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The best graduation dresses for your upcoming ceremony, according to a fashion writer
Because if we have to leave uni, weâre doing it in style đ
Itâs not every day that you get to wear a graduation dress. For most people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity â and if youâre anything like me, youâll want to go all-out to mark the momentous occasion. Whatever your budget, H&M, Reformation, Revolve and more have an array of dresses to help you secure the perfect ceremony snap, and we're here to present you with the cream of the crop.
Shop our favourite graduation dresses
In 2025, thankfully strict dress codes are out, so you can be a little bit more experimental with your grad dress than you may have thought. That being said, having attended two graduation ceremonies in one year (thanks Covid, for making my end of uni celebrations a lockdown sitch!), I have some first-hand knowledge when it comes to grad dressing. So, to help steer you in the right direction or maybe just give you a lilâ inspo, hereâs a list of my personal dos and donâts for your big day.
- Stay away from anything too tight. While bodycon silhouettes might look hella cute in your pictures, they can be a bit of a pain to walk in â not what you need when you wanna strut your stuff across the stage to collect your certificate. A looser, flowy silhouette is a better option if youâre worried about being restricted, or simply choose graduation dresses that are crafted with a hint of stretch.
- Make sure the hemline on your dress isnât mega short. We all know itâs a family affair at graduation, so it always pays to dress a bit more modestly. Sure, you can still wear a mini dress â but just remember the stage is usually up a height. So why not leave the micro mini skirts at home and opt for a midi style instead? That way you wonât accidentally flash your peers in the front row.
- Trust me, graduation ceremonies can be looong. Usually itâs you, your besties and a whole load of other people you have never met picking up diplomas. So, the key to a good graduation dress is obvs comfort. I advise forgoing suffocating corset style tops and tight sleeves on this occasion.
- You know that graduation pic will sit on your grandparentsâ mantelpiece for years to come, so itâs worth investing in a dress that is classy (soz) and timeless. Not only will this save you from cringing every time you spot your photo, it also means you can wear your graduation look again and again â to weddings, birthdays, garden parties, you name it.
But the most important thing is to buy a graduation dress that you feel great in â because itâs not everyday you finish a degree, are we right?! I know, I know, that is easier said than done. Especially when youâve used the last of your brain power smashing final exams and dissertations.
Thankfully, Cosmo is here to make the process a touch easier with an edit of the 20 best graduation dresses to shop now. Youâre so welcome.
Best graduation dresses
If minimalism is your MO, this pretty, puff-sleeved mini dress is a no-brainer. Pair with strappy white heels for a monochromatic look.
It's almost as if fairycore and balletcore had a baby and blessed us with this gown. The high slit and waterfall hem balance out the ingenue colour with sexy details. Talk about pink to make the scholars wink!
Thereâs no denying the slip dress is a wardrobe staple all year round, but it comes in particularly handy during event season. Cut from butter-yellow satin, this Omnes piece features a beaut empire silhouette.
Nobody's Child Black Polka Dot Anya Midi Dress
Iâve been seriously impressed with Nobodyâs Child this year â the brand knows summer dresses, thatâs for sure. This balloon-sleeve midaxi feels a touch more elevated with its cinched waist and vintage-inspired silhouetteâperfect for special occasions like graduation.
Adore the spotlight? Then forget an LBD. A little red dress is the perfect way to make sure all eyes are on you when you strut across that stage.
Although we love a daring plunge design, the high neckline on this Reformation dress feels a lilâ bit more appropriate for graduation. Keep styling simple (think: gold hoops and tousled waves).
If the plan is to shine bright like a diamond, add this sequin slip dress from H&M to your basketâwe honestly can't believe it's only ÂŁ24.99. Not a fan off sparkles? It comes in red and black satin, too.
Kitri Aurelia Pink Garden Floral Maxi Dress
You can always rely on Kitri for a gorge summer dress. Elevate this floral maxi for graduation with statement jewellery and wedge sandals, and simple switch to chunky trainers at the weekend.
As far as mini dresses go, this '60s-inspired frock will have you doing the most in the best way. Run with the girlish feel and style yours with Mary Janes and a headband this graduation szn.
Norma Kamali Cayla asymmetric ruched velvet halterneck gown
Norma Kamali is one of Cosmoâs go-to brands for occasion dresses. This asymmetric midaxi style is cut from sumptuous velvet, making it comfy enough to sit through a lengthy ceremony. Plus, the handy side-slit means youâll be able to walk with ease to collect your diploma. Win-win.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the prettiest of them all? You in this dress, of course. Shimmery satin and a tiered skirt combine to make this number an absolute showstopper. Plus, the straps are adjustable, so you can get that custom fit without going to a spenny tailor.
Joanie Victoria Floral Damask Balloon Sleeve Midaxi Dress
Is it just us, or is this kinda similar to a Vampire's Wife number? Whether or not you agree, it's a statement party dress that will see you from the graduation ceremony to the after-party and beyond.
Khanum's has been on our radar for a while now and if there's one thing they do spectacularly, it's a floor-length dress. The pearl trim oozes luxury while the attached scarf and flared sleeves add a touch of understated elegance. If I could graduate all over again, this is what I'd be wearing.
If youâre after a printed graduation dress, Whistles has some great options on offer this season. My fave has to be this Adeline style â just look at those ruffles đ
Admittedly, it's on the slightly pricey side, but Reformationâs Casette dress is bound to get you on the best-dressed list. Cut from a lightweight silk to hug your curves, the crossover back is a beaut finishing touch.
If youâre lucky enough to have a graduation in summer, floral prints are always a solid choice. This tiered dress from & Other Stories has a beaut A-line structure and pretty halterneck, tie-bow neckline.
You can never go wrong with a little black dress. The LBD works for basically any celebration, so is always a worthy investment. This Cos style is perfect for graduation â the voluminous silhouette guarantees comfort while the pleats keep things feeling fancy AF.
Sometimes the simplest silhouettes are the best when it comes to graduation dresses. Reissâ coral midi is super versatile â you can glam it up with platform heels and oversized earrings or keep things casual with flats and a cropped cardigan.
Abercrombie The A&F Julia Slip Halter Maxi Dress
Florals? For graduation? Groundbreaking. We like how Abercrombie has updated its classic slip dress with a halter neck and bloom details. The style is truly versatileâsimply switch out strappy heels for flip flops on holiday post-ceremony.
If you canât wear a sequin dress on at your graduation day when can you, am I right? Mango has updated this nightie-inspired midi with a lace overlay, which weâll be layering on top for the ceremony.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harperâs Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sundayâs weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Pradaâs AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of Londonâs iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
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