Purple graduation dresses in violet and lilac shades

Winter commencement in velvet, pleats or sparkle

A December ceremony in a cold auditorium is easy in lavender velvet. Our midi has a round neck, long sleeves and a slit at the leg, and the only skin you show is a bit of leg when you walk up the steps. Thin heels or strappy sandals show off the slit. Keep the tights sheer and nude.

The lilac pleated midi is the one for families. Its little folds move with you, the color’s soft, and it won’t steal attention from the person getting the diploma. For grandma’s lunch after, low heels and silver jewelry are all you need.

Want shine? Violet lurex knit comes as a fitted mini or a fitted midi, both with a round neck and long sleeves. The midi stretches, which helps after an hour in a plastic chair and again at the dinner table. Go with silver or graphite sandals and a little clutch. The mini is more of a party look. Swap the sandals for black heeled boots, add a cropped jacket in faux leather, and it goes from the ceremony straight to a night out with your class.

A lilac wrap for a June ceremony

Our lilac satin wrap is a summer style, polyester with elastane, short in length with long sleeves. The wrap shapes the waist and opens into a V. That’s a good mix for an outdoor graduation where it’s warm at noon and breezy by four. Throw a white jacket or a gray trench in the car.

Silver accessories and nude shoes suit the cool lilac. To freshen it up, hand wash it in cool water and steam it from the inside. Every purple graduation dress here, the wrap included, comes in XS to XL, and for the fitted styles it’s worth measuring bust and hips before you choose. Since this is a seasonal style, plan your fitting ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Is a short purple graduation dress OK under a robe?

Sure. The robe usually covers more than the dress anyway. A mini with long sleeves looks tidy and keeps your arms warm.

Violet or lilac for the photos?

Lilac looks soft and fresh on fair skin. Violet sparkle stands out in a crowd of black gowns.

What goes over it on a cold day?

A long gray coat over the lavender velvet. With violet lurex, something black, either a plain wool coat or a little jacket in fake fur. Both look fine in photos on the steps.

Do you have more styles with sleeves?

Plenty, in other colors. See our sleeved dresses, more lilac for any day, the same purples styled for prom or graduation looks in every color.