First thing first, CONGRATS! Regardless of all those unbearable nights in the library, you’ve finally made it all through to the stage!
And now, you are here searching for plus-size graduation outfit ideas on Google Bar!
So yes, you truly deserve a big hug girl.
When it comes to milestones in life, graduation is certainly one of them.
Symbolizing the new page of life, all you want now is to find the perfect graduation dress to go full glam on this big day and make it the best memory.
That said, here are the 21 plus size graduation outfit ideas from all kinds of styles and occasions along with some curvy girls dressing tips!
Enjoy my loves.
1. FIND THE RIGHT COLOUR COMBO FOR THE GRADUATION LOOK
I can’t stress how important it is but always pay attention to the color combo between the dress and the gown.
Trust me, you just don’t want to realize you look like disappeared in your fancy black lace dress after throwing the black gown on.
I guess we all agree that’s not a good look right?
If your gown is in black and dark green, reach for a light hue dress to achieve a certain extent of color contrast.
That elongates your figure visually and makes you look more put-together.
PRO TIP:
Depending on what looks you want to achieve, consider matching the dress with a graduation hood so that it looks like a set!
So ladies, before choosing the dresses, pin down the right color first.
DISCLAIMER:
The truth is, we are all perfect imperfections.
You want to learn these outfit hacks ONLY if you feel like it but are not pressured by others. Remember, we never have the need to “fix” our bodies!
You don’t have to be pretty like HER, you can be pretty like YOU.
And believe it or not, there’s still NOT ENOUGH plus-size content around Pinterest and other places on the internet …at all. Especially plus size graduates and teen girls!
So ladies, before reading the tips, please help pin the pin below & support plus-size ladies ♥!
2. AVOID HIGH-NECK OUTFITS FOR GRADUATION
Alright, so you’ve picked the warm cream dress for graduation day, what’s next?
Well, let’s talk about the neckline.
If you have chubby cheeks like me, a high-neck dress is a big No-no.
By covering the collarbone and shoulder area, just draw eyes to the face and make it appear to be bigger visually.
From turtlenecks to mock neck tops, I honestly have a hard time finding them flattering to my round face shape.
To make things worse, let’s not forget you will take the graduation photos with the slouchy gowns and that just makes you look “suffocated” in all the photoshoots.
I know it seems so exaggerated but that’s truly what I feel.
That said, the graduation gown goes perfectly with a low-neck dress.
I would say most girls find success in off-shoulder dresses.
By showcasing the shoulder, just shed away the bulkiness and contour of our face line.
If you want to maximize the effect, try putting all your hair aside to open up your face! I know it sounds counterintuitive but that helps elongate your face.
Of course, the one-shoulder dress is equally flattering – try it out!
3. STAY YOUTHFUL FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL CEREMONY
Wondering what to wear for a high school graduation ceremony?
Girls, you know you can pretty much look good in everything when you are 18 or 20 sth!
If you want to flaunt your youthfulness as much as you want, a puff sleeve square neck dress is wholly on trend these days.
Plus, this works wonders for the plus-size bae if you want a little coverage for the arm area.
To match the soft girl look, opt for light gentle hues like dusty pink and milky yellow to brighten up your black gown.
One more reminder, some of you may want to go for the maxi dress.
While it’s gorgeous, let’s not forget that can look awkward when your dress is longer than your gown.
So I suggest you opt for the knee-length dress for the photoshoot and perhaps switch out to another dress when the party night is on!
4. EXPERIMENT WITH BOLD PRINTS AT THE GRADUATION PARTY
Do you know why a graduation party is always memorable? Two words, wild and crazy.
Well, I guess we all know how instantly creative party ideas can be.
From photo walls to all kinds of fun (drinking) games, you should definitely dress in bold prints as an instant mood booster!
I know many plus-size girls think prints are off-limits for them. I get it as I’ve been there too.
But ladies, fashion doesn’t stop at size 4. All we need to do is pick the right prints that FLATTER us.
That said, I will choose prints with soft lining to minimize the exaggerating effect.
I feel like no one talks about this but a watercolor print dress is actually a flattering and classy choice.
5. DRESS SIMPLY FOR A CASUAL GRADUATION LOOK
Who said you can only wear a dress for graduation Day?
For a minimalist style, wearing a sports jersey with skinny jeans is just full of attitude when everybody else is looking all girly and fancy.
So if you are feeling stressed out to wear a dress, now you know you DO have a choice!
Need I say more? This tee is EVERYTHING.
If you want a pop of fun, go to Etsy and order an “I want to thank …Google, Wikipedia, and whoever invented copy and paste” graphic tee to steal the show.
Well, make sure your professor won’t see your shirt!
6. LOOK PUT-TOGETHER AS A COLLEGE GRADUATE
As for the college and master graduate who prefers a sophisticated style, team a sleek dress shirt or blouse with pants just scream “I’ve got a style and I OWN it”.
Together with pointy heels or sexy spaghetti strap heels, this is how you look like a girl boss with a cool style.
PRO TIP:
If you think dress pants look too formal, the forgiving paper bag pants are here to hide the belly and showcase your curves!
7. WHEN IN DOUBT, GO FOR ROMPER
If you want to look darling in a less dressy way, these high-waist rompers are for you.
Featuring the feminine lace design with peekaboo elements that show stripes of skin underneath, who said rompers are too laid-back for formal occasions?
Plus, its A-line high waist design flatters the leg and elongates the figure as a whole.
Grab an envelope clutch and wedge sandals to finish off the look, this is how you look like a diva even in the simplest ensemble.
One tip, if you want to look classy and poised in a romper, always opt for the invisible zipper along the back for an elegant look.
I know many girls want something light and flowy to wear on graduation day, if you never thought a romper could work, now you know!
8. EMBRACE PASTEL SHADE FOR A REFRESHING LOOK
Symbolizing the spirit of renewal, wearing springy pastel hues on graduation day is just bound to feel fabulous.
If you are planning to do a professional graduation photoshoot, perhaps it’s time to make a statement with your sexy cross-strap ruched dress to show you are finally a big girl.
Time to glam up?
You bet!
This is so random… BUT
hey ladies, why not quickly do an affirmation and feel instantly better?
This new year, I’m trying not only to share fashion tips but come up with ways to instill body positivity in all women who are reading my articles – aka YOU!
Instead of just reading it, say it loud or murmur the quotes (if you are in public) to maximize the effect.
Ready? Here we go.
I love my body. She is my forever home and sanctuary.
Sassy isn’t a shape, it’s an attitude.
Work out because I love my body – not because I hate it.
I can love myself and change my body at the same time. No guilt about that.
It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. I come to realize that social media isn’t showing the reality… at all.
My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked.
I don’t have to be pretty like her, I can be pretty like …ME.
I AM perfect imperfection.
What are your thoughts on that? I hope that makes you feel better (as you deserved).
Please help me pass the body positivity message in your community. #womenhelpwomen
Alright, now keep on reading!
9. Stay cute in winter
Ladies, stay cute 24/7!
Well, a thermal undershirt can definitely help!
A preppy casual look is always in style.
10. DRESS CHIC AND DECENT AS A GRADUATION GUEST
If you are going to the graduation ceremony as a guest, let the graduate shine.
Without going too crazy with prints and hues, a flowy white shirt dress or beige straight-leg pants just look effortlessly decent yet in style.
( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ MY APRIL PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ
(Continue scrolling for the article!)
11. ALWAYS OPT FOR COMFY SHOES FOR THE GRADUATION CEREMONY
Last but not least, the footwear.
Ladies, I know it’s so tempting to wear a stiletto on this big day, but unless you have this little sole protector with you, DON’T.
As the big star of your family and friends on graduation day, you need to walk around the campus from day to night for literally endless photoshoots.
So yes, when in doubt, always wear chunky heels to survive your long day.
If you insist on stilettos, at least bring a pair of flats just in case. Trust me you won’t regret that.
❤️ 2024 Update ❤️
I’ve finally started my LTK account @hannahndreams and I just created a post dedicated to plus size baes.
The dresses that I’ve picked tick all the boxes below. (In case you want something extra forgivinggg)
- ✅ Showcase the feminine neckline
- ✅ The ruching details hide the belly
- ✅ Asymmetrical hemline draws the eye upward and elongates the legs visually
I’ve also included my hidden gem – a peplum belt from Walmart. Check out my post here & please follow for more styling tips❤️!
Love you girls!!
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
So ladies, here are the 21 plus-size graduation outfit ideas. I hope that gives you some inspiration on your graduation day!
Seriously, go ALL-IN because you only experience this magical (& emotional) day once in a lifetime, stay FAB sis!
If you want more plus-size outfit ideas, make sure you check out this popular read!
Thank you so much, this is more than helpful and inspiring.