Graduation dress?

[BebeBelge]

Hello!

I am hopefully graduating in July and am wondering what to wear to the ceremony. The instructions just say "smart, formal, dark clothing". I will be wearing a black gown with a dark green and blue hood.

I had thought about a black dress but worry about being too hot as there are not may summer dresses in black. I also quite fancy a 195-0's style swing dress but am not sure if this would work with a gown.

I'd love some inspiration, even pictures, from anyone who has recently had a summer graduation! Thanks you!

Having watched my grandchildren graduate (on laptop) a few don'ts:
Don't wear a skirt that is too tight; it will ride up as you go up the steps.
Wear shoes you can actually walk in, without looking like a new-born foal.
Try not to clutch your gown in front of you.
Stand up straight.

I agree with Eddie
Start with the practicalities - shoes that are comfortable to walk across a stage in front of hundreds of people (and potentially up the stairs to get on to stage and down to get off the other side) is absolutely key.

The 'hood' is actually quite heavy - there is a little loop on it they like to be able to loop round a button (easy with a shirt style blouse) or sometimes pin on to the material of your dress / blouse, so avoid anything light / silky that won't take the weight of the hood being pinned to it.

Avoid pencil skirts too - as Eddie says - not great for up and down stairs.
Black is okay, but, as it is summer it is nice to have something lighter.

Thank you! Yes, we were warned about sensible shoes!

Definitely wear shoes you can confidently walk in, including up and down steps and across highly polished floors. Your hood might attach at the shoulders with Velcro, but you may need to anchor it at the front with a safety pin to make it sit properly. This means you need a dress that won’t be pulled up by the hood, a fitted waist will work best. You need to be able to get up from your seat and go with minimal rearranging, so not too tight is important. A black skirt and white blouse used to be standard with the hood hooked on to a button. Don’t go too short, it looks weird with the gown. Black looks best, definitely not patterned. Have been to dozens of graduations.

Men wear dark suits, women should choose something equivalent, a jacket makes the gown fit properly as they are designed to be worn with one. Wear flats or wedge heels ideally as there's lots of standing around and post graduation receptions are usually in marquees

Don't wear a swing dress, it will look weird with the gown and anyway it isn't formal enough. I'd be tempted to go with something very simple and formal for the ceremony, then change for the festivities.

Also Chemenger makes a good point. The gown hooks onto a shirt button to keep it in place. A plain white shirt and dark skirt is your best option. Oh, and don't wear heels that will catch in the hem of your gown when kneeling or going up and down steps!

What about something like this?

binged.it/2Gps78g