10 Top Trends for College Graduation Dresses this Year
Show off your graduation style in one of these party dresses.
After prom and your wedding, graduation day will probably be one of the most photographed days of your life. Sure, you’ll spend part of it covered up in a cap and gown. But when those come off, you want to be seen in a trendy graduation dress that stuns. From the ceremony to the party to the after party, here are our top picks for popular grad dresses
1. White Dresses
That old adage of no white before Memorial Day? It’s exactly that—old. Spring graduation is the perfect time to break out white-hot, short party dresses that hail the coming of summer. We especially love the trend when you pair white with classic, and classy, details like a flared skirt and a-line silhouette.
2. Dresses with Lace Detail
Expect to see a lot of college graduation dresses that showcase delicate lace details. It’s a trend perfect for springtime. Plus, lace is a timeless look, making one of these options rewearable for other events like weddings. Look for a lace dress with cut-out detailing to add a bit of an edge to the otherwise traditional fabric.
3. Dresses in Brights
Think all graduation dresses have to be pretty pastels? Think again! Shades of sunshine—think orange, red, and bold yellow—are a big fashion trend this year.
4. Dresses with Pockets
Between the ceremonies, parties, and other festivities, graduation day is going to be busy. Maybe you don’t want to be saddled with a purse to carry around throughout the day. Enter graduation dresses with pockets! This trend spans styles and means you can carry a few essentials, no purse required.
5. Ruching, Draping, and Other Flattering Fits
The amount of pictures being snapped on graduation day is sure to make you feel like a celebrity. And one thing celeb stylists’ know is how to emphasize their clients best features with flattering cuts. Ruching, side tying, asymmetrical details, and faux wrapping are all hits on grad dresses that will draw the eye to your beautiful curves.
6. Dresses with Bows
Of course you want to feel like an adult on your college graduation day, but don’t worry. Bows are stylish and grown (not juvenile) when paired with graduation party dresses that feature contrasting patterns, sophisticated colors, and sexy fits.
7. Dresses with Button Details
Another graduation dress detail we’re loving right now? Buttons. This popular look takes an ordinary cut or color, and adds an extra level of fun. We love styles with big buttons that contrast the rest of the dress, as well as those with more subtle buttons that simply lend an extra amount of polish.
8. Bold Print Dresses
Nothing quite says, “I’ve arrived!” like tearing off your graduation robe to reveal a boldly printed dress underneath. This year’s trending prints range from floral to animal to abstract, and come in colors that are both understated and vibrant.
9. Dresses with Ruffles
Ruffles are like lace’s flirty older cousin. It’s perfect if you want the feminine look of lace graduation dresses, but are going for something with a little more punch. Ruffling details can be found on necklines, hemlines, or across the whole body of trending dress styles. Paired with a bright color, they’re attention-grabbing and summer-ready.
10. Dresses with Sleeves
Graduation typically takes place in the spring, but that doesn’t always mean warm weather. Long or three-quarter sleeves are a great option for balancing out the hemline on short party dresses. Whether you’re looking for a little extra warmth or just some sophistication, these sleeved styles will stand out amongst a crowd of strapless and strappy graduation dresses.
Ready to find a trendy college graduation dress with some of these popular features? Check out all the possibilities at Simply Dresses in this assortment of grad dresses.
