20 Graduation Outfit Ideas For Every Theme

School graduations are life milestones that you really want to look our best for. Have you thought about the outfit you’ll be wearing? The right graduation outfit idea can include school spirit through color choices, exemplify a traditional style, or add unique elements with the right accessories. Peerspace can help you with that. We have fashion tips, gift ideas, and event venues guaranteed to make any graduation a memorable occasion for you and your guests!

1. Wear a pleated skirt and crop top

A nice outfit is just the thing to celebrate moving on from middle school or high school. Check out this midi waist pleated skirt and matching crop top combination! Comfortable and stylish, the pattern adds character to it so choose something that suits you best, like floral print or polka dots.

2. Choose a fitted bodycon dress

A college graduation demands something even more stylish, bordering formal attire. We think this fitted bodycon dress is the perfect example of a classy graduation outfit idea! You’ll look good on stage receiving your diploma, during the photoshoot, and at the party with family and friends.

A graduation party demands a venue worthy of such a stunning dress, however. That’s something else Peerspace can help you with! How about our downtown open-concept event space in Salt Lake City, UT? It’s ideal for special events of all kinds, including graduation parties.

3. Pick bright colors even for an autumn or winter graduation

A graduation is a major life milestone, and you should wear an outfit that is as happy as you are! Autumn or winter outfits often include understated neutral colors. But you can buck that trend with cheerful colors, like bright yellow, orange, and red! They will stand out all the more against the gray skies and somber lighting of a late-year ceremony or party.

4. Wear a short sleeve dress shirt under your graduation gown

Summer graduation ceremonies can get hot, especially if it’s being held outside. You’ll still want to look dressy after the gown comes off, so think about a short sleeve dress shirt in white or another color that stands out against the black gown. Let the collar hang over your gown’s neck and you’re ready to step on stage!

5. Wear a floral print jumpsuit to the party

A skirt or dress might not match your personal style, but a jumpsuit? There’s a classic outfit that’s comfortable yet chic! A patterned jumpsuit adds a bit of uniqueness while a solid color outfit has a timeless appeal. 

Still planning your big celebration? Then you need to see these creative graduation party themes to delight your friends!

6. Show up to the party in a polo shirt and khakis

A polo shirt and khakis provide exactly the kind of preppy chic look that fits right into a graduation party once the ceremony is over! A solid-colored polo shirt like green or red is classic. Pair it with pale white or cream khakis alongside dress shoes for a truly classic graduation outfit idea.

7. Choose a ruffled maxi dress

A ruffled dress adds elegance to any graduation outfit ideas. The length of this dress makes it perfect for formal occasions. Choose a solid shade like classic black or bold orange for maximum impact on stage and at the party afterwards!

8. Put together a broken suit

Broken suits are great graduation outfit ideas since they are dress casual without feeling too formal. Start with a sports coat in neutral colors, blue, or a subdued pattern. Add a shirt underneath – or a turtleneck if the weather is on the chilly side. The bottom can be trousers or even jeans to retain the casual vibe of a broken suit.

9. Slip into a bodycon mini dress

It’s amazing how great a simple dress can look. Especially in a cheerful, celebratory shade like fire engine red! The one off-shoulder styling of this mini dress is a chic approach as well. Add a cap and diploma for graduation portraits and you’ll have photos to enjoy for a lifetime to come.

10. Grab your favorite little black dress for the graduation dinner

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple, and it definitely shines on graduation day! You can wear a simple black midi or maxi dress to everything. Wear it under your gown as you pick up your diploma, take photos with family and friends, and then head to the party wearing your graduation cap. If you need a splash of color, add a jean jacket once the graduation ceremony is over.

The only thing more valuable than a little black dress is a venue for the graduation dinner. Peerspace has hundreds of dinner party venues near you to explore, all of which come with incredible amenities! This industrial-style historic venue in Indianapolis, IN, is the perfect place for a large event where you want a space that adds some character to the mix.

11. Show up in a glossy silk dress

Silk has a shine that’s as eye-catching as it is stylish. A silk dress in a solid shade like blue or black will make a statement while still retaining a traditional feel thanks to the color and design. Just remember that silk is not so great in hot weather. Choose this graduation outfit idea if the event is indoors or later in the year!

12. Pick an outfit in your school colors

What are your school colors? Green and white? Black and red? Choose those colors as part of your graduation outfit ideas to really make a statement and show your school spirit! A two-piece outfit, like a blouse and skirt or a collared shirt with trousers, is the way to pull off this look.

13. Wear your high school jacket at the party

Your high school jacket is a wonderful accessory to include as part of your graduation outfit ideas. Wear a skirt, trousers, or dress in the same shade and keep your jacket over it for graduation photos and the dinner party with friends and family.

14. Aim for a white maxi dress or jumpsuit

The deep black or school colors a graduation robe uses provide a wonderful contrast to any graduation outfit ideas. In most cases, a white jumpsuit or maxi dress will look sleek and stylish without undermining the color scheme of your graduation robe!

15. Try on a one shoulder pleated maxi dress

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This stunning maxi dress has so many chic details to explore as a graduation outfit! The pleats add a lovely textured look that’s especially chic with the one shoulder exposed. It’s formal enough for any ceremony or party while retaining a style that stands out.

Is your loved one about to graduate? Get some gift inspiration using our graduation present ideas as your guide.

16. Stand proud in a white suit

A white suit is a beautiful choice for men and women alike! It’s a bright alternative to the typical black or solid color outfit. White also looks crisp in the bright sunshine of a summer graduation photoshoot.

17. Put on your cheerleading uniform

If cheerleading and sports are a big part of your life, then bring those memories along by wearing your uniform on graduation day. Many schools even have graduation-day tops you can swap out for the usual one that lets everyone know you’re a cheerleader about to receive a diploma!

18. black or brown leather sneakers

Dress shoes are the traditional option for a graduation ceremony but can be uncomfortable. Not to mention they often look alike. Black or brown leather sneakers are less traditional but just as good looking. Not to mention far more comfortable for wearing all day!

19. Add a tie for a splash of color

Do you want to wear a traditional outfit but need a touch of color or pattern? Then try a graduation suit with a bright tie or bowtie! A paisley or solid colored tie can give you a bit of pizzazz while the rest of the outfit remains formal.

20. Pick up some graduation cap stickers

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You don’t have to let your graduation cap disappear in a sea of black or school colors. Add some tasteful flair with graduation cap stickers! These can include a fun quote, a personal message, or simply the school name and the year of your graduation.

Graduation outfit ideas: conclusion

No matter the school or time of year, Peerspace’s graduation outfit ideas have something to offer. Did you find something perfect for you among these stylish options? We hope so! We also think you’ll find somewhere perfect for your gathering by searching through our graduation party venues near you.

Find unique party venues for your graduation on Peerspace