12 Winter Graduation Dresses For Your Big Day

For December 2015 graduates, the big day is coming up fast. Like, really fast. But no need to stress about what to wear to celebrate your major achievement — here are 12 winter graduation dresses that'll make you want to lose the gown altogether. Because between finishing your classes, packing up your apartment, and job hunting (I can't even), who's got time to worry about an outfit?

Finding a dress for December graduation is decidedly harder than choosing for a May convocation (those lucky spring graduates.) There are so many fabulous winter-worthy dresses with high necks out there, but under a graduation gown? Not so cute. Plus, there's the whole weather thing. Unless you're in a year-round warm weather climate or you're planning on wearing a sweater, long sleeves are pretty essential. Oh, and then there's the whole tights-or-no-tights decision. Will it look weird if I do wear tights under my gown, or weird if I don't? (This is not a rhetorical question.)

Of course, the frustration of finding the perfect grad dress isn't just reserved for December grads. Why must we wear gowns over our dresses in the first place? Think of all the flirty full skirts and trendy high necks we could wear without 'em. Oh well, tradition's tradition, I suppose.

Here are 12 graduation dress options for every style, ceremony, and size. Congradulations! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Off-The-Shoulder

Off-The-Shoulder Dress, $50, H&M

Classic, cute, and perfect for a fancy post-graduation dinner.

Embellished

Little Mistress Wrap Dress With Belt Detail, $45, ASOS

Sweet gold detailing pairs perfectly with the feminine hue of this dress. Pair with a sophisticated blush sweater for a chic monochrome look.

Floral

Floral Print Dress, $70, Mango

Who says flowers are only for spring graduation?

Bright

Midi Dress with Blouson Sleeves and Wrap Front, $69, ASOS

Chances are, your gown is black – a colorful dress brightens up your ensemble underneath.

Asymmetric

Plus Size Dress with Patterned Skirt, $49, Maurices

Mature and stylish at the same time, with an asymmetric twist.

Lace

Lace V-Neck Dress, $30, H&M

Lace is a classic graduation choice, and this silhouette will look lovely under a grad gown.

Wrap

Love Squared Plus Size V-Neck Wrap Dress, $59, Macys

You can never go wrong with a black wrap dress (but the green hue this one comes in would be fabulous, too.)

Casual

Long Sleeve V-Neck Sweater Dress, $48, Nordstrom

If you're looking for a comfy and casual graduation option, a sweater dress is the way to go.

Professional

Entrepreneurial Aura Dress, $85, Modcloth

Starting a job right after the holidays? Get some professional wardrobe shopping done early.

Velvet

Cutout Surplice Velvet Skater Dress, $56, Nordstrom

Fun, festive, and perfect for a holiday party.

White

Give Me a Shift Ivory Long Sleeve Dress, $47, Lulus

Even though white's more of a spring graduation thing, the "no white after Labor Day" thing does not apply here.

Belted

Women's Plus Size Ponte Dress, $30

This dress says, "I killed it in college, everyone." Because you did.

Images: Courtesy of brands