Help me style this dress please!

[Horsemad]

Have bought this for DS's graduation next month.
Although it looks black, it's actually dark navy. What colour shoes shall I wear - a dark navy court shoe? I was thinking maybe a tan colour - will try & find the pic I was looking at earlier...

Also, what colour coat/jacket? I have a smart black three quarter length coat but wondering if it will look too harsh against the dress?

We will be walking from hotel to uni, so will need something warm over the dress I imagine!

Over to you, S&B ladies! 🤞

Oops, link to dress!

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-leigh-sleeved-floral-knee-length-dress-multi/p5313983?sku=239775086&size=6&s_ppc=2dx92700059905594352&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAjw2vOLBhBPEiwAjEeK9jJWmIK58RK5qZ7rOHORwuldJq8QzdnrTK7zt6j9FLjt8s2RHUA44BoCp8YQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Possible shoe colour???

The tan shoes would probably work but I like the way they've styled it on JL. Can't tell if they're black or navy shoes. Open or closed toe would work. What about a wool camel coat to brighten it up? Still smart without being black.

www.oasisfashion.com/organic-denim-fitted-jacket/AAA00007.html
And these shoes.
www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/rally-slip-on-leather-trainers-p-X29
Dont date yourself with stilettos

The shoes on JL look black but I think it'd look wrong as in real life the dress is definitely dark navy.
Camel coat is a good shout, just wondering whether to go for something like a wrap/shawl type thing, rather than a heavier coat?

🤣 Would never wear those shoes in a million years!
Thanks for the suggestions though @665TheNeighbourOfTheBeast

😂 I’d rather date myself with stilettos than look like I’m off to do a shift at the local hospital!
I’d actually probably go for a closed toe and block heel, maybe with an ankle strap. Dark or light would go nicely with the dress but dark with a camel coat. Coat preferred over shawl definitely though, they are pretty dated particularly as it isn’t a wedding.

@665TheNeighbourOfTheBeast Respectfully disagree, IMO graduations and weddings are among the few events where heels still look smart and appropriate. The exception might be nude heels which I do think are dated. But I'd be mortified if my mum turned up to my graduation in white trainers.

@Horsemad I don't hate black and navy together and if I had to choose I'd risk too dark rather than too blue. Do you have the dress? Could you try it with a pair of black heels you already have and see how it looks? Totally understand if you don't want to wear black though. I've had a look for navy heels but it's really hard to make suggestions without knowing how it looks in real life. Maybe you could post a pic you've taken in daylight? Even just on the hanger.

Re layers, I'd go for coat but then I'm always cold and it'll be November. Also my graduation was in a draughty old hall and I think most of them are? You'd probably also get more wear out of a camel coat than a shawl

😆 @Bowlofhotslop (great name btw!)

The graduation blurb suggests dressing as if attending a wedding but it's so long since I've been to one, I wouldn't know what to wear for that either! 😆

Block heel might be the way to go. Will have another look, thanks.

I will take a pic tomorrow when the light is better @Bavarois. 🙂

You are right about draughty halls and with Covid precautions, the university have advised wearing layers, as the room will be 'well ventilated'. Better invest in some top notch thermals too - do they do thermal shapewear?! 😆😆

I am definitely leaning towards a camel coat.

As it's quite mainstream, there will probably be about 50 mothers wearing the same dress! 😉

Look at the code for these shoes! 🙄 Bit off putting.

Nick-nacks

Are you old enough to have loads of CDs?

• they look like they'd fit.

Collection of miniature cacti or miniature liqueurs.

Oops, wrong thread. Sorry!

These!

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-hallie-leather-strappy-sandals/p5051128

And this!

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-felicity-jacket-pale-pink/p5451780

Something like this: www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/ankle-strap-heels-navy/sty-a1025-nav?cat=C1_S2_G11

@Taoneusa both those are lovely but I will be wearing tights, so don't think the strappy sandals will work unfortunately. 😟

@Peeeas they're lovely too, might have to order them!

Thank you both for your suggestions. 👍

These are very cute and would go well for daytime with the jacket I linked to…

www.russellandbromley.co.uk/beau/237067

These are highly but look a little more modern www.hobbs.com/product/sonia-suede-block-heel-court-shoes/0220-PA02-002H075-NAVY-395.html?utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=gcdL%2FATRVoE&utm_content=15&utm_term=UKNetwork&ranMID=38595&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-XHoj14Ej3ocUvpGvj_3fhA&siteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-XHoj14Ej3ocUvpGvj_3fhA&PubName=Lyst%20UK%2FEU&SID=2523611

Google camel coat with dress or similar and look at some of the images, ankle boots look cute but I think your initial idea of a tan or pale colour looks nice too.

Have you considered boots?

Just make sure that your shoes are comfortable, because in my experience there was a lot of walking and standing around, before and after the ceremony.

Was the PP taking the mick with those shoe and jacket suggestions with that dress? Those may be the ugliest shoes I've ever seen

I like @waltzingparrot suggestion of styling it with nick nacks, minature cacti and small liqueur bottles. Graduation ceremonies can be long affairs so it'll be nice to have some home comforts to keep yourself amused and refreshed.

Boden shoes are the best IMO. Not too high but appropriate, fine for tights. Look ideal.