We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with POPSUGAR Fashion every month. This week, she's giving us her tips for stylish graduation dressing.
Graduation is of course a wonderful celebration. Not only does it mark an entirely new chapter of life, but also, it's a ceremony that recognizes your hard work and achievements throughout four years of college. It's a special occasion, so it's a good idea to put a little extra effort into your look. Since I've been to many graduations, I'm pretty well versed on the topic of dressing for the occasion. And recently, I've been thinking about a few tips to help all of you upcoming graduates put your best foot forward in front of your professors, classmates, family, and friends. Here are a few things to keep in mind on the day of the ceremony . . .
- Choose a cute but conservative dress.
You will of course want to look cute in photos with friends on the big day, but also keep in mind that graduation is a ceremony for people's parents, grandparents, and professors. That said, don't reach for the trendiest, tightest dress in your closet. Instead, opt for a cute and conservative style that will look appropriate in front of friends and family alike. Since graduation is in the Spring, I would recommend choosing a sleeveless style — especially since those robes can get a little toasty. This little number from my Paper Crown Spring collection is an adorable option: - Wear comfortable shoes.
Being comfortable on graduation day is a must. You will be walking, standing, sitting, posing, and more! If you don't want to go the sandals route, I suggest finding a pair of wedges that is comfortable to walk in. They will give you support and make your look more dressed up than flats. It's also important to remember that when you're wearing your cap and gown, the only thing people will see are your shoes, making them equally as important (if not more!) as your graduation dress. Find a pair that is classy, cute, and comfortable, like this pair by Joie.
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While bags and satchels are lovely, there is another carryall that I'm loving as of late: the daytime clutch. Whether I'm off to an afternoon event, a lunch meeting, or even running a few errands, an oversize clutch is a simple way to give a basic look a major dose of fashionable allure. When using a clutch during daylight hours, I prefer bags in neutral tones with some texture. I especially love to carry a clutch when I know that I am going to be out all day and into the night. Clutches transition well into evening settings since they are a bit more dressed up and streamlined. They also tend to have less exposed hardware making them easy to mix and match with various outfits.
As a young working woman I often find myself racing against the clock. Constantly. (Maybe always.) Whether I am running from the gym to the office or the office to post-work cocktails, it seems that time is never on my side (even though it seems to be for the Rolling Stones . . . go figure). Since the ticking of time is inevitable, I’ve come up with some shortcuts to maximize the free moments I rarely find in my jam-packed days. Let’s be honest here: When you’re always on the go the last thing you need slowing you down is wondering about your wardrobe. Right? Especially when you’re darting from your desk to drinks or dinner after clocking out. Here are a few surefire tips to take you from office appropriate to dinner date chic in a snap:
I hope everyone enjoyed my last Ask Lauren post! Today I will be answering a question that many of you have messaged me about: breaking into the fashion industry. Here's the question:
I recently pinned something that says, "Simple is the new black" and I couldn’t agree more. I love to keep my look basic with a few unexpected accents. Whether it be the hint of a new silhouette such as a peplum or cutout, or an interesting color palette such as head-to-toe neutrals or brights — I like to think that the beauty is in the details. If you ask me, the best way to revamp an outfit is by adding a little flair. And when I say "flair" I mean accessories — the most important detail when it comes to putting together a cute outfit. I love piling on costume jewelry and glittery flea market finds. It's my favorite way to spruce up an otherwise simple outfit. I am particularly loving statement necklaces this year. From sparkly bibs to geometric collars, a decorative necklace is just what the fashionista pre-ordered when searching for the perfect, no-brainer outfit. 
Cutouts sometimes get a bad rap. And understandably so. When worn with 7-inch Lucite heels and a zebra print micro skirt, there's nothing chic about them. However, when done right, I really love the trend. I particularly love cutouts in unexpected places such as the collarbone area, the shoulders, at the hips of a modest dress or the back of a pretty tunic. In fact, cutouts were a noteworthy trend on the Spring 2012 runways. Designers including 