What to Wear: Spring/Summer Graduation by The Budget Babe featuring Old Navy

I've received a few requests from students who are looking for graduation outfit ideas, so here's one fashion formula that might work for you: Start with a smart-casual or semi-formal strapless dress that hits at or just above the knee. Colorblocking is really popular right now, and this particular dress seems to capture this trend in a tasteful, flattering way. Then, top with a lightweight cardigan in a complimentary color. You can wear black to a graduation but I think lighter colors or white are especially fun and celebratory for daytime occasions such as this. If you're suffocating under a gown, keep the cardigan off. When the rents take you out to a nice lunch afterwards, you'll have something to keep your shoulders covered at the restaurant. The strapless dress is sexy enough for saying goodbyes to all the guys, but prim and proper enough for the proud parentals who will be hovering nearby. Cute heels (make sure you can walk in them for a few hours), a clutch and pearls finish the look. And perhaps the most important part, which can't be overlooked, is that all items shown above are guaranteed to fit any graduate's budget.

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