Dress fir preschool graduation

[Coffeesnob11]

I have worked out that women dress up for birthday parties and other preschool events. I turned up at softplay in shirts yesterday and everyone else was in nice dresses.
Next weekend is the graduation ceremony if the preschool and I wanted to find something to wear. My work dresses already make me feel frumpy. I am 5ft 9, 10/12 and in my mid forties. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would any of these work?

www.marksandspencer.com/animal-print-3-4-sleeve-midi-smock-dress/p/clp22544615?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

www.marksandspencer.com/geometric-round-neck-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp22545519?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

fhwt.app.link/BN3BJBWRisb

fhwt.app.link/cTOsxx3Risb

www.monsoon.co.uk/sophia-scarf-print-midi-dress-in-sustainable-viscose-3431700710.html

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/wide-sleeve-knitted-dress/sty-d0226

I like the Boden one. It looks nice and not too OTT. However, are you sure people will dress up that much? I’ve been to many many preschool graduations (worked in childcare plus 4 kids of my own) and it’s not generally a super dressy event - except the kids who usually dress up for the little party afterwards. But if you did want to dress up I’d consider which dress you’re most likely to wear again. To me the boden one looks most versatile. I hate buying something for an event never to wear it again!

The boden one is lovely but it's knitted. It's due to be hot next weekend, so you might swelter.

Maybe u should say dress up for me ager than 12 year old shorts and a supermarket t shirt. Good point about the weather. Open to other less dressy dress ideas.

This looks lovely on

www.apricotonline.co.uk/tiered-smock-mini-dress/D507582-Navy.html

I would go for more of a sundress in plain cotton or linen rather than the ones you have chosen which are a bit too formal IMHO. You have a great figure so will look elegant in anything - wear a smile and enjoy the day.

Ah so just a bit more dressy than everyday! Agree a casual sundress and sandals might look nice. I didn’t think of the boden one being a bit too warm, I suppose it might be now I think if it.

If you wear shorts you must have great legs - so show them off. I have also noticed that glamorous women dare to wear white - it looks like you can afford the dry cleaning - even a cheaper linen all white dress looks stunning with some coloured sandals.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/relaxed-linen-tiered-dress-lemon-fizz/sty-w0796-yel?cat=C1_S2_G4

What about something this in either the yellow or white?

So something like this?

www.coastfashion.com/tiered-cotton-poplin-maxi-dress/BCC01772-2.html?color=173

www.monsoon.co.uk/dolly-midi-dress-in-sustainable-cotton-white-34077613.html

www.marksandspencer.com/v-neck-lace-insert-midaxi-tiered-dress/p/clp60542697

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/broderie-mix-jersey-maxi-dress-white/sty-d0280-wht?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxb2XBhDBARIsAOjDZ34qMO92G3Z6QAI8aWaGgMm73D009HttjpQ1a354XNEx03Ts8MVyX7saAjIUEALw_wcB

www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-broderie-midi-tiered-skirt/p/clp60543975?color=WHITE&prevPage=srp&extid=af_Sub%20Networks_Skimlinks_----AWIN-ms--_-78888&sv_campaign_id=78888&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax3=Skimlinks&sv_tax4=you.co.uk&sv_affiliate_id=78888&awc=1402_1659898183_32c7f6638e9a84c5c54de6d6ad086060

Love this colour. What colour sandals would I wear with it?

Who wears a dress to softplay??

Everyone but me it seems!

You could go for something neutral like tan leather or coir wedge espadrille or something bright and contrasting - orange / green / or same yellow flats?

These are all lovely - thanks for spotting that M&S skirt - classic - have ordered it now

Pre-school graduation? Do the children wear gowns and mortar boards?

That’s been a thing for some time I remember seeing a friend on Facebook with her now 20-year-old in a cap and gown

Yes, they do!

@eddiemairswife yes. It’s been going on for years.

Please don't fall for this excuse to spend yet more money on clothes you will not wear very often. Be different.

I wore a casual maxi dress to DD's and was probably the most dressed up. Everyone was just dressed for their day - plenty of jeans, the odd dad in a shirt but most in a tshirt, several in work uniforms.

Seriously this is bonkers. Unless you are wanting to buy a new outfit anyway just wear something you have already. Up to you if smart or casual but really don't buy née specifically for this event/non event.

A graduation ceremony for leaving pre-school nursery? Is that really what is being talked about?

Are you struggling to understand ‘pre-school graduation?’ Or are you just trying to have a little sneer at something you don’t consider worth celebrating.

Every single preschool I’ve ever worked in has one. A little ceremony for the parents where the children often perform a song and collect certificates followed by a party for children and staff (who have often been together for 3/4 years in which these children have developed hugely) to say goodbye and celebrate the children.

Yes. Both of my children had them. I didn't feel the need to buy a new dress for either of these five-minute events for four-year-olds. This can't be a real thread, surely?

I don’t feel the need to buy a new dress for a birthday party I’m going to this weekend. Some people there will probably be in new clothes. If you don’t like hearing about people who buy new clothes that aren’t entirely necessary maybe style & beauty isn’t quite the forum for you?