What to wear to graduation?

[HoldingOutForAutumn]

I graduate on Wednesday. Need to find a dress. Am 25, 5ft 9, a size 12-14, biggish belly - can wear spanx but nothing too fitted, big arms (but the gown will cover?) legs are ok. Preferably something from M&S or Next as need to go there tomorrow and am in a big rush, though could go to town if desperate.

Going to tan and get a blow dry. Tempted to get my eyelashes done but don't think I'll have time. Want to look lovely for the pictures! Any general ideas of types of dresses I should look for? None of my friends or family have been to university so I have no idea really! And shoes?

Then I need to find a cute outfit for 3yo DD (but that will be a funner challenge)

I was at DS1's graduation last week and one of his friends was wearing this www.next.co.uk/g6784s1#566395 and looked lovely.

I've seen lots of people wearing white/cream fitted midi length dresses for graduation recently and looked lovely with the gown.

I work at a University and there are a huge variety of styles. Some people look as though they are going clubbing, others are more ‘summer wedding’ and then there are some in formal/office wear. To be honest the gown will cover most of you so I’d go for something you like and feel comfy in!

I would recommend something with buttons down the front then you can attach the coloured sash/stole thing (I can't remember the proper name for it). I wore a plain white blouse and a colourful a line skirt and heels. Take some hair grips to secure your cap, mine wouldn't have stayed on without! Enjoy your day and well done!

I just had my graduation and wore a black jumpsuit with block heels and was quite formal looking but yeah as pp said quite a lot of people wearing ‘going out’ clothes. Personally I think something relatively plain looks nicer. The gown is super hot aswell so wear something that won’t make you feel sweaty and enjoy your day!

Mine was a good few years ago now, but I wore a white blouse and black skirt. Personally, I would go with formal office type attire, but that's just me.

Thanks everyone. Went to marks and next and found nothing that suited me or was appropriate or didn't make me look like a whale. Might just wear a white sundress and sandals. Like a PP said, most of it is hidden by the gown anyway. Got DD a lovely dress though, that was easy

Might put on pictures of all possible dresses later, if I'm feeling brave

Traditionally it's white blouse and black skirt

When I graduated 100 years ago, we were told to wear white shirt and black skirt. There was a girl who wore a colourful summer dress and it looked crap under the gown. So deffo keep it plain.

Only issue with mine was, when we took our gowns off later we all looked like waiting staff!