TEN WHITE GRADUATION DRESSES THAT AREN'T BASIC
For high school and college seniors alike, graduation season is rapidly approaching. White has traditionally been the color of choice, a trend dating back to the mid-1800s. For the fashion-forward grads, finding a white dress that is unique, chic, and not from a fast fashion retailer can be challenging.
We scoured the corners of the internet for the least basic graduation dresses to help your grad pics stand out from the crowd. What a shame these iconic looks will be covered with a gown!
1. For the Y2K Girl
Ruffles are having a major moment this season, and this early 2000s inspired dress from Heiress Beverly Hills is giving us all of the Paris Hilton vibes. We absolutely love the halter neck that won't awkwardly poke out under the gown, and the texture will photograph beautifully.
Source: Heiress Beverly Hills
2. Bridgerton, But Make it High Fashion
This Vanessa Mooney romper has been making its rounds on social media, and for good reason. Not only does the bodice remind us why corsets soared in popularity after Bridgerton came out, but the satiny material is so luxurious. This look gets major bonus points for being a romper disguised as a dress.
Source: Vanessa Mooney
3. Why Can't I Wear a Sheer Dress to Graduation?
This For Love and Lemons babydoll dress is a much more appropriate take on the sheer dress trend that's dominating this summer's styles. The dreamy lace overlay gives the illusion of sheerness, while the bustier top creates a vintage look that still feels incredibly modern and trendy. Replace that beret with a grad cap, and the look is complete.
Source: For Love and Lemons
4. For the Business Major
For the grads majoring in girlbossing, look no further than a sharp suit dress. Blazer dresses typically look similar to one another, but the fun cutouts on this dress from Runaway the Label makes it stand out from the rest. We certainly can't resist a dress with pockets either, making this moment both classy and extra functional.
Source: Runaway the Label
5. Big Dreams, Even Bigger Dress
We know what you're thinking. How would a dress this puffy ever fit under a graduation gown? For an ethereal Selkie dress like this one, the answer is simple - we'll figure it out. The empire waist is flattering on a wide variety of body types, and we can never resist a puff sleeve.
Source: Selkie
6. Taking the Most Iconic Grad Photos
If you're looking for the most extra bodycon dress ever, look no further than this feathered frock from Nana Jacqueline. The rouching gives the dress a really interesting texture, and the ostrich feathers across the neckline add the perfect amount of extra detail. The gloves are optional, but we definitely think they should be included.
Source: Nana Jacqueline
7. Pants are a Girl's Best Friend
Dresses aren't everyone's style and that's OK. The strappy top on this Revolve jumpsuit is modern and super trendy, and we love the practicality of the wide leg. We've said it once and we'll say it again, the pockets on this jumpsuit are an absolute game-changer.
Source: Revolve
8. BRB, Mourning Our Last Spring Break
This dress doesn't just belong on the graduation stage, it needs to be worn for a fancy beachside dinner. The eyelet lace ruffles on the bottom tie in perfectly with the textured material on the drop waist bodice, and the bow adds the cutest feminine touch. FRWD really gave us the best look to dress up, or dress down.
Source: FRWD
9. The Grad Dress, and The Grad Party Dress
12th Tribe has done it once again. The statement sleeves on this bodycon dress are to die for, and we love the unique v neckline that's not ~too much~ for the event in question. Throw on a pair of white or silver cowboy boots, and you're ready to celebrate the past four years of hard work in style.
Source: 12th Tribe
10. The "I Studied Abroad in Italy" Dress
For the girls who can't wait to travel after they graduate, or really love the coastal grandmother aesthetic, Anthropologie has you covered. Midi dresses are pretty uncommon for graduation, making this look in particular stand out. The fringe elevates an otherwise simple (but not boring!) dress to a whole new level.
Source: Anthropologie
Graduating, whether it's high school or college, is a major accomplishment. You put in the hard work, why not go out white in style?