American Living Green Pleated Dress, on sale in stores for about $62 (not available online when this post was written).

I know a few ladies who are looking for affordable graduation dresses to wear this spring, and I think I may have struck gold! The other day while conducting research (as I like to call it) at JCPenney, I tried on a bunch of spring dresses from the American Living line (that's their Ralph Lauren red-white-and-blue Americana themed collection), and I think they looked, in a word, CLASSY. The American Living collection as a whole doesn't reflect my personal style, but even I like to get pulled-together for special occasions, and these ladylike frocks were a breath of fresh air.

American Living Tiered Mock-Wrap Dress, From $82.50 To $84.00

Here, I'm modeling three of the more brightly hued dresses. The feminine, conservative-chic cuts were very flattering, each dress was fully-lined and allowed for normal bra-wear. I'm wearing a black bra underneath the white dress (below) and it did not show through, which says something about the quality.

Another pro: Long hemlines. Finally a practical skirt that drops at the knee. (I say practical because I have nothing against short skirts and showing leg, but sometimes you need more length—at a formal graduation ceremony, for example!) Yet another great thing about these dresses is that they're available in Misses size 4-16; additionally, many of the dresses are also available in Plus size 14W-24W. Sweet.

American Living Floral Eyelet Dress, Original $100.00; Now $75.00.

Ok, so let's talk price: All American Living dresses were on sale at my local JCPenney, averaging around $60. However, I was looking at the new spring arrivals. There were great finds under $50 on the clearance racks. Overall, I didn't see any dresses over $100. You may want to check it out in stores, then consider ordering online. Stalk the sales, and use a coupon.

If bright colors aren't your thing, the American Living collection also had a large selection of classic black options. Worn with a cropped cardigan, pearls and strappy heels or cute wedges, I think any of these dresses will help you accept your diploma in style.

View the entire American Living collection here.

Oprah Winfrey shares the cover of her best-selling magazine O, The Oprah Magazine with another big "O:" First Lady Michelle Obama, who looks radiant in an orange Michael Kors dress and canary yellow Dear Cashmere cardigan. (Oprah's looking pretty stylish herself in a lavender-pink shirt dress by Rachel Roy New York!)

For a budget-friendly breakdown of America's new style icon, try a short-sleeve cardigan from Twelve by Twelve and a tangerine sheath dress from Spiegel. Finish the look with an unexpected plastic belt, classic pearl stud earrings and neutral slingback pumps. Like what you see? Click the widget above for details!

Inspired by Chloé's Spring 2009 runway, I set out to find some relaxed fit shorts in either silk or satin, and discovered the best ones on a budget can currently be found at Express. I can easily see these seductive bottoms transitioning from day to night, but I don't think they're appropriate office attire. Paired with heels and a tuxedo jacket, I think these shorts would be best worn as a cocktail dress alternative. So would I wear them? Absolutely. How about you? (P.S. Most of the shorts shown above are available in different colors, so check them out using the widget below to see all your options.)

As in Spring seasons past, many designers such as Richard Chai sent loose-fitting, relaxed fit pants down the runways for 2009, and fashion chains everywhere are following this trend. As much as I love this look, especially with the rolled up cuffs and pale hues shown by Chai, I'm not sure I'm ready to shed my fitted jeans for fuller cuts. Voluminous pants...frighten me, as much as I adore the look on others and the smooth silky fabrics that lend themselves so well to this look. Reassure me that I have nothing to fear, and that you're ready to wear this style yourself—perhaps one of the four pairs above is calling your name?

The big day has finally arrived when fashionistas nationwide can shop the Alexander McQueen for Target collection online and at select stores (sadly, not carried at a store near me). I'm just dying to get my hands on the asymmetrical dress (above) but I am reluctant to spend $69.99 without trying it on. Are you guys going gagga? Let me know what you buy!

See the entire Alexander McQueen Collection at Target.com.