There’s nothing like seeing your hard work come to fruition, and graduation ceremonies are like that! You poured your heart, soul, and a lot of coffee into it, and now, you’ve finally graduated! Congratulations!
But now, there’s only one problem. You chose your ideal graduation dress in the peak of summer, it served it’s purpose; however, now you want to rock your graduation dress in the fall.
If you’re wondering if it is even possible. The answer is YES. Yes, it is. You’d just need some tricks and personalization to transition your graduation dress into stylish fall outfits that will keep you warm and have you looking fabulous.
Layer Up for Fall
Let’s be honest: transitioning summer dress for fall is, well… difficult. If you want to look stunning in your fall outfit, you’ll need to improvise by layering up.
Sweater for Coziness
A cozy sweater can instantly transform your look. We’ll even say it is one of the easiest graduation dress fall outfit ideas.
Choose a chunky knit or a sleek turtleneck to throw over your dress. The key is to make sure the sweater complements your dress's color and style.
It’s a simple yet effective way to stay warm without sacrificing style.
A Jacket to Complete the Look
You already know that jackets are your best friends in the fall. Whether it’s denim for a casual day out or a tailored blazer for a more polished look, adding a jacket can completely change the vibe of your dress. For a bit of edge, try a leather jacket.
Whatever you choose, just remember jackets are fall wardrobe essentials for graduates.
Try Out Turtlenecks
Now, if you are feeling adventurous, go with turtlenecks. Granted, these will hide the top section of your dress; however, you can still show off the detailed bottom half.
Did we mention these also add a sophisticated touch? Just make sure you opt for neutral colors like black, white, or beige to keep it versatile.
Must-have Fall Accessories
On top of layering, you should also add accessories to give your look a unique twist.
Scarves
Just think of scarves as the accessory equivalent of jackets for fall, i.e., they are a staple! Not only do they provide you with warmth, but they also add volume to your upper body (ideal if you are pear-shaped). Whether you choose a chunky knit scarf or a light, patterned one, it can elevate your look effortlessly.
Hats/Caps
Much like how your cute face enhances your beauty, a stylish hat can pull your whole outfit together. Now, there are two ways to go on about headwear, either you can go with wide-brimmed hats or go with modern beanie.
Belts
Well, you may not think of belts as much, but these can work wonders in transitioning your graduation dress to a fall-appropriate outfit. Wrap your waist with a statement belt to divide upper and lower sections in style.
Footwear Choices
We understand you. However, as much as you might like to wear high heels and sandals, fall is not the season to do so. Therefore, choose one of these for footwear.
Lace Up
As mentioned above, it is time to swap out those summer sandals for some cozy fall boots. Lace-up boots are the ideal choice if you’re pairing them with a midi or maxi dress. While you can choose black boots, add a touch of style with going with deep red or brown boots.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots can be and should be your go-to footwear choice for fall. Why? Because they’re even more versatile than lace-up boots. We recommend pairing your dress with a sleek pair of ankle boots for a practical and stylish look.
Over-The-Knee
Not a fan of warm bottom wear? Or maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to wear your short graduation dress? Then don’t let the cold stop you with over-the-knee boots. You can either go for classic black boots or all-white.
Color and Texture Selection
Whatever way you want to transition your graduation dress to a slaying fall outfit is on you; however, we’ll say go with these colors and fabrics for your outwear and accessories.
Earthy Tones
Represent Mother Earth in style this fall with earthy tones. Think of rich browns, deep greens, and burnt oranges.
Pro Tip: Have some contrasting accents on your earthy outfit to break the monotony of your look.
Textures
For your fall outfit, think of having different textures for a unique look. While you’d have to experiment with different materials to see what works for you, here’s our idea to get you started:
|
Item |
Recommended Fabric |
Reason |
|
Sweater |
Wool, Cashmere |
It provides warmth, soft texture, and a luxurious feel |
|
Jacket |
Leather, Tweed Leather |
adds edge and warmth; Tweed adds texture |
|
Turtleneck |
Cotton, Merino Wool |
Comfortable, breathable, and perfect for layering |
|
Scarf |
Wool, Cashmere, Pashmina |
It adds warmth and can be a statement piece |
|
Hat/Cap |
Wool, Felt |
It keeps head warm, and adds a stylish touch |
|
Ankle Boots |
Leather, Suede |
Stylish, it provides warmth and protection |
Creating Different Looks
Not just creating different looks for different days but also styling for day and evening events separately.
Daytime - Casual Outfits
For a casual look, you can layer your dress with a cozy sweater and ankle boots. Just add a scarf to that and you’re ready for the day!
Evening - Party Looks
Once you’re done slaying your daily chores in style, switch to a jacket and lace-up shoes. Put on a bold lipstick, and you are ready to party all night.
Style Inspiration
If you don’t have time to come up with your unique fall outfit ideas, you can always rely on celebrities!
Look at Rihanna being well… Rihanna. She looks stunning in this fall outfit.
How about this one? Zendaya looks sizzling here, even in the cold!
Gigi Hadid says hold up! I still stay around here!
Wrapping It Up
Well, there you have it, sweetie. Just remember transitioning your graduation dress to a fall outfit is all about creativity and versatility.
With a few key pieces and some clever styling, you can keep wearing that fabulous dress well into winter. These tips will also help you with transitioning summer dress for fall.
Happy styling!
