Graduation dress and shoes

[Gherkinslice]

So my dd, 21, is due to graduate from her University this summer, and is already struggling with what to wear under her gown for the occasion. She is 5ft 4, just under 10 stone, and is really not a dress person at all. She is aware most young women will wear dresses, and we've seen lots seem to wear quite short skimpy dresses, but she feels these are not for her, is quite shy and body conscious and wants something a bit longer than a short mini dress and doesn't want anything too clingy either. She's also looking for footwear for the graduation, but as she has joint hypermobility is unable to wear huge heels, is thinking something like a low wedge or a block heel. She hates clothes shopping and would prefer to wear jeans and Converse, but accepts this is not an option! I have suggested a nice jumpsuit, but she's thinking a dress will probably be considered the norm. Any ideas please?

DD had to wear black and wore a simple dress that could double up for interviews. She's also petite and doesn't do heels. She had a pair of small heeled shoes with a strap - smarter than Mary Jane's.

I sit on the stage often for graduation. I enjoy the footwear enormously but always admire the more sensible shoes and confident and comfortable gait of those wearing them. How some don't break their ankles on the stairs I'll never know.

Do tell your dd that 99% of people in the hall will only really pay attention to their own child.

trouser suit?
or waistcoat and trousers?

https://www.asos.com/pieces/pieces-mix-and-match-tailored-set-in-roseate-pink/grp/208658507#colourWayId-207423667&productId-207423643

Last year my daughter and her friends wore dresses but definitely not skimpy - I wouldn’t have said that was the trend at all! As far as footwear went there were the highest of heels, flats and everything in between, they just wore what made them comfy. Some of the women who wore high heels wore flats to go on stage too ☺️

Check if there's a dress code, ours was a black skirt and white blouse. Something with buttons to attach the gown hood to is useful. I would get anything too short as she'll probably be walking up onto a stage, and keep the heels low for the same reason!

I don’t know when this was but I don’t think the buttons thing is applicable now.

My DS graduated last summer and there was a massive range of outfits on show!
The girls wore long dresses, short dresses, tight dresses, trousers, jumpsuits, trouser suits, national dress. I don't think I saw any in jeans, but one or two of the boys did.
Vast range of footwear too.

The buttons help with the hoods, but if you don't have buttons make sure you have a safety pin.

Have a look at last year's social media for the uni - there are always loads of pictures of graduations. Might give some ideas.

It’s still on my university graduation guidance!

Interesting! The last few I’ve been to have used Ede and Ravenscroft but the design meant the button loop was no longer needed.