It’s officially spring when the “what do I wear to a special event?” questions start rolling in over at The Mom Edit.
What to wear to spring and summer weddings (indoor and outdoor), garden parties, Mother’s Day brunches, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, baptisms, and of course, graduations — specifically for the mother of the graduate.
That’s where I come in. I love shopping for dresses, I love wearing dresses, and although my kids aren’t quite at graduation age yet, I have some pretty strong opinions on what makes the perfect graduation dress for the mom of the grad. The vibe I personally go for? Sophisticated, but not boring.
What To Wear To A Graduation: 15 Dresses Perfect For the Mom of the Grad
at Saks | at Tanya Taylor | at Shopbop
heels | bag | earrings
similar (more budget friendly): 1 | 2 | 3
Although I’ve rounded up a full 15 dresses below that I’d happily wear to my own children’s future graduations, I have to give a shout-out to this Tanya Taylor midi dress.
This special dress is what I like to call “sneaky stunning”. Sophisticated, elegant, but not at all boring because of the impeccable design of Tanya Taylor. The dramatic shape (nipped in waist, spin-worthy skirt) gives it that “fabulous” quality that makes it fun and special to wear, BUT the skirt is cotton, which makes it a bit more approachable for wearing on a regular basis (not just for special). It would look JUST as cute with fashion sneaks, tote, cool sunnies, and a messy bun.
at Saks | at Tanya Taylor | at Shopbop
heels | bag | earrings
similar (more budget-friendly): 1 | 2 | 3
The navy feels especially perfect for all the occasions you don’t want to wear your go-to black dress, but you love wearing dark solid colored chic looks. And the other sneaky surprise?? Pockets! Woohoo for pockets…always!
What I Personally Look For In A Graduation Guest Dress
The more I think about what I would personally look for in a mom-of-the-graduate dress, the stronger my opinions get.
I’m usually pretty conservative when it comes to fashion, and I tend to create all kinds of personal rules for “appropriate” outfits at certain events — church, temple… and apparently my kids’ future graduations.
at Saks | at Tanya Taylor | at Shopbop
heels | bag | earrings
similar (more budget friendly): 1 | 2 | 3
Warning…the list is long: Nothing too showy or over the top; Nothing that draws TOO much attention or makes my kids cringe; Nothing solid black (it’s a joyous occasion); Nothing solid white (often what graduates wear themselves); Nothing too short (I don’t want the back of my thighs sticking to the plastic seats); Nothing too long (I don’t want to trip); Not too “young looking”; Not too “old looking”; Nothing too hot or too clingy; Not too dressy; Not too casual.
Welcome to the tornado of thoughts that live in my brain when getting dressed for special events… fun, yes???
15 Beautiful Midi + Maxi Dresses To Wear To Your Kid’s Graduation
So keeping in mind alllllll of those “fashion rules” I’ve created for myself, it basically comes down to…. I’m looking for a below-the-knee dress that has a sophisticated vibe, but isn’t boring. Polished but with personality.
In my top 15 graduation guest dress picks, I included some higher-end dresses from Me & Em, Tanya Taylor, & Hope For Flowers (they are GORG!), some dresses under $200 (from Anthro, Boden, Madewell, and Banana), some picks in solids, some in prints, some with sleeves, some without, some 100% natural fibers, some stretchy-sculpting synthetics, but all of them hitting that mark of sophistication with personality.
Top L | Top M | Top R
Bottom L | Bottom M | Bottom R
1. Staud Maxi Shirtdress
at Nordstrom | at Neiman | at Staud
Staud is one of my favorite designers for spring dresses… special enough to wear to important events, but often made in gorgeous cotton fabrics that can easily work for casual as well. This one, in particular, has a sophisticated vibe, but the skirt details, seams, and shape have a playful quality as well.
2. Banana Republic Poplin Midi Dress
This dress from Banana Republic comes in several colorways, but I’m definitely drawn to the botanical black and cream combo (zoom in to see the tiny pop of yellow). Made from cotton poplin (one of my fav fabrics for spring and summer), this dress is currently on sale and is one of my top budget-friendlier picks in this round-up. So pretty! Available in tall as well as standard sizing XXS – XXL. 100% cotton.
3. Rails Selani One-Shoulder Dress
at Nordstrom | at Rails | at Bloomies
So…I already own this fabulous one-shoulder Rails dress in 3 different colorways (it’s obviously a fav worn-on-repeat dress for me), but when I saw this terracotta I was completely smitten. Trying HARD not to add to cart. I size down to an XS in this dress (I’m typically a small) because the small is too big in the chest for me. 100% cotton.
4. Me & Em Colour Block Midi Dress
This dress is SUCH a stunner! Wow! Me & Em does that polished (but not boring) vibe perfectly with so many of their dresses. I love the contrasting stitching, the oversized front pockets, and the giant tie front.
5. Tuckernuck Knit Stripe Dress
I typically would go for the navy stripe, but the light pink just feels so airy and fresh for everything spring, so I included both. This knit dress has a 3D pleated texture that I’m sure looks incredible as you move and the combination of a lightweight stretchy knit and a fit-and-flare shape is a total winner.
6. Madewell Sheer Dolman Maxi Dress
I love the way this sheer dress drapes and the oversized effortlessly elegant look. I would accessorize this dress with an interesting straw or woven bag and floral earrings (like I’m wearing with my Tanya Taylor at the top of the post). XXS-XXL sizing.
7. Anthro Somerset Maxi Dress
An Anthro fan fav dress —-there are a million variations in the Somerset Collection, but I’m drawn to this deep blue floral in the Maxi. A great forever-closet dress that is perfect for tons of occasions (especially if you want your shoulders covered) Also a nice dress for a budget-friendlier option. Standard, petite, and plus sizing. XXS-3X.
8. Hope For Flowers by Tracy Reese Goddess Dress
at Anthro | at Hope For Flowers
At Anthro this dress is named “Ruffle-Sleeve Dress”, but “The Goddess Dress” is a MUCH more appropriate name on the Hope For Flowers by Tracy Reese site. The kind of dress that definitely makes a statement when you walk through the door. Available in other colorways on her site.
9. Boden Rhea Embroidered Midi Dress
Boden has such a vast selection of dresses that it’s hard to narrow it down at times. If you love pattern and florals and bright colors, Boden has an incredible variety, but I’m most drawn to this romantic embroidered midi dress in navy with contrasting trim. Dress is 100% cotton with polyester embroidery. Petite and standard sizing 0-20/22.
10. Anthro Pleated Shirt Dress by Exquise
This dress is even cuter in person. Available in 4 different stripes and 3 solids, I love this type of shape and design with the well-placed pleats and statement-making oversized sleeves. TONS of great reviews on this one. Standard, petite, and plus sizing. XXS-3X.
11. Me & Em Ruched Midi Dress
How pretty is this print and color combination! And yes, please to all that ruching. This dress is made from a printed jacquard crepe that looks quite dreamy…a modest and elegant beauty.
12. Anthro Cap Sleeve Zip Dress
Not surprisingly Anthro has one of the best selections of under $200 dresses perfect for a graduation. This zip-front smocked dress comes in 6 different colorways, but this floral is my favorite. So springy and fresh! Tons of great reviews. Standard, petite, and plus sizing. XXS-3X.
13. Tanya Taylor Mixed-Media Midi Dress
at Saks | at Tanya Taylor | at Shopbop
My “sneaky stunning” Tanya Taylor dress. The dramatic shape (nipped in waist, spin-worthy skirt) gives it that “fabulous” quality that makes it fun and special to wear, BUT the skirt is cotton, which makes it a bit more approachable for wearing on a regular basis (not just for special).
14. Me & Em Stripe Maxi Dress
Worth clicking the link to see the details of this gorgeous textured dress as well as other ways of wearing it… it’s so freaking good with a jean jacket and straw bag, but I also love the idea of this dress with more formal heels and a structured bag. Add in the versatility of the front zipper and you’ve got yourself a pretty fabulous classic dress to wear for all sorts of occasions.
15. Tanya Taylor Floral Midi Dress
at Saks | at Tanya Taylor | at Neiman
Okay…I actually think this is one of those dresses that might look even better in person on a “non-model”. It has the qualities of a bunch of my favorite special dresses…sweetheart neckline, adjustable straps, tiered skirt, beautiful dark floral…pricey for sure, but if it’s in your budget, it looks like an ideal spring/summer wardrobe addition.
I didn’t put my “one-dress-for-the-rest-of-your-life” in this round-up because it’s almost sold out, but it’s a GREAT one and would be AMAZING for a graduation (especially if your graduation is on the dressier side), and you could easily dress it down with a cardigan or crop jacket. You can find a few sizes left here, here and here.
Any other mom-of-the-graduate dresses you guys are loving??
-Linzi
