Masters graduation outfit

[Snoodleberry]

Would anyone have some good suggestions for how to style myself for my masters graduation ceremony in July? They recommend a buttoned top so you can fasten the gown on to prevent slipping.

Happy to spend £250-£500 on this, as have worked hard to achieve the qualification, never look polished and put together, and want to have the clothes for future use and for happy memories when wearing. Don’t want to look like I am a wedding guest though, want to look a bit trendy and stylish.

am a size 12/14, cool summer, don’t wear brown/orange/yellow. 😬

Thank you so much for any recommendations of lovely outfits you have seen.

I’ve graduated twice and just kept it very simple. The gown covers most of your outfit anyway.

Both times I wore black trousers and a white summery button-up blouse (different items each time!) but it’s look good because the hood sits nicely across your chest and shoulders, and you don’t have to worry about the length of anything because the gown blends into the trousers.

Both times I wore slightly fancy but practical closed-toe shoes.

It is a bit sexist given that the gown is designed to go over a shirt and tie, but mainly I wanted to look comfortable and well put-together. Both times mine were on really hot days.

I think I pulled it off!!

Thank you @VerveClique 7/8 trousers, heels I can walk up and down steps competently in and white blouse sounds do-able.

I just wore a formalish black dress.

I found myself a bit strangled by having the gown connected to my blouse, it also pulled it upwards so it wasn’t sitting nicely, but I do have a large bust. I think it’s better if the fabric is on the stiffer side. But I’ve been to lots of graduation ceremonies and you really do get a range of outfits, simple, smart dresses are very common, as are sky high heels, which always seems a bit dicey when you are walking across a stage in a long gown and being filmed.

The key is a central strongish button to secure the hood. Perhaps a silk blouse pared with your choice of a skirt or trousers (I wouldn't choose a really short skirt as you'll be walking onto stage up steps and wearing a gown) dd didn't wear a blouse with a button which was a problem

And I would avoid stilletto heels as often there's air vents in floors in older buildings, wedge/block heels are better if you want some height

I wore a suit the first time and the slippage was so dristrscting so second time wore a bodycon dress and pinned the gown to my outfit at the shoulders underneath. No slippage and it looked effortlessly neat all day. Most people look dishevelled but happy! Congratulations and enjoy your graduation!

*distracting. Like my bad typing

Thanks all, some excellent suggestions. Will start working out what to consider.

Honestly, don't bother about an outfit with buttons. Instead invest in some safety pins and anchor the gown with them around the shoulders instead. You get a better and more comfortable fit.

I used to work graduation every year in my last job. I always had a pocket full of safety pins.