Dear Dish-It: Help Me Find A Grad Gown!

Get Grad Gorgeous!

Dear Dish-It,

I’m so happy – this year I’m graduating from middle school and it’s a very exciting occasion for me! The graduation isn't going to be formal at all; my school said for girls to wear a summer or spring dress. But the only problem is that I am a major tomboy and I don't know anything about picking out a dress. I don't know anything about color or style or fit. All the dresses in my closet I either don't like or don’t fit me anymore. Can you help me find a spring or summer that I can wear to my non-formal graduation?

Confused Tomboy Graduate

Dear CTG,

Congratulations on your graduation from middle school! That is a VERY exciting event. You did a great job and you should be so happy and proud of yourself. Now, to find something to wear …

Lucky for you, fashion and style are right up my alley! I’m going to give you a few suggestions of casual styles and trends (in dresses for spring/summer 2009) you can look for and wear to your graduation ceremony. Yippee! Follow me!

Ruffle right
You can’t go wrong with ruffles and bows for spring/summer 2009. Think bows at the shoulders and ruffles at the hemlines.

Clearly sheer
Sheer fabrics are a hit this time of year – just make sure your dress isn’t completely see-through. Instead, think soft and feminine with ruffled or sparkling details at the neck and hem.

Bolder shoulders
The asymmetrical or off-the-shoulder style started last season and, let’s face it, it’s still hot today. While you’re looking for a dress that follows this bold trend, keep your eyes open for bikinis and tops that follow the same style. Kidzworld loves this style for being just a tad revealing and not overly exposing.

Butterfly beauty
For whatever reason, butterflies seem to be back in style this season (they came in and went out again about four or five years ago). We’re seeing lots of dresses and jewelry with a butterfly print or motif.

White sight
The Little Black Dress (something we’ve long been told every girl should have and keep in her closet) will never be replaced, but this season a new trend is emerging – the Little White Dress. The refreshing light color is great for hot summer days and, when the dress is embellished with ruffles or made extra-long and of sheer fabrics, it’s the perfect pick for a graduation goddess!

Sold on bold
Don’t be afraid to make a bold statement at your grad ceremony! Try on some exotic prints – or go all the way to ethnic and tribal fashion. Add a wild vibe to your look and you can’t go wrong!

Fab fringe
Fringe rocks this spring. You’ll see this “stringy” decoration on everything from bags to shoes to dresses. And the nice thing about fringe detail is that it can be modern and sleek or soft and feminine.

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