Outfit for DD Graduation

[Birdy65]

I am looking for an outfit for DD Graduation. This will be a formal occasion. I am a size 12/14, quite big around the middle. I look best in winter/autumn colours.
I like the idea of a smart coat, light weight for summer, to go over a simple dress/outfit. Though I am open to other ideas. Budget would be £500ish for the outfit. I have a couple of other occasions coming up so I can justify spending a lot as I will hopefully be able to wear again.

How about this?

thefoldlondon.com/product/clever-crepe-kimono-jacket-navy/

@Birdy65
I like the idea of this combination for Ascot but it’s quite difficult to find. I have a summer coat with a dress under it that coordinates from years ago and replacing it has been a challenge.

I would look at The Fold for a dress and jacket. Hobbs and Helen McAlinden are worth a look at John Lewis. You might find others have done the same though. Beulah are great and they have wonderful dresses. If you want and can afford a real investment piece, Lalage Beaumont. Choc full of perfect pieces!

Jaeger have a wonderful floral tiered skirt dress at M&S. it’s £199 but it’s great. Not sure about a coat though. Bombshell have coat/dress combinations too. LK Bennett always have great dresses. Maybe put one with their signature tweed jacket?

Hope you have a lovely day and find something suitable.

I was at a graduation last week. Quite a few mothers wore a smart dress and jacket.

I wore this coat to my son's graduation over an Edina Ronay dress very similar to this. Both things I already had in my wardrobe. Most people were dressy - far more so when I graduated from the same university in the early 80s- when it was smart but not dressy.

guinealondon.com/collections/coats-jackets/products/piccadilly-tweed-coat-lichen-green

Both my DDs graduated on baking hot days. No jackets required. Some mums wore strappy dresses. Grayson Perry wore a bow in his hair. And a pale blue dress with flowers on it. Fantastic day!