Graduation season is in full swing, and if you've been busy concentrating on those finals and haven't had time to buy a dress yet, don't despair. Here are 8 cute dresses under $50 that will have you graduating in style.




[1] Silky Floral Belted Dress, $22.80, Forever21.com
[2] Floral Belted Dress, $24.80, Forever21.com
[3] Colorblock dress, Was $64 Now $49, Newport-News.com
[4] Ruched Knit Dress, $22.80
[5] Satin Trim Knit Dress, $22.80, Forever21.com
[6] Sleeveless Dress with Crossover V-Neck, $44.00, AnnTaylorLoft.com
[7] Side-Ruched Sundress, Was $60 Sale $24.99, JCPenney.com
[8] ELLE Basket Weave Dress, Was $50.00 Sale $34.99 , Kohls.com

The words "sophisticated" and "romper" are rarely uttered in the same breath, but I came across an outfit on Net-a-porter.com that got me thinking: Can a romper be more than child's play? The trouble is, even if the outfit on the left works, it costs a grand total of $537.50 (not including the purse). I managed to recreate the look with budget fashion finds from Forever 21 and Express, but I can't decide whether or not the cheap substitutes convey the same level of sophistication. Thoughts?

This Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent strapless romper is ideal for outdoor summer festival-fun. It's currently out of stock, but retailed for $240 at Shopbop.com.


Here's a more cost-effective but just as cute option: This button-front strapless romper gives you a similar look for just $29.00 at AkiraChicago.com. I'd wear it as a poolside cover-up with a floppy hat, big shades and flat sandals.

Exclusive Deal: Use code WELOVEBUDGETBABE for a 15% off discount at AkiraChicago.com!

Basic tees get a fashionable jolt with photo-realistic sea creature designs. And isn't that neon green just yummy?

The other day I "discovered" a new-to-me Walmart store in my area which carries—get this—both the Norma Kamali for Walmart collection and To the Max! I was ridiculously excited, in part because when the Kamali collection first launched, I called just about every Walmart within a 25 mile radius of my house and was told by store managers that they didn't carry the line nor would they be carrying it in the future. Well, guess they were wrong! Anyways, if you live near a Walmart that carries these two lines, they are definitely worth checking out. I try to avoid impulse buys (operative word is "try"), so on this visit I just scoped out the new spring stuff, then I picked up a couple pieces from the To the Max line on clearance, including a very artsy ombre sweaterdress, for just $7 a piece. Here are some pics I snapped off the racks to give you a feel for what's in store. Anything catching your eye?

I'm pretty sure I've seen Rumi rocking these jeans on Fashion Toast. If you can pull off the acid-wash/bleached denim look, these jeans cost next to nothing and look just like the couture denim on the runways!

This army-green draped dress is so unbelievably fabulous and designer-looking and cheap! I need it. Pick this up for your summer vacations, ladies! Five stars all the way.

Here's another eye-catching top for days when basic black feels boring. The cranes are so happy-looking, too.

Embody the sexy, utilitarian style of model-turned-designer Erin Wasson with this Acid Wash Blue Grateful Vest from her first clothing collection, Erin Wasson X RVCA. It's $198 at Oak.


Can't drop $200 on a denim vest? Try this bleached denim vest from Forever 21 for $22.80 instead. Pair it with a gray tank and white jeans or wear it over a floral mini-dress—two great looks for summer outdoor fun!