Graduation Dress

Help!! I’m graduating college with my associate’s degree at the end of April and I need a dress!

For my high school graduation we had to wear solid white dresses because our gowns were thin and white, but for college they’re solid black gowns and thicker so I can wear whatever color I want.

But I could really use some help! Like do I get long or short? Solid color or pattern? And what color is “traditional” for a graduation dress? I live in a little rural town and none of the stores near me have just graduation dresses. So I don’t know whether to get something more fancy or more casual. Plus, I’m not the type to wear dresses anyway, so I really don’t have a clue!

Same goes for shoes! Flats? Sandals? Heels? No idea. For high School I just wore a pair of those gladiator sandals and they’re honestly too uncomfortable to wear again, so I could use some help please!!

Thank you ladies!!