Graduation wear

[Cliff1975]

I don't want to tempt fate- but what will the mums amongst you be wearing to graduation?

I’ve actually purchased four dresses and I’m trying them on tonight.

Three of them are Scarlett & Jo and one is Nobody’s Child. All from John Lewis.

how about you OP?

It varies a bit by university but don't go overboard, there are people dressed up as if they are off to a society wedding and people in jeans. Get the approval of your young person so you aren't the butt of the jokes about how over the top you went! I wore a knee length dress and sandals, it was 34 degrees! to DD's and a longer dress, tights, jacket and shoes to dsd's - only the next day but 18 degrees cooler, not same city.

You can't go wrong with an interview type suit.... and it will double as an interview suit or formal workwear.
I'd avoid anything too fashionable that will look dated very quickly in photos etc and a reasonable suit will last for years if you don't need one frequently

Btw.... I assumed you were the one graduating....
If not then wear something semi formal that you might wear to an afternoon or early evening function

I have a plain maxi dress from Anthropologie, i then have some bright blue shoes to make it a bit more special. Not sure about a jacket, as in July it might be hot. Ds girlfriend oked the dress over easter!

I wore a midi dress, sandals and a jacket. I didn't see anyone in jeans. This was Newcastle.

It is (hopefully) my DS graduating from Cambridge. I have a few summer dresses which I have bought with half a mind to the graduation and a white jacket I had for a recent wedding which is collarless and 3/4 sleeves as it is in June. Shoes I think need to be comfortable as there are college drinks and a buffet and you follow them as the process from college to senate. I think understated is the order of the day, look like you have made an effort but not too much. I am overweight and this knocks my confidence.

So for Cambridge I would go with formal daywear. Do the graduands still wear formal eveningwear?

I’m a size 18-20 and tried the dresses I chose on last night and have gone for this one.

https://www.johnlewis.com/scarlett-jo-floral-pleated-wrap-dress-blue-multi/p109872226

I would definitely say as formal as possible for Cambridge.

Yes Graduands wear formal evening wear with a white bow tie

Hi @Cliff1975

DD graduated from Cambridge in 2021. I wore a smart dress that I normally wear for important things at school. It's just below knee length, short sleeves, black & white. I wore vaguely smart black shoes that are pretty flat. It was a really hot day so a jacket was surplus to requirements. DH wore a suit. Most of the other parents wore suits or dresses, some smarter than others, but nobody seemed to care or mind. Lots of us had less than perfect shapes, me definitely included, and honestly nobody gave too hoots.

Bear in mind this was the year we couldn't go to Senate House due to Covid but we watched it on the big screen in the (thankfully) air conditioned concert hall which was fabulous. Then back to college for a socially distanced picnic. The overwhelming feeling was one of pride in our DC, nothing to do with the clothes.

I've got a favourite Adini navy floral midi dress that I dig out for any 'formal' occasion...

Hi @Cliff1975 ! Yes I've been wondering about this too, D1's graduation isn't till Sept, so I don't know if there's a garden party after or an indoor do. I know there will be a lot of walking about, so far I'm thinking trainers 😁
Probably the ubiquitous midi frock, jacket and trainers. I've got a couple of Toast dresses, so maybe something like that,
or this
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-jayde-midaxi-dress/p109173935?s_share=jlappdroid

I've just looked back at the photos and there is a lady on them wearing a denim jacket over a dress and trainers, standing on the hallowed grass of the court at DD's college so I'm sure anything vaguely smart is fine. I hope you have a fabulous time.

I have ordered this. I am a size 24 - what do you think

Scarlett & Jo Victoria Spot Print Angel Sleeve Midi Dress, Teal Sky at John Lewis & Partners

Perfect! I hope all goes well with finals and you have the most amazing day.

Gorgeous! Beautiful colour!

That dress is so lovely, I am beginning to think I have gone a bit plain. Maybe i need to have another look!!!

You'll look lovely in that!
One of mine was 35° so I wore a sleeveless cotton maxi dress & put my hair up. Perfectly happy with that!
It can be a long day with standing around so being comfortable is really important.

I've attended a lot of graduations through work and honestly there's the whole spectrum of very dressed up including hats, to everyday clothes. If you're comfy and feel nice you'll be great!

Re male students graduating and dads in attendance, is it standard to wear a suit?

Some dads wore chino-type trousers and an open-neck shirt at DD's, but we weren't in the Senate House. DH likes the opportunity to wear his suit (weirdo!) so took the chance to dress up. He did add a pin to his jacket that had something to do with his interests - going off to look closely at the photos again...

Veteran of 2 DC graduations and a Cantab graduate myself!

Back in the day Cantab girls had to wear black dress or white too and black skirt, boys in suits, not DJ’s. Interesting if it’s changed since then - not very inclusive!

As for parents anything goes - from what I would consider scruffy for the supermarket to full on glam. On one DC course there were lots of students of African heritage and many of their parents were dressed fabulously in national / traditional clothing.

Find out what if anything happens after the ceremony re shoes- one I went to had a garden party, food trucks, a bar etc which was lovely but terrible if wearing thin heels! The other had nothing after the ceremony.

And the students should think carefully about outfits esp girls. They will need something to attach the hood to which rules out plunging necklines. They should also consider the flooring of the ceremony venue. Spike heels and an ancient cathedral’s stone floor = awkward moments in front of a packed house 😉

That’s a lovely dress. Very similar to the one I got.

Veteran of 2 graduations here, the third is next week. I've worn dresses to the last 2 but am opting for some pink wide leg trousers and a navy blue fine knit next week. The forecast is looking ok so will wear wedge espadrilles on my feet as they are comfortable for standing around in! The ceremony is in a cathedral and the reception is in a marquee so all that is taken into account.

Enjoy your offspring's day everyone - it's such a lovely day to celebrate their achievements.