Ask the Edit: Dresses for Graduation, and Your New Job

Apr 24, 2018

Are you graduating this May?  Do you know someone who is?  On such an important day, a day ushered in with hard work and tenacity, you want to look your best.  Here are some dresses for the occasion.

Hi Abra,

My law school graduation is next month.  I’m nervous about what to wear.  I don’t have any college graduation pictures, and I really want some from my law school graduation.  My dream dress would be fun and ladylike but I can’t spend money on anything but work clothes.  Can you help me find a dress that will work for graduation but that I can wear to my fellowship this summer?  My top limit would be $200.

Thank you, HH

Ah, law school graduation, I remember it fondly.  Finding a dress that works for graduation, but can carry through to the office, is a good plan.  It’ll give you confidence for graduation photos and confidence at work.

My preferred style would be a v-neck sheath.  This neckline is elongating and looks elegant in photos.  It’s also a versatile choice for wearing under blazers.

T Tahari Elizabella Dress ($98)

Hobbs LONDON Karissa Dress ($200)

Adrianna Papell Faux Wrap Sheath ($129)

Other dresses that caught my eye include this Tahari Tonya sleeveless sheath in black or navy.  For something a little playful, but still work appropriate, try this dotted Boden sheath.  And I love the unique green color of this affordable NY & Co dress.

Plus-size? I love this v-neck sheath dress from Eloquii.  The NY & Co dress also comes in specialty sizes.

Now, if you decide you don’t want to purchase a dress that can do double duty between work and play, let’s talk about some affordable options.  Sometimes, it’s nice just to let our hair down and buy a dress that we love to wear for no other reason that we love it.  So let’s talk about party dresses under-$100.

WhoWhatWear Floral Midi Dress ($35) also in plus

Elise Ryan Ruffle Shift Dress ($87)

Vero Moda Laksmi Dress ($69)

A fun dress may be a little impractical, but you only get to celebrate finishing law school once.  So live a little!  I like all of these dresses for the prints and their cute details.  I also adore this bird print shirt dress from Anthropologie and this summery eyelet JOA dress.

Plus-size? Try this F21 floral dress or this printed ruffle sleeve Joe Fresh dress.

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  1. J says:

    For what it’s worth, all of the pictures I have from my law school graduation are in my cap and gown. Also, if you can, try to find out how your gown closes (they’re totally different than undergrad gowns). Ours only had a clasp at the neck, so you’d see a pretty decent sliver of the front of your dress. I ultimately skipped the more fun dresses I wanted in favor of a simple black dress that went with the gown. Congrats and enjoy the day!

  2. Aj says:

    Wow, what a bummer. Just went to buy that Vero Modo dress and it’s not even being sold by Bloomingdales any longer.

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