Style Me Saturday: Graduating in Style

I recently received an email from Fran who is graduating this spring and needed some help finding a look 4 less of an outfit for a formal event, and she also wanted some ideas for a graduation dress. Here's her email:

"I love your site!!! (I read it daily!) Its always full of great finds. I have a dilemma. I'll be graduating college in the spring and am excited about finding something to wear to my formal and on graduation day; but my taste is way TOO expensive for my budget. Can you PLEASE help me find cheaper alternatives to Isabella Oliver toga dress (blue) and Jimmy Choo Lance sandals (in gold mirrored)? Any other suggestions for graduation day looks would be great. I wanted to wear a fitted or shift dress with neutral pumps. I know you just had a feature on neutrals, but was wondering if you had any more ideas. Thanks!"

I was able to come up with a budget friendly look for less of the Isabella Oliver dress (click link in her email above for the original) as well as some similar gold mirrored sandals for her formal. Click on either photo below to purchase these items.

Victoria's Secret Ruched Convertible Dress - $79

Nine West Mama Sandals in Gold - $68.95

In terms of graduation dresses, Fran wanted a fitted shift/sheath dress and neutral pumps. Here are all the options I sent her (click on any photo to purchase/for price information):

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