The best graduation dresses to shop, according to a stylist

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grad dress

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

When it comes to events, we always want to make sure we have the best dresses on the market. With graduation being one of the biggest occasions you could celebrate in your lifetime, it's no surprise you'll want to be looking mint.

Trawling through ASOS, Boohoo, In The Style and everything in between, everybody seems to have occasion wear or wedding guest dress selections that you can grab styles from. Still, though, it can be totally overwhelming to find what you really want_._

graduation-dresses
©@deirdre_phelan via Instagram

So, DW gals, because we've found the BEST graduation dresses you'll want to snap up this year. After years of studying (or, ahem socialising) for that degree, you'll be the best dressed when you walk up to collect it.

We've even got the experts in to tell us all about what we should be wearing to the big day so that you know exactly what you're looking for. You deserve to celebrate you.

Smile for the camera, pls.

SHOP: The best graduation dresses to buy right now

Boohoo Floral Maxi
Price: £26.25 (was £35)

www.boohoo.com

Feeling the floral vibes? This floral maxi is perfect for a summertime graduation.

This monochromatic dress with striped detailing can be worn for multiple occasions, so you'll really get your money's worth with this one.

Want a dress you can take on holiday with you after your graduation celebrations? This New Look midi is perfect if you want a versatile wardrobe staple.

ASOS Satin Midi Dress
Price: £30.40 (was £32)

www.asos.com

A bright fuchsia dress may not be on your bingo card for a graduation, but trust us, you won't regret choosing this as your graduation frock.

River Island knows how to make inexpensive, expensive-looking garments, especially dresses. This halter neck number is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This wrap midi dress will have all eyes on you for all the right reasons. Pair with a gorgeous pair of black heels.

H&M Frill Trimmed Mesh Dress
Price: £29.99

www2.hm.com

A flirtatious frilly dress is ideal for any formal occasion, and we can see why. After the ceremony, twirl around all night in this H&M number.

Satin looks luxurious - without an expensive price tag. This dress from PLT is a perfect graduation dress.

Graduation dress buying: Tips from the experts

So what about the buying process? Whilst we can be a little apprehensive about spending our dollar, Martine Alexander (@martinealexander), Celebrity Stylist and Wardrobe Concierge, gives us the lowdown:

Buy something you can wear again

Don't overspend on something you may never wear again, Martine says: "You want to think of the cost per wear of what it is you’re buying. For graduation or a big event, people tend to spend quite a lot of money and you want to make sure that it's something you can dress down (think with trainers or in winter with big boots and a coat) or dress up (with events, evenings and nights out). Make sure there are multiple ways to style this so that cost per wear is low."

Always consider rental, too

"If you don’t want to buy you can always rent; there are loads of amazing rental places out there, whether you want to hire a designer bag or designer dress. It doesn’t always have to be designer too, there are loads of places out there."

Make sure to talk to your friends

To make sure you don't end up with the awkward moment of wearing the same dress, Martine suggests making a group chat with your pals. "Talk about everything you’re going to wear so that no one turns up in the same thing. I think this is a brilliant idea. Some people like the element of surprise and some don’t, but it gives you the comfort of knowing you’re not going to stick out like a sore thumb."

Opt for something that won’t crease and isn't skin-tight

"You’ll be sat down for most of the day so opt for something that doesn’t crease and isn’t skin tight. If you’re going for lunch or dinner and you’re wearing something skin-tight you may bloat after eating or drinking. Go for a dress with a little bit of room in it so that if you are eating you won’t feel self-conscious."

Let's just write that down...

Caitlin Casey was a Senior Commerce Writer for heat for three years, specialising in sex and wellness content. She has written across various publications since 2017 and covers shopping, fashion, beauty, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.

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