi Dress, (similar) Leanna Aqua Strappy Slide Sandals

Drop Waist Bubble-Hem Mini Dress + Straw Tote

Shop the Look: Khamari Yellow Textured Drop Waist Bubble-Hem Mini Dress, Summer Mode Beige Woven Shoulder Bag

Upscale Restaurant Celebration: Midi Dresses & Heels

Midi dresses are sophisticated and make for elegant grad party attire without restricting any movement or making you feel uncomfortably formal. Pair with your favorite high heels—for events like graduation, ankle-strap heels or sandals are so on trend. 

Floral Lace-Up Tiered Midi Dress + Low Heel Slide Sandals

Shop the Look: Hours of Flowers Blue Multi Floral Lace Up Tiered Midi Dress, Salmma Gold Low Heel Slide Sandals

Abstract Tie-Front Midi Dress + Nude Sandals

Shop the Look: Energetic Charm Rust Orange Abstract Tie-Front Midi Dress, (similar) Ariellie Light Nude High Heel Sandals

Drop Waist Midi Dress + Slide Sandals

Shop the Look: Tamber Light Yellow Jersey Knit Drop Waist Midi Dress, (similar) Calendre Beige Woven Buckle Low Heel Slide Sandals, (similar) Kacey Taupe Woven Wristlet Bag

Pool Party: Coverups & Beachy Dresses

Figuring out what to wear to a grad party that’s poolside can be extra tricky! Even if you don’t plan on jumping in the pool, you can still dress in the spirit of the event! Swim cover-ups and cover-up-style dresses like an adorable crochet number will make you feel right at home by the pool—don’t forget to wear your swimsuit underneath if you want to take a dip.

Crochet Cover-Up Top + Pants

Shop the Look: Anna Ivory and Navy Striped Crochet Swim Cover-Up Top, Anna Ivory and Navy Striped Crochet Swim Cover-Up Pants

Drawstring Swim Cover-Up Dress

Shop the Look: Santorini Sun White Drawstring Swim Cover-Up Dress

Long Sleeve Cover-Up Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Lokelani Bright Red Crochet Fringe Long Sleeve Swim Cover-Up

Did this guide help you decide what to wear? Show us your graduation party outfits on Instagram or TikTok @lulus and shop more in our Summer Fashion Shop!

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