I’ve been getting a lot of requests for what to wear to a child’s graduation ceremony and the surrounding events, so I’ve created several different graduation ceremony-appropriate outfits for your consideration!
I’ve had two high school graduates, and I’ll have my third (and last) child’s high school graduation to attend this spring. *sob* My son declined to walk at his college graduation, so I haven’t attended one of those since my own, but I have a lot of friends in that stage of life. It seems like college graduations tend to be dressier than the high school variety, but it depends on the institution.
If in doubt about the dress code, the best thing to do is ask around, but it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A nice dress or slacks with a blouse is always a safe bet. I love my denim as much as the next girl, but this is one occasion where I would not recommend wearing blue jeans.
At the end of the day, what really matters is that you feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing so you’re able to enjoy the event. And, of course, consider those family photos! They will be around for a long time, so make sure you like how you look.
6 Wearable Graduation Guest Outfits
When deciding what to wear to a graduation ceremony, first consider the venue. Is it outside, or inside? Will you need a top layer if it gets cold in the air conditioning, or will you need to prepare for heat and humidity?
Also, be sure to choose your shoes carefully. If you’ll be walking on grass, you need a block heel or a flat-soled shoe. If you’ll be climbing up bleachers, you want some freedom of movement, and you don’t want to wear anything too short.
I’ve created six graduation ceremony-appropriate outfits at varying levels of formality, and for different weather conditions. I hope it’s helpful!
Option #1: Wrap Dress with Sneakers or Metallic Sandals
Personally, I prefer a dress for graduation ceremonies. For one thing, it makes for an easy one-and-done outfit, and I also just think it looks nice in photos. You can top it off with a sweater or jacket if it gets chilly, or you can wear a moisture-wicking material if you will be outside in the heat.
This first look is what I might wear to my daughter’s high school graduation next month, if the weather is warm. I remember being uncomfortably hot at my son’s outdoor graduation, sitting on the bleachers in the full sun, and this dress will keep me cool and comfortable. (It also comes in solid black and a few other color ways. I linked several options.)
This faux wrap dress is flattering on most body types, and it’s a classic style that won’t ever look terribly dated when you look back at pictures in a few years. It also doesn’t wrinkle, so it will look good in photos even after sitting through a long graduation ceremony.
Let’s face it. They’re ALL long, amIright!?!
I showed this dress with two footwear options — a clean white leather sneaker for those of us who might be relegated to a sneaker for some reason, and a low-heeled gold sandal for those fortunate enough to be able to wear a dressier shoe. It’s still practical for walking on grass or climbing bleachers, due to the low block heel. Also, don’t forget to carry an appropriate bag that complements the outfit.
Option #2: Floral Dress with Strappy Sandals
For the second look, I chose a splurge-worthy floral dress by Rails, with a flowy tiered hem that’s pretty for those who prefer more of a boho-chic vibe. It has elbow-length sleeves, for those who prefer some arm coverage, and a flattering v-neckline with optional self-ties. The brushstroked blooms in this timeless print are eye-catching, yet subtle enough that you won’t steal the show from the graduate.
I paired this ultra-feminine dress with strappy neutral sandals that have just enough of a block heel to be practical for walking on grass or turf, and I chose an assortment of gold-toned jewelry to complement the look.
Option #3: Ribbon V-Neck Midi Dress with Cognac Accessories
I’ve got one more dress option, and I chose this one for those who might be in a chilly venue. This affordable midi dress (marked down to $50.99 at LOFT!) is polished and flattering, with a split neck and cinched waist and a flowy skirt. It has long sleeves with button cuffs that you can roll or cuff, if the weather ends up being warmer than anticipated, but it has plenty of coverage if you need it.
I paired this one with comfort sandals in a neutral coganc color, and I added a complementary handbag. Since the dress is fairly busy, I just added a simple pair of gold hoop earrings for jewelry, but you could certainly add a cuff or bracelet stack, if you plan to wear it with the sleeves rolled up.
These sandals are by Vionic, and they have good arch support, soft and supple straps, and a stable block heel. I thoroughly vetted these (before my injury) when I wore them walking all over Sarasota, Florida, back in February, and I can attest to their comfort and practicality. Highly recommend!
If you live in area where it’s still quite cold at a spring graduation ceremony you will be attending, swap the sandals for pumps, and add a classic trench or even a neutral wool coat, if necessary. There’s nothing worse than being cold for hours at an outdoor graduation ceremony!
Option #4: Chambray Linen Jumpsuit
If you like the one-and-done aspect of a dress, but prefer pants, this chambray linen jumpsuit is the perfect solution! It’s currently 30% off at LOFT, and it gives you an effortlessly polished look with the belted waist and subtly wide legs.
This jumpsuit also comes in black, and I also linked up some other jumpsuits for anyone wanting more options in this category.
I paired this jumpsuit with these gorgeous PAIGE sandals with the nautical-inspired knots and flared block heel. I’m partial to the cork, but they also come in ivory.
If you think you might need a topper, I like the look of the white cotton Rails Collins jacket, but you could also do a cardigan or blazer.
Option #5: Pintucked Flare Pants + Geo Print Blouse
You might recognize this outfit from when I wore it back in February. I was thrilled to see these flattering pintucked flare pants still in stock! These are a summer wardrobe staple almost any woman could use in her closet, and they’re perfect for a graduation ceremony if you’re going for more of a business casual look.
I went ahead and paired them with that same geo print blouse for the graphic above. It has long sleeves, if you’re worried about being cold, and I love the polished navy and white geo print. It’s also a great price right now. Almost any blouse would look good with these pants, though; you probably already have something in your closet!
This time I chose closed-toe slingback pumps with a low block heel, and I love that classy Tory Burch shoulder bag with this look.
Option #6: White Jeans + Floral Blouse
My final look is for those who prefer to go more casual, but still want to look polished and put together. White jeans and a floral top is my old stand-by outfit for semi-dressy spring/summer events, and it’s perfect for a graduation ceremony in a more low-key setting.
I chose a modern kick crop style for the white jeans, but you can wear whatever feels most authentic to you. This wide leg pair would also be a good option, or you could go with a more timeless style such as these straight ankle jeans or these linen trouser jeans.
If you do go this route, I would choose dressier footwear like the block heel sandals pictured above, or perhaps an espadrille wedge for a closed-toe option.
I hope you found some inspiration here, if you’re looking for a graduation guest outfit this spring!
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25 Responses
I love the way you set up this post! So easy to shop the looks.
Great options! My sons college graduation is next weekend and it’s supposed to be outside – right now temps looks to be in 60’s.. so not sure how cold it will be ! I’m leaning towards a jumpsuit , but who knows🤪
JoLynne,
I tried to order the midi abstract dress from Nordstrom you posted a couple weeks ago but it sold out. Do you have any other ideas similar to this? I’m looking for a classy, summer sundress that doesn’t have tiers or ruffles.
Do you mean this? There are a few sizes left. It’s hard, so many good ones are low inventory. This one is pretty. This is a nice option for black and white. I like this is the solid pink.
Really great ideas Jo- Lynne.
I’m still wonder a topper for the cambrey linen light blue dress I bought and you reordered the size 6. It’s the one from LOFT. Any ideas? I’d like to wear to Mothers Day or my granddaughters upcoming dance recital but get cold with air conditioning and sleeveless.
When it comes to topping off a dress, your options are basically a cardigan, blazer, denim jacket, or some other type of jacket such as the Rails Collins or the Tommy Bahama Two Palms. For that specific dress, I would go with something in white. Both the Rails Collins and Tommy Bahama linen jacket come in white, and it’s easy to find a white denim jacket. For a cardigan, probably a shorter style like this so you don’t lose the waist. LOFT also has this blazer.
Thank Jo-Lynne for sending all the options. I figured I’d have to do white, as my denim jacket is the wrong blue for the blue linen dress. I do like the Tommy Bahama white jacket, but was hoping to find something not so speedy. I have almost the exact white blazer from Loft, but when I tried it with the dress, it just didn’t look right for some reason. Kind of dumpy. I probably will go with a short white cardigan or navy if I decide against the Tommy white jacket. Thanks again.
Great outfit suggestions!
I have attended numerous high school and college graduations including medical schools and MBA programs. College/university graduations usually mean stadiums so I had flat shoes, a chic tote bag to hold a hat, water and some snacks. In most graduations there will be a celebratory event afterwards so consider the venue; for one very hot, outside graduation I wore a dress to the ceremony and brought a smart looking jacket, heels and a small purse to the ice cold restaurant afterwards.
A chic tote bag is a good idea for longer events. I might actually do that, since we usually go early to get good seats. I’ll want to bring some water.
These are great outfit suggestions! One comment – I absolutely love that jumpsuit outfit and think it would look so smart. However, at my age, I’m thinking of busy graduation ceremonies and my need to find a bathroom FAST and the lines that are frequently at these types of events with lots of people as well as the actual bathroom facilities – gross public bathrooms or even the dreaded porta potty. I think I’d skip the jumpsuit. 🙂
That’s why I offered 5 other options! 🙂
Ladies, I want you to avoid my mistake! For my son’s college graduation, I wore these really cute wedge sandals. I didn’t properly test them/break them in beforehand, and they rubbed and caused blisters, and a LOT of pain. I had bandaids with me, which helped, but hoo boy. Not a good look. I changed into the Birks I had in the car to go to the restaurant. So not classy! Make sure your shoes are comfortable!!!!
What size did you get in flare pants
The 6.
Great roundup and outfit inspiration! Good points about being able to walk in the grass, climb up bleachers, etc. Did your kids’ school require clear bags at the graduation like they do at ball games?
Ours don’t, but I can imagine some larger universities might.
Do you remember what size for you in the Loft pin tucked pant? My waist is 29 and I usually wear a size 6 in other brands. Thank you
They’re a 6.
Love these options and how you styled it with shoes and accessories. I have an upcoming rehearsal dinner in June to attend and it’s on a River Boat. Any ideas about what to wear? The actual wedding is black tie optional.
Help! I am wearing a navy blue dress with silver wedge sandals. Can you give me some ideas for purse color. I was thinking maybe a grey would work, but I don’t know.
Help! I am wearing a navy blue dress with silver wedge sandals. What color purse would compliment this outfit.
great post with lots of good suggestions! i agree with Linda L- having been to several college graduations in the last few years- all of them were in stadiums. (none of these were small private schools- but your post has those covered as well!)
Down here in south east Georgia our high schools graduate on the football field. It’s usually 90 degrees and plenty of humidity! And if you’re not over an hour early you are parking out on a rural highway and walking 20 minutes. Haha we still try to dress nice but it is hard!
Gah, we are on the football field as well, but it is rarely that hot. How about a moisture-wicking dress? I had some for Italy last year, they were life savers!