Ethical Graduation Outfits in South Africa: Locally-made & Sustainable

Congratulations! You’ve spent years and years studying for that degree and now it’s about to become official. Whether it’s a full-blown ceremony or a hybrid event, it’s fun to have the right outfit for your graduation.

For many of us, gaining our qualification isn’t just a milestone in our own lives but an achievement for our communities and a step forward towards realising the future we want to build in South Africa. So, it’s only appropriate that we champion these values with what we wear to graduation.

Here are some of the best locally-made or pre-loved outfits available online right now for your graduation, as well as some cool ideas to upcycle what you already have. You know what they say: with the right pair of shoes, you can conquer the world…I don’t know about you but that’s exactly how I want to feel at my graduation!

Checklist for the Perfect Graduation Outfit

• Avoid big, puffy sleeves. Although the graduation gown is quite loose, it may still be uncomfortable to squish big sleeves down the arms. Even if you manage to, you’ll probably lose a major feature of your outfit under the gown.
• Complement the colour of your hood. Check with your attire provider what colour yours will be.
• Focus on one or two stand-out features, such as the ones listed below. The black gown is the ideal canvas for a statement in your outfit.
• Consider high heels carefully. At UCT, for instance, there are many, many stairs and with no formal ceremony, we can expect seating to be limited.
• Match your mask. You may be able to take it off for photos but if you’re going to an in-person graduation, choose a mask that’s stylish and easy to put on and off.
• And of course, hire your gown and sash!

The outfits in this guide are all either locally-made or preloved. They range in price up to R2500. This article only contains dresses and jumpsuits from retailers. If you want to wear separates, see the tips we have for upcycling at the bottom of the article.

Metallic Dresses and Jumpsuits for Graduation

Bright and shiny, outfits with a metallic shine scream celebration. Let’s take a look at some examples.

In addition to the sheen on the silver-pink fabric, the Marilyn dress from RSVP boasts an eye-catching asymmetrical shape.

• Price: R1099
• Available: YDE
• Conscious status: locally-made

Only ONE Sequinned Black Dress

Nothing says celebration like a cluster of gold sequins. Imagine them catching the sunlight as you take photos!

• Price: R380
• Available: Love It Again
• Conscious status: pre-loved
• Size available: 12/SA 36/ EU 40

Copper Metallic Jumpsuit

The glittery copper material and plunging neckline of this Amber jumpsuit make for a statement outfit for the graduation ceremony.

• Price: R1099
• Available: YDE
• Conscious status: locally-made

For a sleeker look, try a satin fabric.

Lilac Padded Shift Dress

The dusky lilac shade of this Khosi Nkosi dress is unusual and comes with a demure shine on the fabric.

• Price: R799
• Available: YDE
• Conscious status: locally-made

Mila Satin Mini Dress

How unusual is this muted blue-green colour? As the dress name hints, it’s called seapine. The soft shade, high neck and drawn-in waistline give it a vintage feel that contrasts well with the mini length and flouncy hem. It’s a great graduation outfit available in South Africa now.

• Price: R499
• Available: Superbalist
• Conscious status: locally-made

Patterned Graduation Outfits in South Africa

The plain black gown will make these patterned outfits pop at your South African graduation.

Blue Flare Printed Flare Dress

Mercia has designed a chic A-line dress with a cute bow and rhythmic print

• Price: R699
• Available: YDE
• Conscious status: locally-made

Diane von Furstenberg Jumpsuit

The psychedelic print, silk fabric and plunging neckline of this Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuit are sure to give your special occasion an added boost.

• Price: R1800
• Available: The Changing Room
• Conscious status: pre-loved
• Size available: US 12

Smudj Alaine Babydoll Dress

How pretty is this lime patterned dress? It’s floaty and semi-sheer, and a great outfit choice for graduation. It’s by local brand Smudj and manufactured in Joburg.

• Price: R1099
• Available: Equilibrio
• Conscious status: locally-made

Graduation Clothes in Bright Colours

Colourful items also stand out against the black robe you’ll wear. Take a look at these (make sure they don’t clash with your sash):

Mustard Pleated Tunic

The bold mustard colour of this Miss Port number is sure to stand out among the crowds. It also comes in a sparkly gold version.

• Price: R799
• Available: YDE
• Conscious status: locally-made

Velvet Red Satin Dress

This graduation ensemble is one lovely look. The halterneck, low back and floaty fabric of this Velvet dress are showstoppers. You won’t see the feature back in your gown but the red colour alone is drop-dead gorgeous.

• Price: R599
• Available: Superbalist
• Conscious status: locally-made

Sandro Velvet Dress

This deep amethyst knee-length dress is by Sandro Paris. The ruffle across the chest and high neck provide a lovely, vintage graduation outfit.

• Price: R1825
• Available: The Changing Room
• Conscious status: pre-loved
• Size available: medium

Graduation Outfits You Can Rewear Everyday

Big occasions like graduations are fun and glamorous by nature but that doesn’t have to mean you’ll only wear your outfit once. Obviously, you can don the same clothes for other celebrations but if you’d prefer to invest your money in something that’s a little more practical for everyday life, yet still chic enough for graduation, here are some ideas:

African Print Flare Dress With Pockets

Another Mercia number, this one is a fiery red. With the pockets and strappy sleeves, it can definitely double as an everyday dress, too.

• Price: R499
• Available: YDE
• Conscious status: locally-made

Balloon Sleeve Wrap Jumpsuit

The V-neck and bright colour allow this jumpsuit to stand out, while the simple lines and comfy viscose blend fabric make it comfortable for day-to-day life.

• Price: R499
• Available: Superbalist
• Conscious status: locally-made

Candy Pink Silk Monsoon Dress

The pretty coral colour and sheen of this silk dress give a nod to the special occasion, while the retro A-line shape is a classic that can be reworn for work or formal functions.

• Price: R1800
• Available: Love It Again
• Conscious status: pre-loved
• Size available: 12/36

Giving a Facelift to an Existing Outfit

If you’re short on cash or prefer to avoid buying a lot of new clothes, you can find items from your wardrobe and give them an extra sparkle for your graduation day with these tips.

• Accessorise boldly. Try a pair of big earrings or a chunky necklace like this Woza Moya beaded garland. Wear bold shoes.
• Buy a New Statement Item. For example, pair plain pants with a shiny top like this Mareth Colleen blouse. You could also rent something like this Erre top.
• Upcycle an Existing Piece. You could turn a patterned scarf into a top with a halterneck. Try searching your mom’s or grandma’s cupboards for interesting designs.

The Perfect Graduation Outfit

When it comes to graduation, there’s no one size fits all. Some of you might prefer to rewear an existing outfit, while others of you long to celebrate with a brand-new, locally-made dress. Whatever you choose to wear, enjoy your big day. Congratulations!