Dresses & More Dresses

Oh the joy of finding clothes for a specific occasion--I.HATE.IT.  When I shop for clothes with no special occasion or certain "need" in mind I can find more then I could ever purchase.  When I need an outfit for something specific, I always struggle finding something I like.

I'm currently searching for a nice dress for B's upcoming flight school graduation.  Before moving to Alabama I never wore dresses, but living in the heat + humidity during the summer I soon learned that dresses were AMAZING!  Although, I still do not like shopping for dresses and have found that shopping online is much easier then spending forever shopping local stores (not very many down here!)

I spent a couple hours browsing the internet to find a few options.  I thought I would share some of my finds and get your opinion on a good graduation dress.  But first, here are a few things to note:

1. I am very fair skinned, so I need a dress with color. No light colored dresses for this girl!
2. I want a lined dress, makes me fell a little more comfortable and relaxed wearing a dress that is lined.  You can say it, I'm weird.
3. I want/need something modest, no hoochie mama dresses for me! 
4. I also do not like long dresses, like the maxi dresses that are in style right now. Just don't look good on this short girl.  

So here are some that I found, now to just narrow them down to a couple.  Help me out by letting me know the top 2 or 3 you think would be a great flight school graduation dress.  

 Nopoli Dress By Boden
Pros: color, looks comfy
Cons: not lined, jersey material which sometimes does not flatter the back end

 Sumptuous Silk Dress by Boden
Pros: fully lined

Cons: silk so it would wrinkle easy (I think), might wash me out since it is a lighter color

Paternoster Dress by Boden

Pros: would make a great dress for interviews in a few months

Cons: not lined, not sure if color would work for graduation since B's uniform is 2 shades of blue

 Raspberry Debut Dress by ModCloth

Pros: This might be one of my favorites, fully lined, 
another great interview dress

Cons: 65% wool (might be to hot for AL right now!), 
might wrinkle (not sure?)

 Graphic Colorblock Print Frock by eShakti

Pros: lined, something different with some splashes of color

Cons: dry clean only

Selina Dress by Boden 

Pros: lined, several color options but I really like this orange

Cons: dry clean only

Antonio Melani Tyne Embroidered Dress by Dillards 

Pros: another one of my favorites, 
cool material for humid + hot weather

Cons: not lined

 Lauren Dress by eShakti

Pros: available in a couple colors, 
but like the black since it is slimming. 

Cons: black not the best for a graduation (not sure)?, not lined

Victoria Dress by eShakti

Pros: great style to hide not so attractive areas

Cons: not lined

An Enchanted Evening Dress by ModCloth

This is one I really like but it is not in stock yet so
I don't have the details

Pizzazz on the Piazza Dress by ModCloth

Pros: love the colors and style

Cons: not lined, linen (hello wrinkles!)

Style & Company Dress by Macy's

Pros: love this one to, but not sure if it says "graduation",  
great price

Cons: not lined

C Luce Lemon Lime by Hazel & Olive

Pros: another great one for an interview, fully lined

Cons: top cream color might be too light for my skin tone

So what do you think?  If you were my fashion stylist which 2 would you chose for me to wear to B's graduation? I would love your input! I've pinned all the above dresses + more to a Pinterest board. Check it out to see a few other ones I did not share here.  

Where do you shop for dresses? If you find any dresses you like that might be a great grad dress send the link my way! 

Do you find it tough to shop for clothes when there is an event you need a specific outfit?  Come on, please don't tell me I'm the only one!  

Next challenge is finding a formal ball gown for the graduation social.  Luckily I'm going shopping with a friend this week for us to start the search.  

Thanks for your help!! I look forward to hearing what you vote for.