Ideas for son's graduation

[MusicInAWord]

I'm 5 10', not really overweight but a lot of post-menopausal podge round my tum, average boobs (38B). I never wear dresses, but would love to get one for my son's graduation. Don't wear heels as I'm tall and DH is not. Any suggestions? Budget of a few hundred £. Thank you. Do I need a hat?

monsoon

I've not worn dresses for a while so I'll let someone else make those suggestions. But to answer the hat question: I've observed a number of graduation ceremonies and been to one as a guest, and I don't remember seeing a single hat or even head piece. Most people were smartly and fairly conservatively dressed but a step below wedding level if that makes sense? There can be a lot of standing around and walking to photogenic locations so definitely wear comfortable shoes.

Have a lovely day, I found it quite emotional!

hobbs

Love the monsoon one, but I think by the time I got a size that fits round my tum, the rest of the dress would drown me.
I tend to wear blues and greens - reds and pinks don't suit my complexion.

I go to two graduation ceremonies a year as an academic so see a lot of outfits. Some people dress casually, some very formal but most are somewhere in the middle. I'd go for a knee or midi length dress or a jumpsuit, Nancy Mac have some lovely ones in various colours and a choice of fabrics. For a summer graduation, silk would be nice. Definitely no hat or fascinator and you'll need comfortable shoes as there's usually a lot of walking. If you don't want flat shoes, wedges would be a sensible option as there may be walking/standing on grass involved

www.nancymac.co.uk/products/sable-dress-in-green-hydrangea-crepe-1

What about Hush?

Don’t wear a hat. You’d be massively overdressed.

Definitely no hats, most people go for smart dresses or similar. As it’s usually in the summer this tends to be garden party type dresses, but nobody would bat an eyelid if you wore something more casual (jumpsuit, shift dress, trousers and smart top). It might be worth checking if there is a reception on a lawn re. shoe options.

Good luck OP, have a wonderful day! I’m an academic and attend these every year, and it’s always very emotional to meet the families. I’m usually in tears by lunchtime!

I usually wear a dress from Me+Em, LK Bennett, or sometimes COS, might be worth a look? Or maybe Diane von Furstenberg (very flattering, I have a similar body shape) if the budget stretches? The idea is slightly conservative but also fun.

Any of these any good?
Midi
Navy

If you don't normally wear dresses then what about a jumpsuit or trouser suit?
Blue and white
Black
Geo print

Or what about a trouser suit?

Some great ideas here from shops I've never heard of - thank you!