My partner is graduating what do I wear??? Help please

[Dizzy2014]

My partner is graduating in October, we are all very proud of him for getting his Phd. So now I am panicking about what I should wear. We will be doing some walking there and back so shoes/boots I can walk in comfortably are essential.
I am early 50's, size 12, my hair is dyed brown with blonde, to cover up my white hair. So far I have ordered these boots and dresses. The Jolanda dress is lovely but actually a wooly dress with a wooly jumper and being of that age I will probably be too hot. so these are the options so far
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/shoes-and-boots/steve-madden-tinker-block-heel-ankle-boots/d703714.pd#244212691
www.phase-eight.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?UniqueProductKey=204250351&redirect=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5uvi-YHX1QIVFuAbCh2SDAttEAQYAyABEgJvAvD_BwE
www.phase-eight.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?UniqueProductKey=203968287&keywords=conway+dress&redirect=true&lng=&ctry=GB

I hope the links work! What do you think? I have ordered them all and the boots fit nicely. x

Forgot to add I already have this handbag
www.radley.co.uk/pockets-large-ziptop-cross-body-aw17-8fcd66/

Congratulations to him! Not sure what sort of occasion you're dressing for here ( though I've been to my own PhD graduation ceremony recently). Will you just be in the 'audience' watching the ceremony, or are you going on to a uni reception and/ or a celebratory meal out afterwards?

Myself and our 2 daughters will be in the audience watching the ceremony, then going to a uni reception and finally going out for a meal as a family. I am not sure how dressed up the guests will be?

Thanks x

I'm a lecturer and guests generally dress one step down from wedding at our graduations. So men in suits, women in dresses, essentially what you might wear to a meal in a smart restaurant.

i was quite surprised how mixed the clothing was at my son's graduation. some of the women looked as if they had just fallen out of nightclubs with short skirts and high platforms. others were wearing things i would walk the dog in - casual trousers. i wore a nice cardi and dress. comfi shoes or at least ones you can change into are good

Congratulations to your partner! I love your boots and like both those dresses. My only graduation events recently are my dcs'. Overdressed is definitely not the way to go - smart and lovely is much better. Which do you feel happier wearing? I've eventually worked out that I look much better wearing clothes I really like - pity it took me until I was 53!

Congratulations to your partner!

I think I would go for the CONWAY PRINT DRESS with the The Pocket handbag. The Steve Madden Tinker Block Heel Ankle Boots would look good on the whole attire but prefer the black one. Have a great day at the graduation ceremony.

Agree avoid overdressing. Definitely not at all weddings. A nice simple but smartish dress and ankle boots would be ideal and were what I wore for my PhD ceremony.

One step down from wedding is good advice.

I went to ds's a couple of weeks ago and have seen lots of photos of other people's recently as of course lots of his friends are graduating around the country, as are my own friends' dcs.
95% of people do dress smartly - as someone else said - like a wedding but without the hats.

I like the 2nd (patterned) dress much more than the first which seems to be a bit informal for this occasion.

The Yolanda dress is lovely but a bit short and as you say, might be too hot. The second dress is lovely and seems perfect to go from ceremony to reception to dinner.

Don't stress too much. I've been to lots of graduation ceremonies and no one really takes much notice of the relatives unless they are wearing something startling. Aim for relaxed formal, not wedding level.

Personally, I wouldn't wear ankle boots with a dress - I'd wear flat or low heeled shoes, but that's your preference.