Before we get into the shopping, congrats on graduating! You did that. But, with graduation right around the corner, it is time to start looking for a dress. While dress shopping can be stressful as the deadline comes closer and the end of the semester gets busier, it does not need to be. Here is a foolproof guide to finding the perfect dress for you.
Style
Choosing a style is a huge decision, as it will help you narrow down your dress options drastically. To help you, ask yourself the following questions:
What style fits your body the best?
Some popular styles include A-line, fit-and-flare, and bodycon, to name a few.
Do you want a long or short dress?
These styles are often labeled as mini, which ends above the knees, midi, which ends between the knee and ankle (or mid-calf), and maxi, which ends at the ankle or floor.
What neckline do you want?
Some neckline styles include sweetheart, halter, and scoop.
What type of sleeve would you like?
Sleeve styles include spaghetti straps, sleeveless, and strapless.
All of these questions will help you limit the results if you’re shopping online, or if you’re shopping in person, help you know exactly what you’re looking for when you walk into a store.
Color
Once you pick up your cap and gown, go through a list of colors you love to wear to see which dress you think would look best with those colors.
shoes
If you already have shoes you want to wear, make sure you match your dress to those shoes. This could involve the color or length of the dress. If you don’t have your shoes yet, do the opposite and match your shoes to the dress. Popular places to find shoes include Target, DSW, and Famous Footwear.
Budget
Your budget has a huge impact on where you shop. Dresses can be pricy, ranging from $10 at thrift stores to over $100 at more upscale stores. Picking and sticking to a budget really helps with narrowing down your choices while also keeping you from spending more than you have.
Store
There are a variety of stores you can find dresses at that cover a wide variety of budgets. Here are some popular examples:
Target: Target is known for its good, stylish, and affordable dresses. Popular brands to look for include Wild Fable and A New Day. The prices range from around $30-$60 and often run sales.
Macy’s: Macy’s is known for its wide variety of good-quality dresses ranging from casual to formal. It sells higher-end brands such as Calvin Klein and Michael Kors, so the pricing is definitely on the higher end, ranging from around $70-$200+.
Altar’d State: Altar’d State is often considered a top destination for graduation dresses. They offer a wide range of styles, with a whole line just for graduation dresses. Their prices are on the higher end, ranging from around $70-$100+.
Amazon: This is where I bought my graduation dress. Amazon has a wide variety of dresses that are super affordable, ranging from $15-$50+ for the nicer quality.
Windsor: Windsor is a popular and affordable spot for dress shopping. They are known for their large variety of styles and the latest trendy looks. Their prices range from around $20-$100+.
Thrift Stores: Thrift stores, such as local businesses or chain stores like Goodwill, offer a wide variety of options with a broad range of prices. These places are often hit or miss but are always worth a try!
Final thoughts
I hope this guide helps with making dress shopping less stressful and more fun! And, again, congrats on graduating!