What Kind of Dress to Wear to a College Graduation
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This post will show you 40 extremely cute graduation dresses for 2022, all budget-friendly and affordable.
Graduation season will be here before you know it, and here at CF, that can only mean one thing: It's time to start your graduation dress shopping!
But, with all of the options out there, finding the perfect dress to suit your style can seem overwhelming.
Take it from us: The key to the best graduation outfits is to find that perfect graduation dress to base your look around. (And then you can shop for graduation shoes, accessories, etc.)
That's why I've rounded up a list of 40 incredibly cute graduation dresses for 2022.
The best part? All of them are college girl affordable, meaning that you won't have to break the bank to look amazing for this special occasion.
{RELATED POST: 25 Perfect Hairstyles for Graduation}
So, keep scrolling to see my definitive list (in no particular order) of the 40 best graduation dresses for 2022 — and congratulations to this year's graduates!
White Dresses
Lace Dress
This dress is a classic, feminine choice thanks to its gorgeous lace composition.
With subtle corset-inspired hidden boning, scoop neckline, and fitted bodice, this dress will flatter your body and look fabulous in pictures.
The scalloped lace hemline adds a flirty touch, and its adjustable spaghetti straps ensure the perfect fit. This dress also boasts a comfy fabric so you'll feel amazing all day.
Related reading: 25 of the Best White Dresses We Love This Year
Wrap Dress
If you are looking for a flowy, springtime-appropriate dress for your graduation, you should go for a wrap dress.
Wrap dresses are super popular because they always look great for any occasion. (That means you can totally wear this one again!)
This white wrap dress is one of our favorite styles ever. Spice your lookup with some accessories and cute shoes and you're ready to go. Plus, white is a classic color to wear for graduation.
Asymmetrical Dress
The asymmetrical dress is a popular dress trend for parties and events, and it's a fun look to play around with on graduation day.
This asymmetrical wrap mini dress is a great choice if you want to show some skin and feel cute without going over the top. This affordable and cute graduation dress looks great on just about everyone thanks to its wrap detailing in the middle to cinch your waist.
Plus, it comes in a few different colors so you're sure to find your fave.
One-Shoulder Dress
Another trendy style I've been seeing everywhere recently is the one-shoulder dress. So why not take advantage and purchase this stunning mini dress for your graduation? It's a fun take on the one-shoulder trend that has a tiny strap on the other side to keep your dress up.
With this dress, you will look sleek and fashion-forward on graduation day.
Long-Sleeved Ruched Dress
I love how classy and classic a long-sleeved mini dress looks, and this one from Windsor is perfect in every way! It's double-lined so it's not see-through, it's ruched so it's super flattering, AND it's made of a stretchy fabric that snatches you in the best possible way.
This dress would be amazing for graduation and you could wear it, again and again, this summer. Did I mention it's under $50, too?
Ruffle Dress
For a girly vibe, I'm obsessed with this spaghetti strap ruffle-hem dress. It has a body-con silhouette so it shows off your shape, but it has that cute ruffle detailing at the bottom to make it feminine and girly.
Once again, this is a dress you could wear over and over. It would look just as amazing for a summer night out as it will on graduation day. (FYI, it's also available in 5 other colors.)
Strapless Dress
This dress was made to be worn with a cap and gown.
Its strapless design, along with its ruffled hemline, is classic and feminine at the same time. And don't worry about it falling down – the bust's internal grip lining will keep it right in place and looking flawless in your photos.
Skater Dress
There's nothing cuter than a skater dress, and for graduation, this white one is perfect.
This dress is so flirty and fun. It has an open back, stretchy spaghetti straps, and a flared skirt that hits just at the right spot. The best part is, this dress is fully lined so it's not going to go see-through in all those graduation photos.
Cutest Dresses
Lace Dress
Lace always looks pretty on dresses, so why not wear a lace dress for graduation? If you are looking for the perfect lace dress, you should purchase this lace mini dress in light blue.
This mega-popular graduation dress style will make you look sophisticated, but also girly with its gorgeous pale blue color. It's figure-hugging but not too scandalous, perfect for looking amazing in all of your grad pics.
{RELATED POST: The 26 Cutest Graduation Announcements We Can't Wait to Send Out This Year}
Silky Dress
Here comes the fashion girl pick. If you want to go for a fancier, but also simple dress, you should get a silk dress for graduation.
This celena mini dress is a perfect choice for graduation season because it's simple and affordable but looks incredibly luxe. It's an amazing choice if you want a minimal dress for graduation day.
Ruffle Dress
Looking for something extra girly to wear on graduation day? You can always go for a ruffle dress in pink like this scorpio season dress in blush!
If you want to wear a girly dress for graduation this is the ultimate look to go for — you are sure to get so many compliments.
The best part is, you can totally wear this dress again — it would be great for summer brunches or any weddings you have coming up.
Pink Cutout Dress
This one is perfectly cute and formal!
The cutout design brings an edgy touch to the cute nature of this pink pastel mini dress. This is another dress that you could wear again and again this summer.
Lace Bodycon Dress
Fancy up your cap and gown with this floral lace bodycon dress. The beige, ivory, and black lace detailing will complement any black or white cap and gown since it's anything but basic. And it would look great with white heels!
Purple Satin Dress
Here's another adorable dress in the skater dress style, this time in beautiful purple satin fabric.
Lavender is one of the hottest fashion colors this year, so why not wear it for graduation? The skater shape on this dress makes it cute and flirty, while the satin makes it more formal and a lot more eye-catching. You're sure to turn heads in this one!
Black Dresses
Satin Dress
Another classy and popular option for graduation is wearing a satin dress.
If you are looking for a super cute satin dress, you should try out this satin twist-front skater dress!
It comes in sleek black satin, as well as a beautiful coral color. The twist-front with a small cut-out adds interest to this flowy, girly dress.
Long Sleeve Dress
You may not have thought of this kind of dress for graduation. It is a long sleeve dress! But while sleeves might not have been on your radar, give them a try – these styles of dresses can look great for graduation.
This long sleeve dress in black is a beautiful grad dress option. The cutout sleeves add a little something extra to it to make the dress fancier for graduation.
I also love any graduation dress in black; it's one of those shades that looks great on almost every skin tone.
Stunning One-Shoulder Dress
This black graduation dress is an absolute showstopper! One-shoulder dresses are trending right now and this one combines a one-shoulder shape with ruching and a body-con silhouette.
This is definitely the dress to choose if you want something classic, stunning, and super flattering for graduation. It's gorgeous and classy, and you'll definitely wear it again and again.
Black Open-Back Dress
Here's another black graduation dress that's sure to turn heads and can be worn again and again.
This open-back black graduation dress from Lulus looks demure in front, but the open back makes it sexy at the same time. The best part is, that this dress is made from super-stretchy fabric, so it hugs your curves perfectly.
This dress is a great investment. Aside from graduation, you could wear this to weddings, cocktail parties, or dinner dates. An amazing, stunning basic to have in your closet.
Black Square-Neck Midi Dress
If you have a little extra money to spend, you cannot go wrong with anything from Reformation. Case in point, this black square-neck midi dress.
This dress has sophisticated yet sexy vibes, and it's a dress you will be able to rock over and over for a decade to come. The dress code says "cocktail attire"? This is the dress. Fancy upscale dinner? Rock this one. You'll wear this everywhere and turn heads long after graduation day.
Blue Dresses
Sparkle Skater Dress
Are you ready for some Disney Princess vibes at graduation? This beautiful light blue sparkle dress is giving grown-up Cinderella.
I don't know what I love more about this dress, the stunning glitter-knit fabric or the cute ruffle skater shape. It's honestly perfection — everyone is going to be jealous of this dress!
A-Line Dress
If you want to go for a more classic dress for graduation, an A-line dress is a perfect choice.
These dresses are a fantastic option because they'll look classic in photos for years to come, as opposed to trendy styles that could look dated.
This blue midi dress from Amazon has tons of five-star reviews praising its fitted bodice, A-line silhouette, and stretchy material. It comes in 20 different colors too, so it'll be easy to find the perfect hue!
Bow Dress
A bow dress will also make you feel cute and fun on graduation day! In particular, I'm obsessing over this cottage hill mini dress in baby blue.
This affordable graduation dress comes in an adorable baby blue color with a bow that you can tie on the side to make you feel girly for graduation! Plus, you can adjust the tie to get your perfect fit at the waist.
Plunge Dress
Another trendy dress that will look great for graduation is a plunging dress.
The plunge design is very popular in fashion right now, and it's such a cute trend to try for graduation. Personally, I'm obsessed with this navy blue skater dress (also available in white, black, and plum purple) for graduation day.
Not only is this a plunge dress, but also it comes in a very pretty navy color to make you really shine — it will surely stand out in a sea of white dresses.
Also, the skater dress shape of this dress will make you feel fun and girly, while also balancing out the deeper neckline.
Ruched Floral Dress
This spring/summer floral print dress will look amazing in all your graduation pictures! It's similar to the floral dress above but with a longer sleeve, perfect if you want to cover up a bit more.
The sweetheart neckline is especially flattering, along with its ruching and sweet floral print.
Tie-Shoulder Mini Dress
Fair warning: This is the most expensive dress on this list, at nearly $250. That said, the quality at Reformation is unmatched, and this beautiful blue mini dress is investment-level.
With its sweetheart neckline, smocked bodice, and pretty bow straps, this dress is giving sophisticated cool girl meets ballerina vibes. A gorgeous choice for graduation day.
One-Shoulder Ruffle Dress
Looking at this dress makes me want to strut across the stage with pride.
The color is to die for and the layered ruffles make this body con dress so cute! It would match perfectly with a blue cap and gown.
Long Dresses
Lace Midi Dress
We couldn't do a cute graduation dress roundup without at least one more lace dress. And this one might just be our favorite of the bunch.
This white lace midi dress from Lulus is an amazing option for graduation day. It's eye-catching yet still totally appropriate for any event, plus it looks 10x more expensive than it is (under $60!).
White Cut-Out Dress
You can never go wrong with a simple white dress, but if you have one with cut-out detailing like this one, you'll be more than right!
This dress has side cut-outs that are small enough to still be appropriate for graduation since they don't show too much skin and are balanced out by the high, straight neckline. As a bonus, this pretty dress has no-slip strips under the neckline to ensure it stays perfectly in place.
You could absolutely wear this again for a summer night out, and its stretchy crepe knit fabric will hold its shape well.
Tiered White Ruffle Dress
I can't get over the movement on this white ruffle midaxi dress! From the pleated chiffon to the cinched, elasticized waist, this frock is so feminine and perfect for springtime.
Just one requirement — you have to twirl in at least a few of your grad photos if you buy this one!
Faux Silk Midaxi Dress
If you can't decide between a midi dress or a maxi dress, try a midaxi dress out. This length is classy and works well with a long graduation gown.
I adore the soft floral print, which is especially lovely in the springtime during grad season. The faux silk material is also super luxe!
Blue and White Floral Midi Dress
Here's another beautiful long floral dress for graduation, this time in a stunning blue and white print.
Aside from the beautiful print and colors, my favorite thing about this dress is the sheer detail at the waistband. This little detail brings this dress from simple to statement-making, the perfect mix of classic springtime and edgy cool-girl style.
Short Dresses
Bright Colored Dress
A brightly colored graduation dress like this one isn't for those who want to blend in — it's a real statement-maker for those who want to turn heads.
Go bold for your big day in this neon pink mini dress. I love this style because the color is bold but the dress itself is extremely simple for balance.
Plus, this dress has incredible stretch so it will keep you comfortable all day.
Champagne Wrap Dress
Did someone say champagne? Match your drink to your dress with this wrap-style satin dress.
This pretty graduation dress, though minimal, is anything but simple — can't wait to see how amazing you'll look in those pictures.
Floral Gathered Dress
This floral gathered waist dress is so stunning! It's girly but not overly frilly or ruffled, and the light blue looks amazing on just about everyone. It's so springy, perfect for sunny outdoor graduation.
It would also be a perfect choice if your cap and gown are blue.
Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress
Again, Diane von Furstenberg really gifted us with the wrap dress. The small details on this one from Princess Polly mean that it would look great with red, white, black, green, and yellow cap and gown combos.
Cream Floral Print Mini Dress
Here's a cute little floral print dress that's cream colored instead of stark white — the perfect way to wear a little white dress if you have a warmer skin tone.
What's even better than the print are the little details on this dress, from the ruffles at the hem and bust line, to the adjustable spaghetti straps. This one is a total no-brainer to wear again; after all, you can never have too many adorable sundresses in your closet.
Most Elegant
Champagne Embellished Dress
Champagne is a classic color to wear for fancier events, so I love the idea of wearing a champagne dress for your graduation.
If you want to go for a glam look on graduation day, you can't do better than this match me dress in champagne! This embellished dress has an incredibly cute back cut-out detail and looks much more expensive than it is.
You are sure to stand out in all of your pictures when you wear this cute graduation dress. Plus, you could totally re-wear it to any semi-formal events you have coming up.
Floral Satin Halter Dress
The halter design of this dress, along with its satin fabric, make it the perfect blend of cute and sexy. This dress looks incredibly high end and way more expensive than it is.
Pair it with some statement earrings and heels for a flawless graduation look.
White Cowl Neck Slip Dress
Looking for something classier? A little more elegant? With a bit of glamour? Look no further.
Channel your inner Marilyn with this midi white satin dress. It comes in 14 different colors, so your options are endless with this style!
Jacquard Strapless Dress
Try a dress with jacquard fabric for an upscale graduation look that is timeless.
This strapless mini dress features a lavender floral jacquard design that will look elegant in photos. The V-neckline and princess-seamed bodice with hidden front boning is super flattering, as well.
Which of these cute graduation dresses is your favorite?
For more graduation shopping inspo, see our guide to The 27 Most Perfect Graduation Gifts to Give Her This Year.
What one are you going to purchase? Which one would you be most excited to wear for graduation?
If you liked this article about incredibly cute graduation dresses, consider checking out some of our favorites below —
- Fall Graduation Outfits: What to Wear to Fall Graduation
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- 3 Best Graduation Makeup Looks
Source: https://www.collegefashion.net/shopping/20-cute-graduation-dresses-you-need-now/
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