Ah, graduation. The very word conjures up images of cap and gown outfits. But don't we all want to leave University or high school in style? You've earned this moment, so go big or go home. Luckily, the graduation gown is usually open just enough at the front that your dress is visible beneath it, which leaves room for all sorts of sartorial interpretations. Now that we mention fashion, identifying the fine line between underdressed or overdressed for graduation can be tricky. How formal do you take it? Where will you be celebrating after the ceremony? Do I want to feel timeless or on trend or mark the occasion? All questions worth asking. Finding the perfect graduation dress is just one thing. Pulling off the right accessories is another. On the other hand, as a guest or parent, you may want to dress appropriately, but the stakes can be high. In the first place, the word "appropriate" is relative. So whether you're the one wearing a cap and gown or you're attending someone else's graduation, it's time to plan your outfit. Here's your ultimate go-to guide for graduation dresses, whether you’re the one in the limelight or you’re helping to celebrate the occasion. Matching The Dress With The Grad Gown If you're a graduate, chances are you've already got your gown. But what about the dress? If you plan on wearing one, there are a few things to consider when pairing things up. First up, colour. The colour of your gown will largely dictate what colour you wear for your dress—but don't feel like you have to stick with the same shade. Instead, look at complementary colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. For example, if your gown is burgundy, try pairing it with a teal or mint-green dress. These colours will help draw attention away from any spots or stains in your gown so that everyone else can only see how beautiful you look in it. Next up, patterns. Patterns can be tricky when it comes to matching them with a graduation gown—so we recommend keeping things simple and sticking to solid colours (like black or white) or stripes (like pinstripes). Last but definitely not the least, comfort. You might wonder why you should wear a comfortable dress beneath your graduation gown. The answer is simple: because it's the only way you'll survive the ceremony until the after-party. You've got to be able to sit comfortably, stand up straight and tall, and dance the night away without feeling like you're wearing a corset. The perfect accessories to go with your grad gown. A necklace can greatly impact your look, but keep it simple so that it doesn't clash with your gown. Earrings are also great for adding sparkle without being too flashy. And don't forget the watch—you'll need something to keep track of all those important moments! For your footwear, you may want high heels for your walk across the stage, or you may prefer shorter wedges for dancing at the party afterward (or both!). Match it with the Blakely Croc Chain Bag for a hint of luxe and class, just perfect for the occasion. On-Trend: The White Graduation Dress If you've been paying attention to the fashion world over the past few years, you might have noticed that white graduation dresses are everywhere. And why wouldn't they be? White is classic, timeless, and easy to wear. It's also a colour that works for just about any skin tone. They're also light and airy—a great reflection of your carefree attitude toward life after graduation. And the colour scheme is so versatile: you can go for a crisp white or a soft cream. Either way, you'll look gorgeous. Shoes to match. The white graduation dress is an iconic staple of a commencement experience. When you step out on stage in front of your friends and family, you'll be wearing a white dress as bright as your future. But what are you going to wear on your feet? It's not every day that you get to make such an impression with your shoes, but when you do, it's important to make it count. If you want to make sure your graduation day is one for the books, we suggest wearing KAILANI Platform heels in metallic colours, specifically gold. Bold neutrals like the MESHKI black MONROE criss-cross heels are also a foolproof choice as they contrast exquisitely in white. Mini, Madi, or Maxi? What is Best for a Graduate? When you're planning your graduation OOTD, you want to make sure that you look like a million bucks (or maybe keep it understated). But how do you pick the perfect dress? It all depends on your vibe and personality. Are you more of a mini-dress kind of gal? Or maybe you're more of a maxi-dress or midi lover. Or maybe you're a beach lover fond of swimwear. Anyway, let's keep the swimwear for the graduation after-party. The great thing is, there are dresses that fit any preference out there—you just have to know what makes you feel good and go with it. Here's a guide to help you decide. A Cheeky Mini Dress The mini is a style that hits right above the knee. When you're trying to pick out the perfect outfit for your big day, you want something that will make you feel comfortable and confident—and that's exactly what a mini dress does. Take it from our EVERLEIGH Strapless Sequin Mini Dress. This mini dress will help you shine effortlessly, which is exactly what you want on the day when everyone is going to be looking at you. A Cute Midi Dress The midi is a style that falls somewhere in between those two extremes of a mini and a maxi, hitting right above or below your calves. One of the very reasons why midi dresses are great for graduation is that they're comfortable. If you're going to be sitting in a folding chair for hours on end, it's important that your clothes give you freedom of movement without sacrificing style. Check out our ASPEN Back Keyhole Knit Midi Dress for inspo, or get it now from our shop. Go Extra With A Maxi Dress The maxi is a style that reaches all the way down to your ankles. It's perfect for those who are feeling extra feminine or who just like wearing dresses with long slits in them. They're versatile enough that you can wear them anywhere from the ceremony to cocktail hour, and they won't get in your way when you're trying to make an impression on potential employers or grad school admissions committees. If you love this idea, we bet you'll fall in love with our SYDNEY Straight Neck Slip Maxi Dress in khaki or if you want to look golden, get it in yellow! Going Out For Afters? Get A Dress To Take You From Day To Night Whether you have an early dinner reservation with or heading out for an all-night party with friends (or both) after your graduation, you have to make sure you're not only Instagram-ready for the ceremony. Check out these pieces from our collection for an OOTD that will take you from day to night on your special day. CORINNE Ruched Mini Dress - Cherry Chocolate This high-shine ruched mini dress is the perfect graduation and party piece. From cocktail hour to after-dinner dancing, its fitted bodycon fit, strapless design, and flattering ruching will add flair to any after-party event. TALISA Chain Strap Side Split Corset Midi Dress - Black Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be a gilded Greek goddess? This midi dress will make you feel just as powerful and confident for your graduation. It's particularly perfect if you are heading for fine dining after the ceremony. CARINA Tie Back Mini Slip Dress - Pistachio Green Let them know you're heading to the dance floor without actually saying it by wearing this tie-back mini slip dress. Pair it with black heels for an easy day look during the ceremony, and wear with high heel boots for your night out. How To Choose A Graduation Suit That Suits You If you are a man, a perfectly tailored charcoal or navy suit is always regarded as smart. Plus, it will be appropriate for the event and look fantastic for any post-ceremony celebrations. But if you are a woman, breaking the tradition and rocking a suit on your graduation is a daunting and bold move. A dress is a classic choice but a suit is sensational. A suit is the perfect alternative for any woman who wants to make an impression in her graduation look: it's sophisticated, polished, and always on-trend. So how do you nail this style? First things first, consider what time of year it is. If it's winter or spring, you should go in a suit that's warm and cosy. If it's summer or fall, go with something light and breezy. And if it's late fall or early winter, try meeting between the two! Second is to choose a colour that's dominant yet not too vibrant. A black suit is simply a safe choice but cream is also an elite pick. Pair it with closed toe heels and the only thing you’ll need to worry about is how to walk like a queen. Lastly, look at different styles of necklines and sleeve lengths before making any final decisions. You may find one style that works better than others, especially that you’re going to wear it underneath your gown! Comfort is still key. A Dress For The Perfect Grad Guest As a guest, it's important to dress the part. You want to show up looking like you belong there—like you've been invited and you're not just crashing the party or the ceremony. Likewise, you wouldn't also want to be the person who stands out for her elaborate ensemble in a sea of graduates and their families. Make an impression with a matching set. It's a no-brainer, but it's also something that often gets overlooked: if you're attending a graduation as a guest, you can never go wrong in a matching set. It's simple yet flattering, just enough to make an impression on your loved one's graduation without outshining them. If you are looking for an outfit that strikes just the right balance between minimal and statement-making, grab the ANNALISE Wrap Top from our collection. Wear it with our ANNALISE Satin A Line Mini Skirt to complete the look. To keep you cool for warmer weather, you may want to check out our RUE One Shoulder Flare Sleeve Crop Top. So easy to wear and so chic, this top is perfect for attending graduation ceremonies or simply wearing to a casual day out with friends. Pair it with our RUE Knit Flared Pants for a clean and polished look like you have your life all figured out. The Wrap Up Dressing for your graduation ceremony is a rite of passage, and it's an important moment to look your best. You've worked hard to get where you are, so it's only fitting that you feel like a star or an A-line celebrity when you walk across the stage. If you've been waiting for an excuse to buy a new outfit, then graduation day is it. Browse our website for some of the most ethereal graduation dresses today. And congratulations from all the team at MESHKI. xox