This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Erika Gay. Find her on Instagram at @erikag0503. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
It is officially April so Spring has sprung and that also means the end of school is near and graduation time! I don’t think I have ever been more excited for May to come around and that says a lot because I have a May birthday! I am proud to say I am a graduating senior in college, and I count down the days until I walk across the stage in my cap and gown. Most importantly, graduation means all of the fun things like photos, parties, and celebrations will be underway. For these things, it is obvious you will want to look good! I know I do, so that means finding outfits for these memorable events. Finding a graduation dress can be a long and stressful process but I am here to help you and be your fashion guide, ensuring you look the best for this special time in your life. So whether you’re looking for a classic dress, a modern jumpsuit, or a polished suit, here are some of the best places to shop for graduation outfits.
Online Shopping For The Win
If you’re like me and you are in a college town that doesn’t have great malls around the area, online shopping is usually the go-to when buying clothes. I am a person who prefers going to the mall and shopping around, trying clothes on, and just enjoying the experience in general. Unfortunately, that is not too practical for me at school so the alternative is shopping online and finding really good brands that can ship to me. Everyone has a different style but these websites will most likely have something that will be perfect for graduation festivities. First up is ASOS which has a lot of good pieces, especially dresses that are good quality and unique in style. A great option for trendy, affordable dresses, jumpsuits, and suits in various styles and sizes.
They are an online retailer based in London and started getting popular in the last couple of years because of the cute stuff and styling picks that they provide. I would recommend looking through their “Occasion” section to look for graduation outfits and then you can always filter by color, style, etc. Next up is Lulu’s which is also a great option because they are known for their special occasion, specifically Prom dresses which is nice because they specialize in higher quality and trendy pieces for the Spring. It is ideal for feminine, elegant dresses and stylish two-piece sets at budget-friendly prices. I think long formal dresses can be very chic for graduation photos even though most people go with the classic short white dress. Lastly, is my personal favorite that I have shopped from which is Oh Polly, another great brand with the cutest dresses. I bought an adorable embellished dress for my 21st birthday that was stunning and of great quality. They are on the pricey side but I believe it’s worth especially for such a special event in your life. I recommend filtering to the dress section because you can see all of the options and styles, super cute! Tobi is another solid online pick, with a curated lineup of dresses for any special occasion. Whether you’re going for a classic white dress or something bold and colorful to mark the next chapter, they’ve got you covered.
In-Store Go-To’s
Although online shopping is so easy and you can literally shop while in bed, something about trying on clothes in the store and fitting room mirrors sometimes hits different! Don’t worry because if you can shop at the mall for your graduation outfit, then I have some good recommendations for you. Department stores are not as popular as they used to be but I have to say shopping there is worth the time because there are usually a good amount of options. My first recommendation is Nordstrom. As someone who worked at Nordstrom, I can tell you they have a great dress department. If you’re looking for something casual like a brunch fit or a whole gown they have got you covered. They even have a whole graduation section with dresses from labels like ASTR the label, French Connection, WAYF, and BP. They also have an elite shoe department, so you can find shoes there as well. If there is a store in your area, I highly recommend it! Next is Macy’s which is a classic. I have definitely done my fair share of dress shopping there and sometimes you can hit the jackpot. I also think around the Prom and Spring season they up their game with the dresses. If you are able, I would check out some department stores for your grad looks.
Affordable Options
I am now realizing how expensive graduation season is very expensive. From buying the cap and gown, getting a photographer, and planning the party it is quick to add up. This is why it is important to have more affordable options because I understand that spending a couple of hundred dollars on an outfit is not doable for everyone. It is a good thing there are so many retailers because an affordable option is always available. First I would recommend Zara , which is a great store for essentials and also upscale outfits that are still affordable. Zara is unique because their pieces have a European flare so it is likely you can find an outfit that will stand out. A lot of their dresses are cute business casual so you can feel classy for graduation. They offer stylish, modern pieces that are perfect for a polished graduation look. My last recommendation is H&M, which at first you may think they are too casual or unfit for the occasion but I disagree! H&M is doing well keeping up with trends and their brand image has shifted to more sophisticated, even though it is still technically fast fashion. I would say going to check out their stuff for grad options would be smart, I bet you are likely to find something cute and very affordable.
With so many shopping options available, finding the perfect graduation outfit is easier than ever. Whether you prefer online convenience, in-store shopping, sustainable fashion, or budget-friendly finds, there is something for everyone. Take your time, explore different styles, and choose an outfit that best represents you and your achievements. Happy shopping!
We hope you liked these graduation outfit ideas! What will you be wearing? Let us know in the comments below!
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