39 best graduation dresses, according to 2023 alumni

Congrats! If you're searching for graduation dresses – or graduation outfits, ‘cos we don’t all like getting our legs out – we can safely assume you're coming to the end of a long, booze-fulled and arduous degree (PHEW). Which means one thing and one thing only. Nope, not that you need to start a job search or begin to come to terms with that nine-five life. Gap years are here to save you from that. Instead, it's that you've got a graduation ceremony to look forward to. And that you should! Coming from someone who is gearing up to graduate next year, feeling like I’m being thrown into real-life adulting can be scary, but it’s also exciting that I get to celebrate my years of dedication to my university studies with friends and family.

For something that's such a big deal, of course, I want to look my very best. After having my 2020 high-school graduation reduced to a drive-through car ceremony because of the pandemic, I’ll finally be getting a proper in-person ceremony. Walking across the stage to collect our certificates is an occasion we’ll all look back on for years to come, so treating ourselves to a fancy graduation dress is very much deserved. Those graduation photos will be hanging up in our family homes, and posted to our instas, for the rest of our lives, after all. No pressure.

At a graduation ceremony, there aren't really any hard and fast rules about what you should wear. Your best bet is to think classy and sophisticated: a summer wedding guest dress or occasion dress kind of vibe which makes you feel your very best self. But, this doesn’t mean your dress has to be boring. If 2023 has shown us anything, fashion can be bold and fun, so don’t be afraid to try out a trend or rock a fun silhouette.

Think: slinky slip dresses, puff sleeves, romantic ruffles, and dramatic long sleeves. Don’t feel limited by length, either. Midi graduation dresses might be the most popular cut, but mini summer dresses or low to high midaxi dresses can look just as chic (and since your graduation gown will cover much of your legs, you don't need to worry about them being too revealing). Find something that makes you feel good while still fitting to the environment and occasion.

As for colours? I’ll definitely be opting for a hue that compliments the colour of my graduation gown. Using colour as my starting point, I’ll then find a fit and look that matches my vibe and is appropriate for the event. White graduation dresses are always a safe bet but don’t feel boxed in. From lace dresses to sleeveless gowns, bardot neckline and halter neck dresses, I’ve rounded up my favourites below.

After something else? Shop the best graduation gifts for her, the best bridesmaid dresses, plus size bridesmaid dresses, women’s clothing websites with next day delivery, mother of the bride dresses and new-in party dresses to add to your wishlist.

Ahead, the best graduation dresses to add to your checkout ahead of 2023 ceremonies.