Graduation Dresses | Short to Long, Formal & Semi-Formal (2024)

On-Trend Graduation Dresses for 2024 Grads

Commence down the aisle in 2024 graduation dresses from Windsor. These chic dresses are perfect for the ceremony to the celebration! From breezy skater dresses to bodycon silhouettes, find the perfect high school or college graduation dress to have your moment to shine. Windsor’s commencement dresses feature silky satin, crepe, velvet, glitter, sequins, slinky knits, airy chiffon, and smooth woven fabrications that elevate your special day.

For the grad looking to follow the classic tradition of wearing white dresses, you’ll find a wide variety of white styles in lace, chiffon, satin, crepe, and trendy glitter knit fabric for a subtle shimmer. If you’re the grad who likes to keep it elegantly simple, co*cktail attire is exactly what you need! Update this classic look with the latest co*cktail details like one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder sleeves, cascading ruffled accents, and sheer inserts or skin-baring cut-outs that can take you from the throwing of the cap to celebrations following! Discover chic black dresses in iconic short LBD styles, with midi-length hems, or floor-length silhouettes. Black graduation dresses are an elegant choice for those who want to keep their look subtle yet stunning!

For the post-ceremony dinner or party, discover party dresses for the graduation celebration in beautiful colors like red, burgundy, hunter, royal, navy, or pink. Explore fit-n-flare dresses or ruched romper dresses that style perfectly with strappy mules or stiletto heels, and layer on a posh blazer for a chic look. Formal velvet flocked dresses, satin ruched dresses, or long-sleeve midi dresses are the perfect graduation outfit for those post-worthy moments. You’ll find at Windsor in-store and online a stunning collection of commencement dresses that are both affordable and stylish. You're going to be ready to celebrate with the trending graduation styles before they blow up on the 'gram.

Whether you’re a high school or college grad, find your perfect graduation dress or commencement dress at Windsor!

What Is The Best Dress To Wear For Graduation?

The best dress to wear for graduation will depend on your school’s dress code and the graduation dress that makes you feel confident and proud to celebrate the occasion. Popular graduation dress styles include skater, high-low, and dress designs that are shorter than the length of your graduation gown. A skater or midi dress is a perfect option because they usually do not add bulk or weight to your graduation attire. Discover cute, flared skater dresses with pockets, sexy ruched dresses, and figure-flattering wrap satin dresses as your short dress options.

What you wear with your cap and gown, from shoes and accessories to clothing, should be comfortable as you may have to sit for a while, stand up and down, and walk a short length to and from your seat. If white is part of your commencement dress code, choose here from an assortment of white dresses in lace, satin, or glitter, white skater dresses, and trendy square-neck dresses in off-white to ivory. Also, think about happenings after the ceremony. If you’ll be attending a graduation party, celebration, or dinner, pick a dress you can style up or down accordingly.

Once you’ve got an idea of the type of dress you want, it’s also essential to take the weather into account. For instance, a ceremony that takes place outdoors during warm months will call for lightweight fabrics like chiffon as opposed to a winter ceremony that calls for more rich fabrics like velvet. If you’re looking for dress alternatives, a sleek jumpsuit or a dressy floral romper dress brings the glam too while offering added comfort.

As far as what not to wear, avoid any attire that may violate your high school, college, or university dress code or that can make you feel over or underdressed. For example, you may want to save your ball gown for another occasion to avoid feeling overdressed; on the other hand, save your jeans for more casual occasions. If you are a guest attending the ceremony, the dress code options will be different and usually more open. Striking the right balance of dressy casual is how you know your graduation dress is on point. This graduation season stay chic and comfortable in gorgeous dresses and on-trend outfits that make you feel confident as you celebrate this major accomplishment!

Is There A Dress Code For Graduation?

Yes, some high schools, universities, colleges, and organizations may have a dress code to consider for graduation ceremonies. Be sure to check your attire against these guidelines when picking the perfect outfit because your style options may range from smart casual to business professional, dressy to semi-formal. Your graduation dress should be appropriate enough to not feel out of place, but also comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time as graduation ceremonies are known to be hours in length. Aim for a timeless, polished look that makes you feel confident and that you can look back at with pride. Be sure to unpack/unwrap your regalia (i.e. cap, gown, tassels, stole, etc.) to take out wrinkles and to make sure you know how each piece should be worn. If your school’s commencement dress code is unclear, consider running your look by your squad to check for any red flags with your look. Picking your graduation dress should adhere to guidelines while reflecting your personal style and celebrating your accomplishments.

Graduation Dresses | Short to Long, Formal & Semi-Formal (2024)

FAQs

Is it better for a graduation gown to be long or short? ›

The gown should come down far enough to cover your knees, but not so far that it covers your ankles.

What is semi-formal dress code for graduation? ›

A semi-formal suit is a classic choice for a graduation ceremony. Choose a neutral colour such as black, navy, or grey, and pair it with a dress shirt in a light colour. Accessorize with a tie in a coordinating colour and a pair of dress shoes.

Do people wear short dresses to graduation? ›

Traditionally, it's business casual. Men wear button-up shirts, ties, khakis or wool slacks, and dress shoes. Women often, but not always, wear dresses that are shorter than the graduation gown. Sometimes graduates get creative, thinking they can wear shorts or whatever because nobody will see their clothing.

Are graduation dresses supposed to be long? ›

How long should you dress be for graduation? You can choose what length you're comfortable with, but remember, the graduate gowns are usually mid-calf to ankle length, depending on your height.

What is the proper length of a graduation gown? ›

If you chose your size using our guidelines, your gown length should fall somewhere below your knee, but above your ankle. If you would like the gown to reach just above or slightly covering your shoes, please consider choosing the next size up.

How long should a graduation gown go? ›

Graduation gowns are cut so they fall 8-10 inches above the floor, meaning that your ankles and shoes are visible below the gown. Regular size gowns are normally cut with an amount of extra fabric to make them look good on students with slender to moderately heavy builds.

What should you not wear to a semi-formal event? ›

Examples of semi-formal attire can include the likes of a dark suit and tie for men or a co*cktail dress for women. Tuxedos and floor-length gowns are a little too much, but the likes of khakis, jeans, and polo shirts are far too little. Those items would fall instead into men's casual wedding attire.

What are examples of semi-formal attire? ›

For such occasions, consider a sharp blazer paired with tailored trousers or chinos. Elevate the ensemble with a well-fitted dress shirt, a stylish tie or pocket square, and polished leather shoes. This ensemble strikes the perfect balance, allowing you to navigate the co*cktail scene with confidence and style.

What is the difference between formal and semi-formal dress code? ›

It can be challenging to understand the difference between the two dress codes. A good rule of thumb is if your event was promoted as 'black tie optional' or 'white tie,' it should always be considered formal. If it is anything less than this, even though it may still be dressy, it is deemed to be semi-formal.

What dresses are appropriate for graduation? ›

If your school doesn't have a commencement dress code, you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Feel free to express your own personal style under your gown in a pretty and polished way. That means you can wear anything from floral dresses and little black dresses to sleek blazers, pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers.

What is the best color dress for graduation? ›

White - Given that it is a symbol of a fresh start, white is the perfect color dress to choose for graduation as you prepare for life after college. Not only that, but it's a timeless shade that will match lots of other colors, so it certainly won't clash with your robe.

What not to wear under graduation gown? ›

Women are best wearing either dress pants or a shorter skirt underneath the gown, while men should choose khakis or dark-colored dress pants. Avoid brightly coloured bottoms if you choose to wear dress pants or a longer skirt, as they can be seen below the hem of the gown and stick to darker colours.

What not to wear for graduation? ›

Being Underdressed or Overdressed

Clothes that are too formal, or not formal enough, will make you feel out of place when you should feel relaxed. Wearing jeans to your college graduation probably isn't a smart choice, but a ball gown isn't quite right, either. Aim for business or business casual for the ceremony.

Is it bad if my dress is longer than my graduation gown? ›

No. The only requirement of your skirt/dress is that it isn't longer than your gown.

Should a graduation dress be shorter than the gown? ›

Women usually wear a lightweight dress or a blouse and a skirt that is shorter than the gown so it does not hang below the robe.

What if my graduation gown is too long? ›

Fold the bottom hem up based on the measurement you need to shorten. (I needed to shorten by 10 inches) Pin topside and underside of the fabric together to hold in place. Use the pressing cloth over the top of the gown, press along the bottom fold to crease and create the new bottom hem.

Should a long gown touch the floor? ›

However, there are certain rules to wearing floor-sweeping dresses to make your Cinderella moments just perfect. Your perfect dress length should either touch the floor so your shoes isn't visible when you are standing still or leave a graceful and slightly seductive train behind you.

How long should an academic gown be? ›

In general, graduation robes should fall below your knees and well above your ankles, which is typically about 12” from the floor. Your shoe heel height will not affect gown length. In addition to the robe length, also pay attention to the sleeves. Robe sleeves should measure below your elbow, but above your wrist.

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