What to wear to DS’s graduation

[HooplaLaLa]

Help! No idea what to wear - summer graduation.
I’m a size 18 with a big bust. 5ft4. Prefer maxi dresses as I don’t like my legs.
thank you!

I'm same size and shape as you - some nice dresses in John Lewis. I'm thinking g if renting though.

In the past few years have had DC graduations in newcastle and norwich.

wear what you want. there will be everything from fancy to jeans.
be happy in the pics and enjoy the day. x

I wore a green and black wrap dress to my daughters then wore it again to a wedding , people will be wearing all sorts but I thought it would be nice to dress up seeing as photos would be taken

Whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. It varies a little by university but most people do wear fairly smart clothes, think per Una dresses rather than designer though. The sort of dress you would wear to a friend's wedding (as opposed to mother of the bride). There will be some who wear casual clothes, some who wear inappropriately short dresses etc - anything goes really . We used to laugh at the outfits as they picked their way across the grass (i worked opposite the place where graduations were held).

Thank you all. I don’t feel comfortable being at events like this full stop so it’s quite tough to know what I’d feel comfortable in.
Any specific dress recommendations? I’ve trawled John Lewis and ordered a bunch of dresses that I’ve sent back as they all feel or look wrong.

Oh I'm in the same boat op!

Dresses are not in my wardrobe and I've seen nothing in the shops.
I miss Debenhams, actual places you can try stuff on.

My greatest problem is my stupid feet, I can't wear anything without an insole.
Normally I'm in trainers, fitflops or boots.

I'm thinking of finding a maxi dress that I can just float around in and cover the one pair of ok sandals I have.

I cannot find a maxi dress lol.

July graduation.

https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-midi/floral-jacquard-dress_47014019.html?c=43&talla=22&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlMDgzMG-_gIVUuztCh0p-AQrEAQYBSABEgISvPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I wore a very similar dress (two years ago) from Mango to DD's graduation and it felt quite appropriate at Bristol.
My DS's graduation was a little more formal.

Whoops! So for DS's ceremony I wore this.
https://rixolondon.com/products/flavia-spot-pink?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=1698417341

You don't need to wear a dress. Could be wide linen trousers and a smartish top.

I had this last year. Dh wore a light summer suit ,had he worn a dark one with a tie he'd have been very out of place. I wore summer maxi skirt and top and pink Birkenstocks and it was perfect. It was all very casual,they just don't want people rocking up in football strips and trainers. I think graduations used to be a lot dressier than they are now,mind you , everything is a lot more casual now.

Yes definitely.

As part of my role at work I get to volunteer at graduation ceremonies. Anything goes but most families seem to take the chance to dress up a bit. Some lovely dresses around last summer but equally wide trousers and a top would work. Comfy shoes for standing around in. Last summer it got pretty warm too so consider that. Enjoy it.

How about something like this:

www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.belted-linen-shirt-dress-blue.1178909001.html

You can wear it with or without a belt

I suppose it depends what the graduation involves?

I’m not a trouser or skirts person. I have ASD and SPD, and cannot bear the feel of waistbands, unfortunately. I can only really wear dresses comfortably. (Jumpsuits are a definite no no too.)

@Peakypolly That Mango dress is gorgeous! I shall order!

@Knackeredhamster I wonder if we’re going to the same grad ceremony 😂
I’m definitely planning to wear trainers (probably my supergas) with whatever dress I go for. Even wore trainers to my wedding. I’d never live it down if I tripped over and that’s a likely consequence of my wearing heels!

I wore this Hush dress to my son’s. I felt really comfortable and just smart enough.

That’s lovely @LunaNorth !

I’ve seen a hush dress I really like but OOS in my size, currently.

Thank you!

Try John Lewis. I’ve found Hush stuff on their website that’s been sold out on the Hush one.

Is yours in Wales?

Hey I also have SPD and various other things. I'm really happy you're wearing trainers!
Lovely to see a previous poster's photo and they're wearing groovy sandals.

Alas not Wales - London.
SPD makes wearing clothes out very tricky. Jeans, for example, are a no-go area.

Roman originals do some lovely maxi dresses. They come quite low so I wear a vest too underneath.

I wore a 1960s vintage jacket with cropped, wide leg linen / cotton trousers which felt about right. Most guests were pretty dressed up - think a step or two below weddings - although that might have been partly a post-pandemic celebration thing. Also it's death by photo and whatever you wear is going to end up on Facebook forever so it might as well be something you like.

Yes I'm thinking wide legged trousers and 'different but me' top.

I'm fairly open to 60s or 50s type influences.

I'm only 5ft 3 tho so need a fitted top as waist is ok. Pear shaped.

I just want a massive shop filled with stuff. I live very rurally and nearest big town doesn't have anything cool.

I ordered a great navy Bardot style dress from Roman, very retro but it felt too glam. Also fitted beautifully on the top but too voluminous on the bottom half.

A dress and trainers sounds ideal! Still casual enough that you aren't overdressed but also smart and comfortable for you.

If you're busty (as am I btw), how about a wrap dress? I love them because I can adjust them for comfort. My size fluctuates quite a lot.