15 University graduation dresses ideas university graduation dresses, graduation outfit, graduation outfit college Did you know? 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. The white color was Zapaka Women White Graduation Dress A Line Off The Shoulder Satin Ruffled Short Grad Ceremony Dress, White US4 Academic Dress for Graduation (Ladies Version)