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26 College Graduation Outfit Ideas to Wear While You Snag That Diploma

You did it!!!

By Lauren Adhav and Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
graduation outfits
Margie Rischiotto

If you're reading this, I think it's pretty safe to assume that college graduation is coming up for you—and it's definitely a huge moment to celebrate. Of course, an accomplishment like this can leave you with a *lot* of different emotions. You made it through the dreaded group projects and late-night studying to get your degree, but you might be leaving behind your close friends to embark on a new chapter. It can be pretty bittersweet! But you should be SO proud of yourself and you deserve to be celebrated...and the best way to turn up is with a fab look. Tell me I'm wrong?!

Whether your graduation is outdoors, indoors, or online, we got you covered with the best festive options. Need I remind you that you never have to take a test again?! (Well, unless you’re going to grad school...) And that is definitely something else to cheers to! Here, 26 cute graduation outfit ideas that will complement your well-deserved diploma—from puff-sleeve minis to dramatic jumpsuits, and a whole lot more. Here's to you!

our top picks for the best graduation outfits in 2023:

  • Palm Beach Babe Lilac Floral Print Wide-Leg Pants

    this floral jumpsuit

    Palm Beach Babe Lilac Floral Print Wide-Leg Pants

    $55 at Lulu's
    Read more
  • Showpo Anastasija Mini Dress

    this vibrant moment

    Showpo Anastasija Mini Dress

    Read more
  • Nasty Gal Mesh Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress

    this ruched bodycon

    Nasty Gal Mesh Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress

    Read more
  • Good American Strapless Denim Jumpsuit

    this strapless jumpsuit

    Good American Strapless Denim Jumpsuit

    Read more
  • Rebdolls Glow Up Satin Fringe Duster

    this satin duster and pants

    Rebdolls Glow Up Satin Fringe Duster

    Read more

It's time to turn up at all the graduation gatherings—I'm talking BBQs, pool parties, and so much more. And here are a whole bunch of 'fits, dresses, swimsuits, and even boots (yes, boots) to live it up this summer. Congrats, grad!

this floral jumpsuit

Palm Beach Babe Lilac Floral Print Wide-Leg Pants

Palm Beach Babe Lilac Floral Print Wide-Leg Pants
this floral jumpsuit

Palm Beach Babe Lilac Floral Print Wide-Leg Pants

$55 at Lulu's

You can pair this pretty jumpsuit with strappy heels or simple block-heel sandals if you're worried about tripping on the stage. You're v welcome!

this vibrant moment

Showpo Anastasija Mini Dress

Showpo Anastasija Mini Dress
this vibrant moment

Showpo Anastasija Mini Dress

The puff sleeve details on this off-shoulder number are everythiiing. And get into this color!

this ruched bodycon

Nasty Gal Mesh Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress

Nasty Gal Mesh Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress
this ruched bodycon

Nasty Gal Mesh Ruched Bodycon Mini Dress

Now 60% Off

Green is coming back in a big way, so turn some heads in this mesh-ruched style.

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this strapless jumpsuit

Good American Strapless Denim Jumpsuit

Good American Strapless Denim Jumpsuit
this strapless jumpsuit

Good American Strapless Denim Jumpsuit

You really can't go wrong with a denim jumpsuit, especially one with a neckline like this!

this satin duster and pants

Rebdolls Glow Up Satin Fringe Duster

Rebdolls Glow Up Satin Fringe Duster
this satin duster and pants

Rebdolls Glow Up Satin Fringe Duster

Now 51% Off

It's not all dresses and jumpsuits! A satin fringe pant set is another cute option you can wear, especially if it's just a bit chilly where you are when you do graduate. You'll look so pulled together and sophisticated in all those family photos.

this floral mini

Runaway Lakota Mini Dress

Runaway Lakota Mini Dress
this floral mini

Runaway Lakota Mini Dress

Show everyone your fashion chops on the big day with a blue floral mini dress in this standout shade. The ruching, the corset bodice, the flowy fabric! You'll get so many compliments in this.

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this dramatic maxi

Mie Baru Dress

Mie Baru Dress
this dramatic maxi

Mie Baru Dress

A maxi dress ensures all eyes will be on you, especially in one that has this gorgeous neckline situation happening.

this party piece

Nasty Gal Plus Size Tassel Beaded Mini Shift Dress

Nasty Gal Plus Size Tassel Beaded Mini Shift Dress
this party piece

Nasty Gal Plus Size Tassel Beaded Mini Shift Dress

Now 60% Off

You deserve this celebration—which means you also deserve this dress. Bring the party to the stage in this beaded tassel piece.

this bright romper

SNDYS x REVOLVE Pluto Romper

SNDYS x REVOLVE Pluto Romper
this bright romper

SNDYS x REVOLVE Pluto Romper

Now 20% Off

Neon is the way to go if ya wanna make sure you and your fire 'fit are unmissable.

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this slip in many styles

Resa Madison Slip in Seabrook

Resa Madison Slip in Seabrook
this slip in many styles

Resa Madison Slip in Seabrook

A slip dress that isn't too body-hugging will keep you comfortable and light for your big moment. Drop earrings and two-strap heels keep things classic.

this jacquard dress

ASOS LUXE Extreme Bardot Sleeve Jacquard Mini Dress

ASOS LUXE Extreme Bardot Sleeve Jacquard Mini Dress
this jacquard dress

ASOS LUXE Extreme Bardot Sleeve Jacquard Mini Dress

Now 25% Off

Turn on the drama in this bardot beauty that'll definitely turn heads. Don't believe us? Add to cart and see for yourself!

this airy one

R.G. Kane Victoria Dress

R.G. Kane Victoria Dress
this airy one

R.G. Kane Victoria Dress

A slightly roomy dress with delicate ties on the sleeves and criss-cross straps is the way to go if you know your graduation day will be hot, hot, HOT.

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this wild midi

Leela Midi Dress

Leela Midi Dress
this wild midi

Leela Midi Dress

It's your time! Show off in this bold midi dress and bone-colored boots.

this grown set

Amanda Uprichard Isadore Jumpsuit

Amanda Uprichard Isadore Jumpsuit
this grown set

Amanda Uprichard Isadore Jumpsuit

You adult, you! This fun green shade on this two-piece set gives you the best of both worlds.

this twirl-worthy jumpsuit

City Chic Attract Jumpsuit

City Chic Attract Jumpsuit
this twirl-worthy jumpsuit

City Chic Attract Jumpsuit

A white jumpsuit is perfect for minimalists and the ruffle in the front of this one makes for cute twirling photos and vids!

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this inside out look

SAMI MIRO VINTAGE Long Sleeve Asymmetric Rib Minidress

SAMI MIRO VINTAGE Long Sleeve Asymmetric Rib Minidress
this inside out look

SAMI MIRO VINTAGE Long Sleeve Asymmetric Rib Minidress

Switch up on 'em with this inside-out look. This piece with long sleeves and lil peep holes for your thumbs will make ya effortlessly cool.

this tropical frock

FARM Rio Mango Macaws Midi Dress

FARM Rio Mango Macaws Midi Dress
this tropical frock

FARM Rio Mango Macaws Midi Dress

There's nothing basic about this tropical piece. Like, just look at the high neck, cut-outs, and the mangos all over!

this corset creation

With Jean Al Dress | White

With Jean Al Dress | White
this corset creation

With Jean Al Dress | White

White dresses are popular for graduation, but yours will look different from all the rest with a corset bodice. Add some hoop earrings and platform heels to pull the whole look together.

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this one-shoulder dress

ASTR the Label Santorini One Shoulder Midi Dress

ASTR the Label Santorini One Shoulder Midi Dress
this one-shoulder dress

ASTR the Label Santorini One Shoulder Midi Dress

Now 30% Off

Might I suggest a breezy printed dress in these pretty shades?!

this belted romper

House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie Nicola Romper

House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie Nicola Romper
this belted romper

House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie Nicola Romper

A romper as stylish as this is definitely something you can wear to your graduation. Strappy neutral heels will complement it well.

Lettermark
Lauren Adhav
Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

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