The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

What to Wear: Spring/Summer Graduation


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.

Like what you see? Click the image for details on any of the items shown.

The Look for Less: London Times Colorblock Dress



London Times at ShopStyle


This London Times cap-sleeve colorblock dress would look smart at the office with a blazer and sexy in the evening worn alone. You could also dress it up for attending a wedding or wear it to a graduation, as the guest or the grad! Though it's not exactly a splurge, this two-in-one dress costs $80 at Dillards.com.



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


Here's another version of this colorblocking style featuring the same bold blue hue on top and slimming black on the bottom, except this one's strapless. Save on the look at Forever21.com for a mere $24.80.

Ask BB: Military Band Jackets on a Budget

I've been searching for a military-style blazer. Rihanna and Beyonce are fond of this style and I absolutely love the look. Any help on finding styles that are not too thick and can be worn during the summer would be greatly appreciated—on a budget of course! [Here's] an idea of what I mean. —Debola

From the Sergeant Pepper jackets seen on the Balmain runway, to the band-inspired vest from 3.1 Phillip Lim, sharply tailored jackets, blazers and vest with an updated military feel are a popular trend for Spring/Summer 2009. I love the decorative button detailing that make many of these pieces stand out, as well as the structured, regimented look that the military jacket can bring to any outfit.

If you can get past the cheesy product shot, this jacket from Newport-News provides one of the best ways to rock this look on a budget. For more great affordable options, browse my hand-picked selections in the widget below.

Save Up to 50% Off Women's Summer Apparel at Kmart.com


Save Up to 50% Off Women's Summer Apparel at Kmart.com

The Deal: Save up to 50 % off Women's Summer Apparel 5/17-5/21 at Kmart.com

Why You Need It: Fashion bloggers are buzzing about Kmart's latest clothing offerings—they're really stepping up their game! And now you can save up to half off great summer apparel from the comfort of your home by shopping online at Kmart.com.

Shown above:
[1] Route 66 Women's Plus Striped Crew Neck Tops, Sale $12.74
[2] Route 66 Women's Plus Dip Dye Dress, Sale $22.49
[3] Route 66 Women's Plus Tunnel Dress, Sale $20.24