Graduation season is quickly approaching and shopping for a dress to wear for graduation photos can be tricky. Through years of experience, I've gathered the best places to shop online for the graduation dress of your dreams.

Note: I am not affiliated with any of these stores nor do I recieve any compensation if you use my link, I simply want you to look your best in grad photos.


The first thing to decide when selecting a graduation dress is what style and color you want. For photos, I recommend clients select a color based on what you already have to wear (that is, the accent color in your stole, tassels, gown, etc.) For students with a black gown and bright tassel, see if you can match your dress to the tassel color. If you are wearing a stole, match the lettering or piping of the stole, not the base color in case you want to take your gown off for a few photos. If you can't or don't want to match those colors, go with something neutral that stands out from your gown. For example, my graduation gown is black and my tassel is a terrible yellow color that clashes with my skin tone. I settled on a white dress so that my figure stands out against the black gown but still complements the tassel.


Other things to consider are texture, patterns, and length. Some textures (especially rough or checkered materials), do not photograph well, and loud floral patterns will take focus away from the subject. Go for plain materials, large laces, and simple patterns. Also consider what you will be doing in your graduation photos. Check out your photographer's website and see how they pose people on your campus. On the Butler University campus, my clients are often climbing on top of statues, standing on elevated platforms, etc. While I provide a stool to make that process easier, a super short dress can make that process uncomfortable. Weigh whether the poses or the dress is more important to you.


Most importantly, wear a dress that you feel confident in. Confidence is the key to incredible photos.

Lulus


Lulus is by far my favorite place to shop for EVERYTHING. Half of my professional wardrobe is from this store and at least 55% of my dresses.


The online store has a good mix of semi-formal and cocktail dresses ranging in length. The interface allows you to narrow down your search better than any other website with categories like "neckline", "sleeve length", and "style". They even have an entire section dedicated to graduation dresses! *sigh* I love Lulus (Lulus, if you see this please sponsor me.)


When searching for my own graduation dress, I filtered by style (bodycon) and color (white) and ordered two of the first six suggestions - although I could have ordered way more. Their dresses are modern, chic, and moderately priced. Most importantly, they almost ALWAYS fit true-to-size.


A few of my favorite graduation-style dresses are linked below.


Price: $$

Quality: High

Return Policy: Pretty Good

Spoonful of Sass Bodycon Mini Dress


The very dress that I'll be wearing for my graduation photos! Super clean and fun but thick enough that it's not see-through and long enough that I feel comfortable moving around.

$58.00

Shape the Night Midi Dress


Lulus has a load of midi styles to choose from, but the asymmetrical neckline of the Shape the Night Dress is unmatched. Plus I love a good slit under graduation gowns.

$68.00

Take Me to Brunch Lace Shift Dress


A great example of simple lace and beautiful if you're going for a less-fitted dress. The Take Me to Brunch Lace Shift Dress comes in three different colors: white, navy, and burgundy.

$50.00

Selfie Leslie


Selfie Leslie is a boutique online store with a wide variety of modern options. If you're looking for something sweet and sexy, this is the website for you.


With a variety of styles, Selfie Leslie has dresses that compliment most body types and preferences. My only complaint would be that sizing stops at extra-large.


Orders from Selfie Leslie usually ship pretty fast, and reviews linked to the page are helpful in determining what size to order. Dresses from this store are slightly more expensive than Lulus but the quality is still pretty high. I've never ordered a dress from Selfie Leslie that doesn't feel like a quality material.


Price: $$$

Quality: High

Return Policy: Okay

Meilani A-Line Empire Dress


The sporty cut and lightweight material of the Meilani A-Line Empire Dress makes it a great choice for a hot May graduation. A great option if you like high neck and sleeves.

$69.99

Cupid's Bow V-Neckline Ruffle Shoulder


This bodycon dress would look SO cute under a gown. The unique, v-neckline and ruffles will help you stand out. Selfie Leslie also carries this style with a high neckline.

$85.99

Georgia Square Neckline


A super chic and clean look that comes in a variety of colors (although I think the red is super fun!). The straight neckline and thin straps will complement a gown really well.


Windsor


Windsor is my go-to budget dress shop. While quality can differ (and materials are sometimes see-through) Windsor not only has an online storefront, but also in-person shops which makes returning unused dresses super easy.


Windsor dresses tend to run shorter, so be conscious of how high dresses look on the models when you are looking through photos.


My tip for shopping Windsor dresses is to pay attention to material and read reviews!


Price: $

Quality: Low to Moderate

Return Policy: Easy

Add Some Flair Ruffle Detail Mini Dress


A super cute midi dress option if you're looking for something a little longer but still sexy. I love the ruffle detail down the slit that adds a little extra fun to a clean, undistracting dress.

$35.90

Language of Romance Lace Babydoll


One of Windor's more expensive dresses, the Language of Romance Lace Babydoll dress is a great option if you want something a little more "fun". I love the simple lace and puffy sleeves of this dress.

$54.90

Zadie Formal High-Slit Midi Dress


If you're looking for a sleeveless option, this is it! I adore this soft sage color, but the dress also comes in fuchsia and black. I have a floor-length gown from Windsor in the same material with a similar neckline and adore it.

$49.90

Other Options:


If you're still not convinced, I've linked a few other options that I frequently purchase dresses from for my client closet!


If you're looking for more graduation photo style suggestions - jumpsuits, suits, masculine styles, etc. leave a comment below. There will definitely be more blog posts to come!