Updated • May 17 • Dress for a Night • Designer Dress Hire
What to Wear to a Valedictory Dinner | Dress for a Night
Valedictory Dinners
It has come to that time that stage of life where you or your child's school years are coming to an end and it's time to celebrate their academic achievements. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about valedictory dinners - what to wear as the graduate or the parent.
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
What is a Valedictory Dinner
A valedictory ball is a graduation dinner. It celebrates graduates' academic achievements and dedication to their studies over 13 years of schooling.
Valedictory Dinner Dress Code
The invitation to your upcoming valedictory dinner will outline the dress code for you. It is typically cocktail, formal or black tie attire - so nothing too short and revealing for an elegant look in front of your school peers and staff. Steer away from casual fabrics such as linen.
Valedictory Dinner Dress Code for Parents
All details above apply for the parents as well. It is best to choose an outfit that is not too revealing to maintain a level of professionalism. If you are unsure of what the black tie/formal dress code really means, click here, for an in depth explanation.
What to Wear to a Valedictory Dinner
Valedictory Dinner Dresses for the Graduate
House Of CB Charmaine Corset Gown
The House of CB Charmaine Corset Gown is one we know you will recognise. Made from a lustrous silk satin, this dress features a beautifully draped cowl neckline with a corset bodice to cinch the figure. This dress is all about elegance and class. With a split in the back and its perfect maxi length made to allow movement, this dress is made for comfort and will have you feeling confident all night. Crafted in different colours, this dress is an all year round style, allowing you to match the seasons with the colourways. The perfect dress for any event including black tie events such as a valedictory ball.
This style is also available in chocolate and black.
Sonya Moda Nour Dress
The Sonya Moda Nour Dress is a stunning one shoulder design made from a luxurious satin. This gorgeous formal dress features an asymmetrical neckline, an exposed cutout at the waist with an adjustable tie that tapers for a figure-flattering fit, and a high split providing a sensual look. This luxurious fabric makes this valedictory dinner dress a perfect piece to wear to formal events as it leaves you feeling glamorous and confident. Accessorising with heels and jewellery will elevate the dress and make it perfect to wear to your upcoming formal.
This style is available in colours ocean pearl, yarden floral, scarlet red and fiori di sambuco.
House Of CB Adrienne Corset Maxi Dress
The House of CB Adrienne Corset Maxi Dress is cut from a thick satin that drapes across the body. The built in corset allows for a flattering hourglass silhouette. This dress is all about luxury which is why we think it makes the perfect black tie outfit. This style has the perfect amount of coverage for a sophisticated event, like a valedictory ball. You can never go wrong with a black dress, no matter what season, which is why we know you will fall in love with this style.
Lexi Samira Dress
The Lexi Samira Dress is a fan favourite style for all formal and black tie occasions. A glamorous floor-length, one shoulder style made from a stretch satin. This style is extremely flattering and elegant, and makes the perfect black tie outfit. Although this style has a thigh high split, you can easily use double sided fashion tape to close the two pieces of fabric together. This promising hack, makes this dress an effortless style for your next black tie event.
This style is available in burgundy, orion blue, black and white.
Odd Muse Ultimate Cap Sleeve Mini Dress
The Odd Muse Ultimate Cap Sleeve Mini Dress is a must-have for a cocktail event. This dress features a high neck, cinched waist and cap sleeve design. The most chic and versatile style that gives the ultimate silhouette. The perfect classic mini dress that can be styled in every which way. This cocktail mini dress will have all eyes on you, is super comfortable and easy to wear which is why we know you will fall in love with this style for a valedictory dinner.
House Of CB Lulu Drape Corset Midi Dress
The House of CB Lulu Drape Midi Corset Dress is a beautiful one shoulder corset dress in a delicate sage tone. This dress is perfect for a valedictory dinner as the style exudes sophistication and class. Corset dresses are also super trendy at the moment so why not jump on the trend while you have the chance! The midi length makes this dress suitable for cocktail and formal events.
This style is available in pistachio green and white.
Nookie Nouveau Midi Dress
The Nookie Nouveau Midi Dress is a stunning midi dress. This dress features a square neckline with pearl detailing along the bust and straps. A super comfortable and easy to wear style that is made from a form fitting scuba crepe material. A classic and modern look that is perfect for any event, especially a valedictory dinner. Add a little wow to your next event with this gorgeous midi dress.
Bec + Bridge Amber Maxi Dress
The Bec + Bridge Amber Maxi Dress is a stunning dress made from a luxe silk. This dress is a sleek, statement and timeless design that features a ruched bust detailing, thin straps and a plunging open back. In a gorgeous candy pink, this classic dress is the perfect minimalistic style for a valedictory dinner. Pair this dress with nude accessories for an elegant and sophisticated look.
Valedictory Dinner Dresses for Parents
Pasduchas Composure Gown
The Pasduchas Composure Gown exudes sophistication and elegance. This dress features a draped neckline which is very comfortable and makes the dress a super modest piece. The dress gives an extremely flattering silhouette and will leave you feeling super confident! If you're needing a formal gown for a valedictory ball this is your go-to. Suitable for all ages, you cannot go wrong with this classic style.
The Composure Gown for rent is available in navy, wine, black and white.
If a full-length gown is not for you, this style is available in a midi in colours. navy, wine and charcoal.
Pasduchas Pinnacle Sleeve Midi Dress
The Pasduchas Pinnacle Sleeve Midi Dress is a modest, long sleeve mid-length dress that is perfect for those who want extra coverage. This dress is very comfortable which is all that you want. This wrap style is very flattering on the figure, also featuring bell sleeves which are extremely elegant.
This dress is best suited with neutral tones and minimal jewellery. To keep the look elegant we love simplistic gold or silver jewellery with nude shoes.
Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress
The Aje Serendipity Reflection Midi Dress is a mid-length dress with a corset inspired waist, made from a glossy linen material. Made mostly from linen, it is extremely comfortable and comes in colours blush, champagne and navy. This style is the perfect black tie valedictory dinner dress as it has the perfect amount of coverage to maintain professionalism. Although this style is linen, the gloss on the fabric elevates this dress to be more formal than a cocktail dress.
Rebecca Vallance Bon Ami Midi Dress
The Rebecca Vallance Bon Ami Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is a gorgeous mid-length cocktail dress in a dark navy blue. Made from a luxurious textured crepe, this dress is designed with an elegant puff sleeve and a flattering fitted bodice. The feminine silhouette is further enhanced with a flattering pencil midi skirt. Featuring a signature bow on the shoulder, this dress screams class and sophistication, which is all you want in a valedictory dinner dress.
Alemais Dana Midi Dress
The Alemais Dana Midi Dress in marigold is a classic midi dress that is crafted from a luxurious fabric with a sublte shine. This gorgeous dress features a tailored bodice and adjustable back tie. The voluminous skirt adds a timeless elegance. We think this style is perfect for a valedictory dinner as it is an easy to wear style that will have you feeling glamorous. Elevate your style with this stunning piece.
Pasduchas Emerson Drape Midi Dress
The Pasduchas Emerson Drape Midi Dress is a gorgeous cocktail dress. This wrap style dress features a self-tie to cinch the waist in and give a flattering silhouette. This mid-length dress is an elegant style that gives a modern and sophisticated look, perfect for conservative events. This valedictory dinner dress is perfect for a graduation as it could be dressed up or down depending on the dress code. By adding jewellery, heels and a clutch, your look will be elevated to suit the black tie dress code for your upcoming event.
This style is available in red and black.
Rebecca Vallance Calla-V Wire Midi Dress
The Rebecca Vallance Calla V Wire Midi Dress is a sophisticated style made from a thick structured crepe. This cocktail midi dress has a fit to flare silhouette, v-wire neckline and thick supportive straps. A super elegant design that is comfortable and easy to wear which will have you feeling amazing for events such as a valedictory dinner. A versatile style that can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion and dress code.
This style is available in black, yellow, green and ivory/white.
Rebecca Vallance Montez Midi Dress
The Rebecca Vallance Montez Midi Dress is an elegant one shoulder style made from a structured crepe material. This dress has a flattering slim silhouette and features a dramatic statement bow on the shoulder. This gorgeous dress is suited to all ages and is extremely comfortable which is all you want in a cocktail dress. Experiment with your style with this stunning pink that is guaranteed to make a statement.
Finding Your Fit
Now that we have shown you our top picks for a valedictory dinner dress, it is now up to you to decide which is best suited to you. You can hire all these styles for a fraction of the retail price at Dress for a Night because black tie dresses in your wardrobe go years without being worn, and renting is the most environmentally friendly and financially efficient way to wear your favourite outfits. Experiment with your style and have a greater variety of dresses to choose from within your budget, it's a win-win situation!
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