Graduation is a huge accomplishment—whether you’ve just finished high school, college, or grad school. And since graduation photos are the kind of thing that sticks around forever, celebrating the day in a gorgeous dress (or jumpsuit!) is a must. After all, if your ensemble will be framed in your grandma’s living room for years to come or displayed all over your family’s Facebook pages, that’s more than enough reason to put a little thought into your OOTD. The key to plus-size graduation dresses and jumpsuits, of course, is to find pieces that are equal parts cute and comfortable. (Simple, but necessary.)
Unless your class is fewer than 10 people, graduation ceremonies typically involve quite a bit of waiting around before you actually receive that frame-worthy diploma. Hence the importance of comfort when selecting a dress for the occasion. (!) Opt for a piece that’s easy to sit in for long periods of time—like dresses with breathable fabrics and flowy silhouettes. Of course, if a bodycon mini or form-fitting corset dress is your go-to for every occasion, that’s fine too. Whatever feels most comfortable for you is your best bet here.
Another tip? Keep the location of your graduation in mind. If the ceremony is indoors, an itty bitty mini dress might leave you freezing when the air conditioning turns on. And if you’re outdoors on a warm day, thick or unbreathable fabrics can cause you to overheat. Check the weather—then check it again. The excitement surrounding graduation can be overwhelming, so preparing for a specific location before the actual day will likely save you from wearing an ensemble you wish you hadn’t. (Because let’s be real—we’ve all been there.)
Thankfully, plus-size graduation dresses for any type of ceremony are available in droves. From gorgeous maxi dresses in bold prints to classic, neutral mini dresses you’ll wear long after the big day, there’s a little something for everyone. Frankly, as long as you feel cute and comfortable—and your graduation gown fits over the dress!—you can’t go wrong. Congrats, grad.
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