What to wear to graduation ceremony

[TravellingSpoon]

I will start by saying that my son is the first person in my family to go to uni, his Dad went but we were not together then (or now).

I have no idea what you wear. Is it very formal. I am do proud of DS and I don't want to show him up or embarrass him by being over or under dressed. Is it like a wedding type outfit?

I sound like a right idiot I know, but its all knew to me and I dont have anyone else to ask.

new

Yes wedding like outfit (no hats obviously) or smart work event type outfit. Dress/heels or wedges and jacket if it's cold.

I went to my DS' graduation a few weeks ago and have my daughters in July. We ended up doing loads of walking, so my very high heels were a mistake tbh, the blisters are nearly gone thank god!!

I wearing this with wedges to DD'

I would agree that similar to a wedding outfit but no hats / fascinators.

I went to DSs last year and there was a real mixture. It was November so I was in a coat and trousers. Lots were in jeans.
I think it depends if you want to be in any of the pictures, but I didn't see many in wedding type dresses.
Most of the graduates were very dressed up though.

Yes I'd say pretty smart, wedding-ish is a good guide, although no hats usually and very much more a daytime outfit than an evening (I know some people wear black tie/ballgowns or cocktail type dresses to weddings and for me that wouldn't be right for a graduation). Lots of floral prints, flowy maxi dresses or fitted cotton numbers at the ones I've been to, or at the more formal end tailored linen or wool trouser suits or dresses with jackets over (mother of the bride type style). Men mostly in dark suits and ties, although sometimes more casual linen or light coloured numbers or chinos and a open collared shirt would be fine too at the more casual end (I find what the men wear a good guide to how smart the woman should be!).

Usually they're summer events so usually light-ish colours and fabrics although do bear in mind there's usually some hanging around outside so keep an eye on the weather and bring a brolly! PP is right that there's often grass as well so stilettos probably not the best call...

I don't think it needs to be as fancy as a wedding outfit.
Consider where the ceremony is - some are in outdoor stadiums or draughty cathedrals and also how much walking will be needed.
I think as long as you look smart, you will be fine, but honestly there will be the complete range.

Remember no one will be looking at you! Smart casual I'd say. Dress and cardi, trouser and nice blouse. Not as smart as a wedding but not jeans and jumper, unless you are very tall, very thin, and the jeans and jumper are very expensive designer.