With many international brands retreating from the market, choosing a graduation dress has become a real challenge for families in North America. Among popular Russian labels, names like 12Storeez, 2Mood, TopTop, Studio29, and I am Studio still pop up, offering evening and cocktail options as well as go-out pieces. Yet the sticker shock can hit parents first, especially when a single dress is priced well into the high hundreds or thousands of dollars. In the North American context, the typical price tag often sits around a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, and that can feel steep for a one-time event.
When hunting for a prom or graduation gown, affordable local options can be found beyond the usual fast-fashion names. Brands such as Zarina, O’stin, Lime, and So Simple Store provide more budget-friendly choices that can later be worn in everyday life. A short-sleeve jumpsuit or a simple dress from these lines may start around 40, 50, or 60 USD, with midi dresses featuring subtle slits or clean lines commonly landing near the 70 to 120 USD range. Long maxi silhouettes for graduation days can be found starting around 100 to 180 USD, offering solid value for those aiming to reuse the piece later on.
“The best way to save money is to buy something that will be worn multiple times,” says stylist Katya Panch. She notes that the event format and dress code matter: if the graduation leans Oscar or red-carpet glamour, there may be reasons to reuse a dress at other celebrations, but ideally a versatile piece serves multiple occasions rather than a single day.
For prom season, the stylist recommends selecting a classic, understated dress without heavy drapery or excessive decoration. A timeless silhouette and neutral color palette tend to age well, making it easier to repurpose the garment for future events or casual wear.
Many families still cling to the notion of lush princess gowns for graduation photos. The question remains whether such a dress is worth the investment. A prominent psychologist and image consultant weighs in with a clear stance: No, it isn’t always worth it. An actual evening gown with a train or embroidered details can be uncomfortable and impractical; renting can be a smart alternative for those who want a glamorous look without the long-term commitment.
“A dress chosen by parents and grandparents according to their aesthetic can feel outdated and restrictive if it constrains the wearer,” warns Lana Volokhova. She advises evaluating comfort as a priority comparable to sports gear — the gown should allow sitting, lying down, and moving freely during photos and celebrations.
Suits and tailored overalls emerge as strong alternatives to dresses, often costing a few hundred dollars more upfront but offering versatility in subsequent uses. The idea is simple: a well-chosen ensemble can be worn again in different settings — a jacket with sneakers and jeans, a trousers-and-blazer look with a T-shirt, or a jumpsuit paired with a coat. Katya Panch sees suits in white, black, and red as particularly stylish substitutes for dresses that maintain a polished vibe without locking the wearer into a single look.
Three-piece suits available from You, loose-fitting jumpsuits from Miditi, and classic pantsuits from Charmstore represent viable options. Similar offerings exist within Shein and AliExpress, though finding the right fit can be more challenging online. The guiding rule is to lean on customer reviews regarding item condition, fit, and fabric quality to avoid disappointments when purchasing from online marketplaces.
Another important factor in dress selection is managing potential disagreements between parents and teens over attire. It is common for youngsters to resist formal wear in favor of more casual options. In such cases, Lana Volokhova suggests negotiating a compromise: attend the official ceremony in festive attire and switch to casual clothes for the informal celebration afterward.
Sometimes graduates want to wear outfits that parents deem overly revealing or too adult. In these moments, Volokhova recommends finding a middle ground. Choose a dress with tasteful reveal and layer it with a light jacket to soften the look while preserving personal style and confidence.
Finally, the setting of the event matters. An evening dress is appropriate for a school ball, but it might be over the top for a casual out-of-town restaurant celebration. The overall goal is to balance style, comfort, and practicality, ensuring the ensemble suits both the moment and the wardrobe that follows the graduation day.