Getting a degree isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
We work incredibly hard throughout our primary and secondary school years to make it into the top sets and achieve consistently brilliant grades, to make exam periods a bearable experience and to eventually be in with a chance at getting into our dream university. Then, the process of obtaining that precious diploma can take anywhere between three to eight years depending on the subject.
With all the trials and tribulations of teenage and young adult life during our school and university lives, graduating with a degree is far from a solely academic achievement. It’s a coming-of-age celebration during which we wave goodbye to our formative years as a student and step into a remarkably different world of 9-5 work, career ladders, salary reviews and more.
As such, when the time finally comes to walk across the academic stage, shake the chancellor’s hand and desperately grasp that surprisingly small piece of ivory A4 paper which has been rolled up and tied with a bow – it’s certainly a cause for celebration.
Students have been credited with paving the way for new and exciting fashion choices throughout time. From Swinging Sixties campus style to 1990s grunge, some of the most memorable moments in sartorial history have been created on university grounds.
While graduation tends to be a formal occasion, it doesn’t mean you can’t get subtly creative with your ensemble. Whether you’re attending the ceremony or collecting your diploma, we’ve curated an edit of the best graduation outfits to shop for the special day.
Shop now
Punnet Embroidered Midi Dress
Pastel pink and dotted with miniature embroidered cherries, this delicately flowing frock will elevate your springtime frolics tenfold. We love how the black ribbon bolo adds a sense of sophistication to the collared piece.
Buy now £98.00, Sister Jane
Hai Dora Dress Exclusive
Graduation gowns can be stuffy at the best of times. During summer graduations it’s smart to opt for a lightweight, effortlessly elegant ensemble. We adore the ice blue hue of this 100 per cent silk and endlessly flattering option by Hai.
Buy now £255.00, Whistles
Floral Eve Sheer Cotton Chiffon Veranda Dress
Embody the spirit of wildflowers in this gorgeous veranda dress by Liberty. Made from the luxury department store’s own Chloe Cotton Chiffon, the sleeveless number has an all-over floral design with a fitted bodice, gathered waist and A-line skirt with a frilled hem. We’re in love with the extra-large halter neck bow at the back of the dress.
Buy now £395.00, Liberty
A&F Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
A best-selling classic from A&F’s occasion range, this puff-sleeve midi dress is available in a variety of hues, patterns and finishes – with different strap options and lengths on offer. Though we’re big fans of the classical, ceramics-inspired pale blue florals, we also love the idea of opting for a bright block colour such as pink or red.
Buy now £90.00, Abercrombie & Fitch
Misty Linen Two Piece
Embrace vintage style with this breathtaking fitted two-piece from Reformation. Fitted at the bodice with a matching A-line skirt, it’s crafted from 100 per cent premium linen in a lovely occasion-suitable gingham pattern.
Buy now £298.00, Reformation
Yellow Ditsy Floral Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress
Subtly flirtatious, uber-flattering and realised in a gorgeous sunny yellow hue, the re-wear factor of this ditsy floral bandeau dress by Nobody’s Child is off the charts. It’s also available in plain black and a deep mocha and ivory polka dot pattern.
Buy now £89.00, Nobody’s Child
Navy Pleated Wide Trousers and Waistcoat
A chic waistcoat suit is all the rage at the moment, and makes for an unbeatably powerful and comfortable graduation outfit that is sure to look fabulous with your cap and gown. The front pleats on these wide-leg trousers from Mint Velvet will also ensure that you won’t suffer any pesky, obvious whiskering after waiting an age for your name to be called. Shop the matching waistcoat here.
Buy now £139.00, Mint Velvet
Transept Iridescent Dress
With its autumnal, 70s-inspired colour palette, subtle keyhole opening at the nape of the neck and gorgeous, flowing sleeves to match the A-line hem, this bloom-adorned frock by Aje is a beautiful option for any occasion.
Buy now £550.00, Liberty
Marina Blue Cygnus and Lyra Print Mini Dress
Are you graduating with a degree in Classics, History of Art, or one of the ancient languages? This blue Cygnus and Lyra print mini dress by Kitri is a fantastic outfit choice for the occasion.
Buy now £165.00, Kitri
Floral Linen-Blend Removable Straps Midi Dress
Complete with removable straps which instantly change the aesthetic and vibe of this linen midi dress, so much so that it’ll almost feel like two dresses in one. The soft linen blend is lightweight and wonderfully suited to summertime garden parties, graduation ceremonies and weddings.
Buy now £55.00, Gap
Cos Longline Linen-Blend Waistcoat Suit
Look pretty in pink with Cos. Merging feminine styles and traditionally masculine tailoring, this gorgeous summer set comes with a linen blend skirt for those who prefer the free-flowing silhouette of a trouser-less look. The matching skirt is available here.
Buy now £85.00, Cos
