Outfit advice please for DS graduation this summer

[KateCantab]

This is our first time so want to look okay. I get the impression that they’re fairly formal events but I want to avoid looking like a wedding guest and also buy something that I’ll wear again. I like bits from Hobbs, Boden, and Mint Velvet, but only with a discount code! I’d love to hear what other mumsnetters have worn, please. Being overdressed is my main concern.

www.midlifechic.com/outfit-ideas-for-graduations-weddings-and-summer-occasions-2019/

I love this

Love that blog - some great things on there. I agree with her about black and navy but don't forget lots of the graduates will be in robes in those colours so I would go for something different. I would agree with the blogger too that you don't need a hat / fascinator / headpiece of any sort - that avoids one of the 'overdressed' traps. There's a lot of standing around, and often walking on cobbles or similar depending on location so bear that in mind for shoes.

Thank you! Tatapie, that blog is very useful indeed! I am heeding her advice and will start from my feet upwards. I have ordered some low heeled sandals from Boden clearance and will take it from there.

Doctor, I wear a lot of navy and I’m always drawn to it but that’s excellent advice about the grads in their dark robes. I’m veering towards to a ‘tea dress’ with a cropped cardigan. Something that won’t crease and will survive the possibility of rain in July.

Depends very much where you are going how much people will dress up. I've been to 3 now with my girls and all very different occasions with people in wildly different outfits. I think cropped cardigan and tea type dress sounds ideal with shoes you can walk in all day that won't sink into grass if there's a lawn type reception.

Simple and stylish rather than statement pattern - in our local uni city I saw 3 mums in an identical phase 8 dress. There could have been others in the same navy Boden dress as me last summer but who would know if it was accessorised differently.

I wore navy with white spots/navy bolero for no.1 (probably some colour in my handbag choice,can't remember), navy for no 2 and navy with a greeny turquoise cropped cardigan for no 3(fab clutch bag from Boden). Was definitely the norm for middle class middle aged mums though lots were wearing lovely wafty trousers. Wedges for each one.

Be prepared for all weathers - I didn't wear the first dress I bought because I would have boiled in the heat. Cardigan required as my upper arms don't come out for these kind of occasions.

Definitely no hat/fascinator. Enjoy!

Wasgoingmad, thank you, I’m not such a fan of Phase Eight for that very reason. I’ll have a look at wedges - I do like a bit of a heel.

Break your shoes in months before you go. I wore block heeled sandals that I thought were comfy but they shredded my feet to pieces. Had to buy emergency shoes just to get back to the car.
Clothes wise I went for a simple navy shift dress.

Another mother looking for a graduation outfit. I was thinking of my Boden wrap dress with mid heeled sandals, looks like I'm on the right track.