Congratulations—you’ve made it to the end of (at least this era of) your academic career! Now comes the deceptively hard part: finding the best graduation dresses. The goal is something cute and celebratory that won’t pull too much focus under your graduation gown. (A reasonable price tag would also be nice.) And because we’ve all been there, our editors are here to help you find the perfect spring dress for your ceremony.
So, what should you wear to a graduation ceremony? We’ll get into the full list of dos and don’ts below, but the main takeaway is that you want a dress that’ll fit under a robe—dramatic puff sleeves and floor-skimming hems are pretty much no-gos. White is traditional and most popular color we’ve seen, but don’t be afraid of pastels and jewel tones as long as they fit any dress code set by your school. Ready to get your big day outfit settled? These are the best graduation dresses of 2025, vetted by Glamour editors.
Glamour’s graduation dress wish list
What is the best color to wear to graduation?
White is the most popular dress color we’ve seen for graduation, followed closely by black. These neutrals feel classic and formal, which is perfect for such an important occasion. However, you can wear any color to your ceremony, especially if it complements the shade of your graduation robes; don’t be afraid to show some personality, since this is your big moment. Pastels like petal pink and powder blue are great for late spring and early summer. Be sure to pay attention to your school’s graduation dress code, which might encourage or prohibit certain colors.
Are long or short dresses better for graduation?
We’ll always recommend short and midi-dresses for graduation ceremonies, since they’re the easiest to walk in and won’t poke out from under your gown. But again, this is a choice that’s up to you—just practice your walk, especially if you’ll be on turf or stairs.
What not to wear under a graduation gown?
You should reconsider wearing anything that’ll mess with the appearance of your graduation gown, like puff sleeves, voluminous skirts, low hemlines, and high necks. And remember that not all dresses are made the same; it’s better to go a little too formal than to lean too casual. (The picks below will have you covered.) And pay attention to your footwear, since kitten heels, Mary Janes, and block heels are easier for walking across a long stage or a football field than, say, stilettos.
Best white graduation dresses
When in doubt, go with a white dress for graduation. You can’t go wrong with the classic color, which elevates any silhouette and complements any school colors. Whether you prefer a classic midi or a mini with a trendy collar, these picks will look great in photos and won’t mess with your gown. Accessorize with minimal jewelry and metallic sandals for an elevated yet low-effort outfit.
Best midi graduation dresses
These dresses run the gamut from casual to formal, but they’re all completely dreamy—isn’t that what you want on your big day? We’re getting a little more playful with color here, since there are very few reasons not to wear bold yellow, sky blue, or pastel pink under your gown. Better yet, you’ll be able to rewear all of these gems long after you collect your degree. (Tropical vacation, anyone?)
Best short graduation dresses
Whether you want to show off your legs or ensure that nothing peeks out of your robes, minidresses are ideal for graduation ceremonies. Each of these picks is formal enough for dressy ceremonies, while their above-the-knee lengths keep them feeling young. Pair them with sculptural earrings and a blowout to add to the high-end vibes; go with strappy sandals for warm-weather celebrations.
Best formal graduation dresses
Even if your ceremony isn’t explicitly labeled “formal,” it’s never a bad idea to go with a nicer option. We love that these numbers capture the spirit of a cocktail dress code without looking like wedding guest dresses; sometimes, all you need to look put-together is an A-line dress and a matching pair of heels. And yes, minis can totally be formal (as long as you lean into elevated accessories, hair, and makeup when you’re getting ready).
Best graduation dresses under $50
While it would be incredible to choose any grad dress you want, let’s be realistic: You’re probably working with a student’s budget. Thankfully, these $50-or-less picks overdeliver on looks and charm. How about a short ball gown, a draped slipdress, or a puff-sleeve number that’s actually graduation gown-friendly? You’ll find them here starting at just $40.