DS1's graduation

[higgle]

It is Oxford, and obviously we are very proud of him and expecting a great day out. We have got tickets for Friday 3 May and I'm really not sure what to wear. I just know I'll get it wrong whatever I chose and either look like mother of the bride or a complete frump. It isn't helped by the fact that I'm 5'3" and about 10 1/2 stone at present. I have a 3/4 sleeved drress that I have not worn yet here I know it is CC and I'm more of a jigsaw girl, but it fits well and looks nice. Should I just buy a really nice bag and shoes and wear this with oodles of pearls or do I need to bite the bullet and get something a bit more dressed up?

The dress is nice but I think you could do better , have you had a look at john lewis and house of fraser online sale, they have quite a bit? I feel your pain as I have started looking for a dress to wear this summer for my son's school graduation as I know it will take me a while to find what I am looking for.

ps congratulations btw.

That's similar to what my mum wore to my graduation last year (also Oxford) - it's definitely more of a 'smart' occasion than a 'dressed up' one. Congratulations to your son!

That's the problem it is nice but, yes, probably not quite nice enough. I know my own mother, when faced with the same dilema many years ago chose a very plain outfit and has regretted it ever since! I've saved my Christmas money so may have a little splurge when the summer stuff is fully out.

Leave it as your back up and see what else you can find . I think plain can work but you have to choose the right accessories, eg a plain dress looks nothing on it's own but add killer heels and some accessories and it changes. If you are near a john lewis you can always book an appointment to see a style consultant and they will find you suitable dresses, that might help you find something that you look great in but would not normally buy. I had a fun afternoon in London with friends where we made each other try different things on that took us out of our confort zone , some things worked and others did not :).