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What to wear to valedictory & graduation dinner? 18 outfits + dos & donts!

What to wear to valedictory & graduation dinner? 18 outfits + dos & donts!

Wondering what to wear to a Year 12 valedictory dinner or graduation dinner? You’ve come to the right place! 

First thing first, congrats as this is a big milestone indeed!

Finally, this is your moment to brush away all the school work stress, come to celebrate your high school success with your beloved family and friends, and embrace a new chapter of your life.

So if you are still hesitating on what to wear to the graduation dinner party, I’d say BRING YOUR A-GAME.

Yes, girl, there’s only one way.

Trust me, you won’t regret it when you look back at the pictures.

Below, I’ve gathered 18 graduation party outfit ideas from feminine to casual chic for all kinds of girls.

Ready to feel and look the best? Keep on reading!

1. A failproof valedictory dinner outfit: LBD

What to wear to valedictory dinner
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If you prefer a timeless and failproof look, I’d say lean into it.

That said, throwing on an LBD will instantly put you on the right track – you just can’t go wrong!

LBD is extra forgiving and it just goes well with e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g..

But that said, you want to add on some accessories as the dress is more on the plain side.

To brighten up the look, get a statement necklace and a pair of nice nude pumps and you’ll never feel more put together.

2. Bring on colors on valedictory dinner

What to wear to valedictory dinner
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As much as I adore LBD, I just can’t resist wearing a bold red dress for a valedictory dinner.

I mean, 18 years old is all about having fun and getting experimental with all kinds of vibrant colors.

So don’t be afraid to be in the spotlight – be proud and get out of your comfort zone!

Let’s step into your adulthood with a low V-neck pink bodycon dress! Such a queen.

3. What to wear to graduation dinner to hide the belly? Peplum dress

Speaking of the graduation dinner, there’s one thing for sure – you will eat A LOT.

If you are insecure about your bloated belly like I do, a stress-free peplum dress is a god-sent.

The extra flared fabric just hides the food baby completely. Can life be any more perfect?

Below I’ve handpicked two gorgeous pieces from Amazon. They are all with high-quality and flattering cuts, enjoy!

If you want a dress that fakes an hourglass figure for you out of nowhere, this is the one.

This peplum dress is as forgiving as it looks sexy with the cold shoulder design. And yes, this is for my plus-size baes

4. What to wear on valedictory dinner? Ruched bodycon dress

As for another tummy-friendly choice, an off-shoulder ruched dress will make you look like a bombshell.

By showcasing the feminine shoulder line, you just look elegant and sexy.

This dress from Amazon has the ruched double layer so don’t you worry about the belly – people just won’t notice! Check this out below!

6. Dress like a sexy diva for high school graduation dinner

And of course, a sexy low-neck bodycon dress is always a popular choice for valedictory dinner.

But as we all know, bodycon can be tricky to wear – it just reveals everything.

If you don’t want to wear any shapewear, my advice is to pay attention to the texture of the dress.

Instead of choosing the thin cotton, opt for a lush velvet dress that makes anything less visible.

high school graduation dinner outfits

Not only the fabric is supportive enough for your chest and tummy, but the inverted V hemline can also draw the eyes to your legs vertically and make them appear to be longer.

But of course, if you are super tall, the inverted V-hem dress may not be for you.

7. What to wear to graduation dinner party for petite girls?

For all the petite girls, I got you.

Instead of wearing a maxi dress that makes you look like a kid wearing your mum’s dress, I’d recommend the classic high-low dress. It’s a perfect balance of looking classy yet sleek.

Featuring the unique and modern high-low hemline, it naturally draws eyes vertically and makes your legs appear to be longer.

Check out the Amazon review and you’ll be surprised how this dress flatter to all body shapes and sizes!

what to wear to a graduation dinner party

8. What to wear to a high school graduation as a guest?

If you are the mom or teacher, you certainly don’t want to compete with the teenage girls in a sexy dresses.

So here’s come your question: What to wear to high school graduation as a guest?

To look modest and chic at the same time, a classy one-shoulder dress is a hassle-free option.

what to wear to high school graduation as a guest

I bought this dress for my sister’s graduation ceremony and I must say it hugs my curves perfectly with the elegant midi length.

The best part? The fabric is stretchy but not see-through. Check out the reviews and I’m sure you will love it!

9. What to wear to valedictory dinner like a bosslady? Pantsuit

What to wear to valedictory dinner
Source: 1,2

If you are the type of girl who dreads dress, well, what about throwing on a sleek pantsuit that screams “I’ve got a style and I KNOW it”?

After all, going to a valedictory dinner mean it’s time to update your high school girl look and get experimental with all kinds of chic styles.

So yes, if you want to dress like a boss lady, a sleek low bun and dapper pantsuit will do the trick – shock everybody!

9. A jumpsuit that looks effortlessly chic and sexy

What to wear to valedictory dinner
Source: White halter neck flare jumpsuit from Club L London ,2

If you think a pantsuit looks too powerful and you want to dress down a little bit, the jumpsuit is the perfect alternative.

Featuring the high waist design and gorgeously lightweight fabric, the jumpsuit is extra forgiving for any type of body shape.

As a petite girl, I love wearing a halter neck white jumpsuit together with my nude heels.

It just looks sexy without trying too hard. If any of your friends think it’s possible to look hot in pants, show them this look.

10. Keep your hair game STRONG

What to wear to valedictory dinner
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So you’ve pinned down your outfit, it’s time to get your hair done.

Going to a valedictory dinner is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and you certainly want to look the best.

So yes, it’s always worth investing ten minutes for romantic waterfall braids or a refreshing high ponytail that completes your get-up on a dressier end.

You’re bound to feel and look like a princess!

11. Is there possible to find aesthetic shoes forvaledictory dinner?

If you are a loyal reader of ladyrefines, you will know I seldom recommend shoes and bags.

Why? Because I just can’t find any that are cheap but look good at the same time!

But this year, I’ve discovered a new brand Charles & Keith. Their bags and shoes just hold high quality at super affordable prices!

No wonder it’s all the rage in the US now. 

The best part is, this brand is driven to empower women and promote the message that fashion isn’t only for the rich girls. (HELL YES! )

Check out some of my favorites below!

What shoes to wear to valedictory dinner

Seriously, who needs Jimmy Choo if I can find this Leather Gem-Embellished Stiletto Mules from Charles & Keith? 

12. What bags to wear for graduation dinner?

Last but not least, of course, a stylish bag to make sure you look a 10/10!

What to wear to valedictory dinner
Chain Handle Quilted Clutch – Black from Charles & Keith

This is out of stock now but I’m sure they will restock it soon!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

So ladies, there you go the ultimate guide if you wonder what to wear to graduation dinner parties and high school valedictory dinner!

So now it’s time for you to pin down your final look and have fun on this big day!

And now, you want to check out this article: 21 cute looks! Plus size graduation outfit ideas for more tips and ideas!

Whether you are curvy or not you will find these tips useful! See you there gorgeous!

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