What to wear for graduation ceremony?

[custarddinosaur]

Never been to one before, what do parents usually wear to these events - is it fairly formal? It will be in a cathedral so probably on the chilly side. DD doesn't know what outfit to wear under her gown either.
What's the done thing?

[Poshindevon]

Your DD can wear a nice dress (not too short) top and skirt smart trouser suit. Dont wear all black its its not flattering under the black gown Something with a collar can help to stop the gown slipping back. Make sure she has comfortable smart /elegant shoes.

For you dress, dress as if your going to a wedding. (hat not required)
I hop that helps

[AnguaResurgam]

Traditional wear under a gown is white (plainish) blouse and black skirt or trousers, not too flimsy a top as you need to anchor the gown/hood. But in practice, people wear anything these days.

Guests would wear what I call Sunday Best (no hats)

[CatAfterCat]

We saw all sorts at DS's ceremony. Most of the Grads were in suits/ nice dresses though you could hardly see under the gowns.
The parents were mostly in Sunday best though one father stood out by wearing what looked like a 1920s explorer outfit, complete with shorts.
Many parents had flown in from abroad and there some fabulous outfits so quite a big occasion.
Also FWIW, it's a very long and boring ceremony. Think school speech day x 100. It was also 30C in July.

[Allthebestnamesareused]

I (mum) just wore a summer dress and a cardy (Cathedral but July ceremony). DH wore trousers and a blazer (step dad), step Mum wore same as me prerty much, Dad wore a suit.

DS wore trousers and a shirt with a tie but no jacket as it was July and obviously was under his gown anyway.

[wobblywonderwoman]

I would say a smart dress (tights) or blouse and trousers if you are not a dress type person.

Graduate - I wore a skirt suit but a lot west white blouse. I would keep it fairy neutral.

[custarddinosaur]

I think we might be cold - it's next week, cathedrals in November aren't renowned for their warmth are they?! Thanks for all the hints, DH can wear a suit, but I don't have anything suitable, I'd be frozen if I wore either of the 'wedding' outfits I've got. Might have to be smart trousers and the tidiest jumper I possess! Will show DD your suggestions for what she needs to wear.

[Fadingmemory]

Am off to a graduation next week, wearing a black trouser suit with a lace blouse underneath. Knee length camel coat on top and an artfully draped scarf. Ankle boots. Outfit has to go all day including dinner in the evening. Might be very cold given the location.

[dorislessingscat]

White, orange and yellow look really good under a gown.

In November in a cathedral I'd focus on making sure your coat was really smart and that you has a nice scarf.

[BackforGood]

For parents it's almost weddingy (without the hat). Definitely formal. Am glad ds's was on a glorious Summer's day .
For your dd, she will need to hook the 'hood' on to something on her chest - usually a button, but can be done with a pin, but it is quite weighty so don't wear a light (silky type) dress or top. The key thing for her is to wear shoes she can comfortable walk in. You don't want to trip, slip or turn an ankle when several hundred eyes are watching you walk across the platform. You'd be surprised how many graduates hadn't thought it through and sort of clunked or hobbled or tip-y-toed their way across the stage, making them look really rather silly.