What to wear? One I am not sure even S&B can answer.

[nenevomito]

I've been ordered invited to represent my institution at the Installation Ceremony of a Vice Chancellor at another university The ceremony itself is academic dress, followed by a civic function.

I've put on 3st since last I did one of these things and none of my stuff fits or looks good and I have lost my way totally in terms of fashion. Thankfully the gown hides a multitude of sins, but I'll have to take it off at the follow-on do.

So I need to find something in a 20-22 (prob 22 if I am being honest) that will look good under a gown during the ceremony, but then is suitable for a civic function and won't make me look any more dreadful than I already feel in photographs.

So - what is the correct dress for an academic ceremony and function under a gown? Help!!

Hmmmm. You need a dress I think. Anything in Monsoon - floaty chiffony top layer, silky bottom layer, sparkles on the top?

this type of thing?

Having been that size I would stay away from dresses, I found that they would fit at the tummy but not round the boobs or too big in one area and too tight in another.

I would get some nice trousers and top or skirt and top. Try Debenhams, JL or Evans. Monsoon have some nice things in - you need to look smart but not OTT.
like this
or this one

trousers like these www.monsoon.co.uk/calista-crepe-trousers/invt/96309718/&bklist=icat,5,shop,women,trousersandjeansw,trousers

A black dress would work. It would feel smart enough for the function and go under the gown. How about some thing like this? (Looking at the review, I'd probably want to have a slip under it, slips are the generously sized woman's friend.) I think (even though it is probably scary to think about it) something reasonably fitted will look both professional and very smart. And black works well in photographs.

Thanks all - taking a look now. I quite like the monsoon one, but worry about gape as my boobs on the large side.

I really don't do formal very well!

I've just discovered I'm probably a bit old for Monsoon fusion

have a look on Debenhams website.

If youdont want to shell out for something brand new and £££ why not have a look on ebay? Some fabulous finds to be had.

Its not so much where to look, but what to wear. I've been looking around, but just not sure what I am looking for IYSWIM, but thanks.

well no matter what you wear you need to feel comfortable in it, so have a think about what style you like and what you feel good in and lets go from there.

Always happy to come shopping with you!

Yes NJC - full gown and hood - I'd forgotten about that.
It will have to be a cardigan as blouses always gape around the bust.

So dressy cardy, top and skirt - No beading or sequins unless just a little as I don't want to spend the ceremony with them catching on the gown.

Is your gown closed?

My gown is made for men in shirts, and assumes you have a button to attach the sashy thing too. Dresses don't work because I have to safety pin the sash in a strange place.

I usually wear a black skirt and white fitted shirt under my gown. Once I forgot and wore a peach sundress under the open maroon robe, and that was a sartorial disaster.

Love the cardi! - skirt is a bit too busy, but I could wear the cardi with some dressy black trousers.

peach and maroon!

I'm not a Doctor, so thankfully am still in black so thankfully I don't need to worry too much about clashes!