Makeup tips when wearing unflattering colours?

[Magpiecomplex]

First post after lurking for some time - I'm hoping you can help!

I've just finished a PhD and am looking forward to the graduation. The only problem is that the gowns are, ahem, colourful...

images.app.goo.gl/5WanequfCBeN8aXp9 (the two the same in that image, not sure how to make it clicky)

I'm winter colouring - picture Courtney Cox (except I'm fat and bespectacled and really look nothing like her except for colouring!) and I know those gowns won't suit me! What do I do? I think a royal blue dress underneath but cool makeup? Warm makeup? No makeup?

Help!

I'd just wear black and whip it off asap!

They're bright! They would suit me - I'm an autumn- ha ha!
I would say up the make up? If I wear navy or grey - I wear more blusher and a brighter lipstick. But you have the reverse headache...

PHD robes are always a little too colourful to day the least

If you are the same kind of colouring as Courtney Cox presumably you have blue eyes and dark hair? If so I would go with coppery/browish eyeshadow, brown eyeliner, peachy blusher and maybe a russet lipstick.

Green eyes, but yes, dark hair and pale skin...

Thanks all - some good thoughts! I'd like to avoid looking like I've been freshly disinterred in the photos!