Graduation Dresses

Graduation is in (oh god) 9 days, and I need something pretty to wear under my robe. It has to be as cute as possible, since I'll probably get my picture taken by my parents and friends about 100 times; light and summer-y, since I expect it'll get rather warm on the field at Yankee Stadium; pretty in a classic way, since my kids are going to look at those pictures and say, "What the hell were you wearing?"; rather modest, because of the aforementioned parents; and grown-up, since I'm no longer a dumb college kid. That's a lot of pressure for one dress. Oh, and it needs to be cheap, since I'm still looking for a job.

I really like the cotton-silk Melody Dress, $79.99, from J.Crew. A little pricey, but the kind of dress I'll wear for years and years to come. The light, light grey color is very subdued but still a bit fun; I've been thinking I would try and wear a print, because I've been really into floral prints ever since the weather got warm, but a solid really might be wiser. Also, the empire waist is flattering but not too babydoll, and it has pockets to stick my camera and cell phone in. Oooh, and look at the knot detail on the cap sleeves-- that's a great extra touch.


If I wanted to splurge on a fabulous statement dress, I'd get this Marc by Marc Jacobs Star Blossom dress, $189. It's half off the original price at The Outnet-- have you guys checked out this site? It's Net-a-Porter's outlet site, and while most of the clothes are still too expensive for me, it's more fun to browse than the $3,000 dollar dresses at NaP. But back to the dress: sure, it's pretty trendy, with the ruffle and double neck halter and the tribal print. But the color alone would make me the best dressed person at NYU (no easy feat!), and I would feel way more special in this than any old H&M dress.

Oooh, I love this Cummberbund Halter Dress, $148, from Anthropologie, although it doesn't fit the "I am officially broke" criteria. It's jersey, which is my fabric of choice, but gathered in an interesting way that's sexy without being too sexual. It'd be comfortable enough for the ceremony, but definitely cute enough for the post-graduation dinners and parties.

This Banana Republic floral dress, $98, is very lovely and eye-catching, and undoubtedly something I could wear again. It's a little country-club for NYU, though, but maybe it's a good thing to distinguish myself from all the see-through t-shirt and shredded miniskirt outfits that my pseudo-hipster classmates will undoubtedly be wearing.

I'm going to need to do some more searching for the perfect grad dress, obviously. If any of you are graduating this year, what will you be wearing?