Help with finding DD a dress for her graduation

[LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood]

DD1 (22) is graduating in October. She has asked me to help her find a dress.

She is a size 8. 5ft 2. Olive skin, green eyes and very long dark hair that she may wear up.

Her usual style is quite quirky; think boho meets Little House on the Prairie meets pastel Goth with a bit of punk thrown in (Vivienne Westwood would be her dream designer).

She usually wears greens, lilac, oranges, pinks. She likes brights and pastels and patterns (florals mostly but tartan and check too). She is looking for a dress definitely. Either just above the knee or ballerina length. She wants to tone down her usual look, but still be herself.

Budget up to £300. But would prefer less.

Many thanks for any help.

Not every dress is suitable but if they were around when I graduated there are definitely some I would have picked but then I did a performance degree so maybe that’s a contributing factor!

I noticed I sent a link for an individual dress rather than the whole website though if that was what you were referring to?

Your link opens up to something called a "Shimmer Primrose Bodice Ankle Gown". Setting aside I personally think it's awful I can't imagine how weird it would look at a graduation ceremony.

That is completely the wrong dress sorry.

I think she needs something fairly long, so that the gown doesn't look like an after thought.

Ah I see I thought the suggestion was that particular dress

It’s beautiful isn’t it ❤️ I going to show it to my daughter but I don’t think she would wear it, I wonder if I can slim down from a 14 😆

I work at a university and certainly at ours there is no dress code or guidance. At least 50% of the women (and their families!) look like they're going clubbing and even at 9am you will see them walking barefoot holding their presumably uncomfortable shoes.

My advice is to make sure she has comfortable shoes!

At our graduation last month I saw two women do it in straight up wedding dresses.

I own this dress and love it but to each their own!

Yes but did you wear it to your graduation? I'm not saying it's a horrible dress. Just that I don't think it's right for a graduation.

When I was at uni there was a strict graduation ceremony dress code. For women white shirt black skirt or trousers or solid white or black dress. I'm afraid that I still think that's better and looks much nicer under an academic gown on a formal daytime occasion than cocktail and brightly coloured night club type wear. If there's one day to celebrate intellectual achievement and not looking like a Kardashian, this is it.

The Abline fringe dress from Damsel in a dress - sorry can't link - is suitable but I think quirky

I'm afraid I agree. That dress code seems to still apply at my university judging from photos of last year's graduates.

We do have problems with daytime semi-formal dressing in the uk. It’s as if it’s disappeared from our fashion look book and these occasions are now considered party time with outfits to match.

I do think students can express themselves a bit but sticking to something sensible and appropriate for the occasion is better all round. DD1 wore a cream dress with some beading on it. DD2 a shift dress with floral decoration. So not work dresses, but not evening wear either. Gown & hood went over them fine. DDs both wear heels. No issue for them! DMs are a bit boring if you wear them all the time. Bit of a uniform. Graduation can provide an opportunity to dress for the occasion which can be a useful life lesson.

Just looked at DD1’s old uni. “Smart and more formal occasion“ but suggests grads should feel comfortable. Sounds reasonable. When DD was there, no mortarboards. Now they have them.

I love the Abline fringe dress. DD does not really wear black though.

Does anyone know how easy it is to alter VW dresses (I know a decent seamstress)? And how easy they are to re-sell? DD is really tempted by a couple of the vintage VW dresses that have been found here. They are very much her style, but we are both feeling a bit nervous in case it is not quite right.

I am interested in everyone's comments about day time dressing and graduation suitable attire in the more general sense. I really enjoy hearing about people's experiences. I agree dressing for graduation has changed a lot over the years.

So far as DD personally is concerned she is keen to have help to find a dress in line with her particular style. She is definitely looking for a special occasion day dress (not evening wear and not night club attire).

We would still be grateful for links to specific dresses or websites; it not being the case that DD has no idea how she wants to look on the day, it being more that we were struggling to think of where to find the right thing (most of what she wears day to day are charity shop finds, vintage stuff, some ASOS, things of mine from 30 even 40 years ago, some Cottage Core items from canada and things bought from markets/festivals).

I absolutely hear those who say that a simple black dress and blouse is timeless and appropriate (and as a law graduate I can see the appeal). But that is never going to be DD's look; either for her graduation or in the workplace. DD's clothes are much more fun and vibrant than mine!

DD graduated 10 years ago when most graduates wore some thing suitable for an interview or at least smart day wear. DS graduated last week when as per my previous post the men were generally soberly dressed but the women wore a huge variety of styles. Quite a few seemed to have on long white sparkly dresses which looked a bit bridal . Many had sleeveless and figure hugging dresses that looked to my aged eyes like formal party wear .There weren't many very short dresses . Almost no office type garments . I suppose the largest group were in dresses that might be worn to a dressed up day time occasion such as a wedding or special party. A few were determinedly dressed down.The majority had made a big effort and similarly hair and makeup was carefully done.Having said all the above there wasn't loads of skin or cleavage on show. The fathers were mostly in suits, mothers in smart daywear a step down from weddings iyswim. There were a few , however, in very fancy outfits with hats or beautiful costumes of various heritages.
Both of these DC graduated in non creative arts subjects in London.

Look on the outnet, might find something in the sale

I think it depends on the style. I had a Vivienne Westwood skirt with those trademark twisted seams taken in, and the seamstress was quite apprehensive, not so much because of the level of difficulty but because of the amount of time it was going to take for not that much money. I suspect she might have said 'no thanks' if I hadn't been a regular customer. But she did a pretty decent job.

I think they usually resell pretty well - even more so, I imagine, now that she's dead - but if it's been altered then I think that might affect the price.

Thank you. Shall head over there now.

DD tends to wear long more often than short. She once had a child tell her she looked like her rag doll!

Thanks. That’s a really helpful reply re the VW dresses.

another idea - Get Cutie. Dresses made to order;
https://getcutie.co.uk/collections/e-c-dresses

Just one piece of advice. Don’t choose anything satin or shiny. My daughter did this and her heavy graduation gown was slipping all over the place. She took the gown off straight after her ceremony as she couldn’t cope with it.

Vestaire is another place to look for designer and I believe they authenticate before agreeing to resell.

This is one advertised. https://www.vestiairecollective.com/women-clothing/dresses/vivienne-westwood/multicolour-silk-vivienne-westwood-dress-34176399.shtml?q=vivienne+westwood#gender=Women%231_categoryParent=Clothing%232