What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony

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Can’t quite decide on the proper dress code when considering what to wear for a graduation? While you can always ask your peers or fellow invitees to settle upon a final answer, there’s still a certain degree of pressure to look sophisticated for the big moment — while also conveying your personal style. The good news? Come spring and summer, there are plenty of lightweight maxi dresses, tailored jumpsuits, and cute co-ord sets that can pass for any number of attire requirements.

Whether you’re invited to someone else’s graduation ceremony or you’re the one crossing the stage to smile with your diploma proudly in hand, these outfits team flawlessly with a robe and look incredibly polished on their own. After all, just being in the presence of people being honored for their hard work calls for a serious dress-up moment, so don’t shy away from opulence. These days, there’s less concern about following obligatory rules when it comes to your wardrobe. The best advice is to stick to specific proportions if you’re a graduate, so your look isn’t distracting or bunching up underneath your cap and gown.

The 23 unique designs ahead run the gamut when it comes to cut, color, and overall aesthetic. If your taste is rather refined, try the LBD from Henning or slip midi from Aritzia, and add an extra layer on top in the form of a cardigan or blazer. If you’re an androgynous dresser, a suit from Indochino, Anthropologie, or The Frankie Shop may be just the ticket. And don’t knock the scholarly appeal of a crisp white button-down or shirt dress as your foundation, which will help you tap into the light-academia trend.

Ahead, choose from several solid options that definitely pass the test when it comes to what to wear to a graduation ceremony.