First off – Congratulations!! You’ve made it! Now, it’s coming up on time to accept that award for all your hard work.
So you know what that means…Graduation outfit shopping time! The best looks of course are always something fresh, versatile enough to take you through the day’s many events, and totally you. Okay, so we know you’re probably also a little strapped for time and cash. Hey, we got you!
Our editors have put together 20 amazing, on-trend pieces that are perfect for planning your whole look around…and they’re entirely college-girl budget-friendly.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
BRIGHT WHITES, BIG CITY
A traditional color of graduation dresses, here are some fun and flirty updated versions that hit different.
Starting with this adorbs skater dress from Windsor. The The floral sequined pattern is just oh-so pretty and will look great for your pictures. Did we mention the bow straps that also happens to be super trending right now? We think we just did…
Windsor, Amanda Tulle Bow Strap Sequin A-Line Party Dress $69.90
If there’s one material that’s really trending now, it’s satin. With its clean lines and playful bubble hem, this silky skater dress is ready for you to take a twirl.
Windsor, Lavish Flirt V-Neck Bubble Hem Skater Satin Dress $49.90
This sophisticated strapless midi is a whole vibe. A truly classic silhouette! This is most definitely a dress you’ll want to wear again and again…
Windsor, Chic Impression Strapless Lace Midi Dress $44.90
This lacy mini dress came to party. We love the all-over sequins that will catch the light with your every move.
Windsor, Joanna Sequin Lace Party Dress $89.90
Looking for something fun with a little romantic side? This airy eyelet dress with its sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves is channeling plenty of it.
Windsor, Looking Like A Day Dream Eyelet Lace Dress $44.90
Prefer to balance your mini with some more coverage up top? The flowy bishop sleeves of this daisy flower dress will give you what you want, in a fine, textured mesh that let’s you breathe easy.
Windsor, Sunshine Daisy Flower Mesh Skater Dress $64.90
A little stretchy knit and a little sexy cutout waistline makes this marvelous ivory midi the perfect summer party number.
Windsor, Sensational Delight Sweetheart Cutout Midi Dress
$52.90
Finally, if you have more than a few events to go to, this multi-tasking crepe mini understands the assignment completely. The cut is classic, with a fresh, crisscross twist in the skirt – allowing it to travel effortlessly from outdoor summer sun, to farewell-party, to grad night dance floor fab fun.
Windsor, Wrapped In Stylish Crepe Mini Dress $34.90
SOFT SORBETS FOR DAYS
While last season’s bold brights dominated much of the color landscape (looking at you, barbiecore), this season seems to be the year of softer hues. Pastels and sorbet-inspired colors are populating the landscape like wildflowers after a spring rain (as are florals, ‘natch, which we’ll get to as well).
Starting with this soft, blushing number. Plenty of airy sheer organza fabric with delicate flower appliques and embroidery give it a summery, romantic feel.
Windsor, Eden Flower Babydoll Party Dress $59.90
Simple sage meets sumptuous ruching in this chiffon mini by 70/21
70/21, Ruched Mini Dress $32.99
(on Sale NOW from $183)
Craving something creamy? This off-white short dress is the perfect match to those with warmer skin tones.
Windsor, Awaken Beauty A-Line Lace Short Dress $38.90
Who says dresses get all the fun? This pretty periwinkle romper has all sorts of sophisticated elements, including flare sleeves, front pleats and a perfectly pleated bottom. Cute and chic!
Love, Bonito, Jia Pleated Flare Sleeve Romper $59
Love the Y2k look, but want to give it a 2024 vibe? This pretty-in-pink slip dress has plenty of 2000s appeal, but refreshed with a sexy one-shoulder silhouette.
Windsor, Winnie Formal Satin One-Shoulder Midi Dress
$54.90
A sweetheart neckline and ruffled hem makes this lovely lavender skater dress effortlessly chic and comfy.
Windsor, Sunny Posture Tie Back Floral Chiffon Skater Dress $49.90
A rose by any other name…would be this dress from Free People.
Free People, Good Catch Mini Slip Dress $25.99
(on Sale NOW from $78)
Sky blue in a strapless, with the cutest ruched bow accent…
French Connection, Whisper Tie Front Mini Dress $49.99
(on Sale NOW from $128)
BACK IN BLACK
Timeless and always in fashion, the LBD (or LBJ as you’ll see soon enough) is the second most popular color choice for graduation. Because black can sometimes read ‘flat’ in photos, our editors recommend looking for rich fabrics and/or textural elements that will elevate your look and turn it into a real showstopper.
Ruffles, ruffles, everywhere! This off-the-shoulder mini features plenty of detailing, along with one of this season’s biggest trends – the drop waist.
Sugarlips, Emmy Off the Shoulder Mini Dress $63.20
(on Sale NOW from $79)
We challenge you to find a reason not to wear this dress. With a V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a padded bust for support, and a faux corset waist design with an adjustable lace-up for a snatched appearance, this is a wardrobe staple. And would you believe the price? Seriously, why isn’t this in your cart right now??
Windsor, All Kinds Of Chic Satin Faux Corset Midi Dress $44.90
The silhouette is classic, the overall look marvelously minimal. This one-shoulder cocktail style dress keeping things interesting with a subtle pattern that catches the eye.
Allegra K, Sleeveless One-Shoulder Bodycon Dress $36.99
Add some coquettish to your look with a cute detail like this cutout on Boden’s ruched mini.
Boden, Cut Out Detail Mini Dress $24.99
(on Sale NOW from $130)
We love the bodycon scallop detailing, juxtaposed with the flirty, flair out of the skirt on this onyx dress.
Cupshe, Onyx Scalloped Halter Mini Dress $36.99
Sheer sleeves give a nod to the on-trend transparency look without going too far into showing off too much.
Laundry by Shelli Segal, Button Mini Dress $35
Speaking of trends, add some rosette to your celebratory day with this velvety mini…
Bardot, Inara Velour Mini Dress $35
Finally, we talk a lot about the Little Black Dress but when you’re desiring something truly sleek and flattering, we should be talking about the LBJ…as in, Little Black Jumpsuit. This piece can go everywhere your LBD can, and even be a quick one-and-done job-friendly look to boot. This wide leg version is your next big wardrobe staple piece just waiting to happen.
Sugarlips, Caline Cross Neck Jumpsuit $99
FLORALS FOREVER
As mentioned above, romantic florals are also trending hard this season. Paired with flowy, airy materials they’re a great way to really stand out and make a statement.
Starting with this airy, ethereal babydoll dress in cream and blue. The puff sleeves and square neckline are giving Bridgerton beauty meets 21st century fox.
Windsor, In The Sunshine Puff Sleeve Floral Babydoll Dress $54.90
Everything is coming up roses in this garden floral print midi with eyelet fabric and ribbon-tied shoulder straps.
Sugarlips, Plus Villa Garden Eyelet Midi Dress $89.25
(with Code CURVE15)
Playful pleats across a diaphanous design of chiffon brings a garden goddess feel to this mini.
Cato, Watercolor Floral Chiffon Dress $24.99 (on Sale NOW from $34.99)
When it’s hot, hot, hot! stay cool with this airy, sheer mesh skater dress. Dainty floral and polka dot print mix it up together with a flirty, frothy skirt and sweet ribbon tie straps. This look is all chill.
Windsor, Brynne Formal Floral Mesh Ruffled Skater Dress
$69.90
Soft florals with just a tropical touch give this mini dress a feel of summer breeze…
Z Supply, Lei Sa Faire Mini Dress $35.99
Don’t be afraid of dark florals when the dress is as pretty as this…
Sugarlips, Jenna Floral Smocked Mini Dress $89
Finally, petal pink and ditsy florals give this ruffled mini a pastoral vibe…
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