The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Where to Buy A Stylish White Dress for Graduation





from left: Chiffon Dress, $159; Shantung Dress, $135; Chiffon Halter, $135


I am graduating this spring from a nice private school, and we are asked to wear completely white (not ivory or off-white) dresses. I figured I would ask now since spring is here and there may be more white dresses than if I asked later near the summer. It should be a formal dress, not cotton or any other lightweight fabrics. I don't want to spend more than $100 on it too. I feel like I've looked everywhere but I was hoping you could have more luck than me. —Amanda

Try David's Bridal. Prices start at $99 for all-white graduation dresses and you can get free shipping until May 31 with code GOGRADS. Honestly, I spent days scouring the internet trying to find classy white dresses that were reasonably priced and David's Bridal was a surprise hit. They have a great selection of tasteful styles ranging from J. Crew-esque classics to frocks with more of a BCBG designer-inspired vibe. You'll look polished, chic and proud to be around friends and family alike on your big day. The future looks bright!

Comments
I adore all your picks! And I love that you picked various style that would be flattering on every body shape!
#1 Maddy (Homepage) on 2010-03-30 09:19 (Reply)
If Amanda's high school is anything like my high school was, the dress has to be full length, and your shoulders have to be covered. We also had to wear white gloves. The effect is really elegant, but then you're stuck with a formal white dress. I found mine at what was then Marshall Field's. Growing up in Chicago, there are a ton of private, smaller bridal stores that supplied really simple and affordable dresses for the occasion as well. Good luck!
#2 Kim (Homepage) on 2010-03-30 09:25 (Reply)
I was going to suggest some of the white dresses from H&M's new garden collection, but looks like they wouldn't be formal enough going what Kim is saying.
#3 Alex (Homepage) on 2010-03-30 13:16 (Reply)
I love the one in the middle (Shantung dress) but couldn't find it on their homepage. Is this from David's Bridal too? In a different color I would love this one for a spring wedding that I'll attend shortly.
#4 Anja (Homepage) on 2010-03-30 13:38 (Reply)
Here's a link to the dress:

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49976967&currentIdx=0&subCategory=-49998493|-49976993|-49976967&catentryId=6144528&sort=

Looks like that particular style only comes in white or ivory but look around the site, they have a ton of affordably priced party dresses for all occasions!
#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-03-30 17:34 (Reply)
Thank you so much! :-)
#4.1.1 Anja on 2010-03-30 20:58 (Reply)
Thanks a bunch BB! I never would have thought of looking there. They have a good selection without breaking the bank.
And @Kim, we do have a formal one with the longer white dresses (provided) and a "less formal" one with these shorter ones. I will definitely have to check out some small bridal stores around here too. Thanks so much for your help!!
#5 Amanda on 2010-04-01 21:38 (Reply)
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