Graduation appropriate outfits for moms.
It’s not about us, but it’s kind of about us. Our kids are graduating high school, and we want to look both stylish and appropriate, but also comfortable (because I don’t know about you, but these outdoor graduation ceremonies in Florida are not for the weak). It was just last week we were packing diaper bags and choosing our baby’s first Christmas outfit, and now we are ordering their graduation outfits and wondering what on earth we wear for their big evening.
It’s not about us, but moms deserve to feel beautiful at graduation, too. We did birth these kiddos, take them to and from school, silently cry through a million homework assignments we didn’t understand, and attend every game, practice, ceremony, and event for the past 18 years. So, while it’s truly not about us, it’s a little bit about us. And we want to look good at graduation.
- Polished but comfortable
- Elevated but effortless
- Timeless in photos
- Weather appropriate
And whatever we wear needs to sit well, sweat well, stand well, and hug well. Graduation is not the day for ill-fitting ensembles or shoes that make you miserable. Think of it this way – graduation itself is long. Getting there in time to park and get good seats adds a few hours. Photos, dinner after the ceremony, and everything in between? Well, that’s adding another few hours to the evening (may we also remember we’re going to have about 600 emotional breakdowns in whatever we wear).
My Favorite Graduation Dresses
I’ve already worn one – to watch my 17-year-old daughter graduate from college with her AA before she even graduates high school – and it was a perfect choice. At the moment, I’m in love with feminine, classic dresses that feel sophisticated and romantic without trying. My favorite designer at the moment happens to be ASTR The Label because they make a dress that’s elegant and lovely, flattering, and photographs well.
Think:
- Soft florals
- Romantic silhouettes
- Flattering midi length
- Light fabrics
- Dresses that can be reworn all summer
(because if I’m spending money on a dress, it’s being worn more than once)
That said, here’s what I’ve had delivered for my daughter’s graduations and events this May.
ASTR The Label Halcyon Midi Dress
I wore this dress to my daughter’s college graduation last week and fell madly in love with it. I also received more compliments than I’ve ever received in my life. Light, airy, elegant, and I felt gorgeous in it all day.
Side note – this dress also comes in solid colors & I bought the same dress in yellow for her high school graduation.
ASTR The Label Wedelia Corset Dress
Full disclosure, I bought this dress over a year ago in a beautiful light purple, and I am obsessed with it. So, naturally, I had to buy it in another color for graduation season events. It’s so flattering, so light, and so pretty.
Agua by Agua Bendita Lima Maxi
Can you tell I’m in my maxi-dress-loving era? Agua Bendita makes some of my favorite maxis, and the moment, and this one is top notch. This is one I’ll wear to one of the many graduation parties we’ll attend this month.
Endless Rose Layered Dress
Funny story. I bought this dress at the most adorable boutique in Beaufort, North Carolina, two summers ago when my husband and I were enjoying a long weekend away. I bought the pink version, and I forgot all about it until last week when I ordered the light green version for graduation season. It’s so flattering, so pretty, and so perfect for graduation season.
Tiffany Raiford 