History Lesson on the White Grad Dress: The tradition of wearing white dresses to graduation can be traced back to the 19th century when women achieving academic milestones were a huge deal. Wedtrend Women White Graduation Dress with Slit Spaghetti Straps Chiffon Grad Ceremony Dress WEDTREND What to Wear to Graduation: Outfits for Your Big Day Aerie Wearing white for graduation, especially for women, comes from a tradition that started in the early 1900s. The color white became a symbol of new beginnings and formality. It stuck around