Which dress for my graduation?

[AuntieSoap]

I'll be attending my own (Masters) graduation ceremony next week and I'm torn about what to wear. I've got 3 options and I like them all but keen for opinions. I'm 49 and I've just shed 3 stone, still a size 14 (more 14-16 than 12-14) but feeling quite good about myself.

Option 1 - I love this green one but is it too clubby rather than formal?
www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/green-sequin-mini-dress-362596

Option 2 - the pink is a safe bet I think
www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/pink-crinkle-velvet-mini-dress-363082

Option 3 - this looks lovely on and is possibly my favourite dress but I wanted to avoid black as I prefer a contrast to the black gown.
www.debenhams.com/product/jolie-moi-vianna-contrast-2in1-midi-dress_p-67d49474-f508-4ead-baac-9e56309c06d9

Thanks!

I'd agree the green is evening wear, rather than formal day wear.

I like both the second and third choice.

The last one is definitely my favourite, but I agree with you about the contrast between the gown and the dress. I think sequins is a bit too clubby as you say. I'm not keen on the pink especially but that's just my taste...it would be perfectly fine for a graduation.

Personally I'd try to look for something similar to the third choice but not in black.

Im not keen on any of them to be fair. I think there are nicer ones for graduation

I feel like if the third is nice on then it’s unlikely you will suit one and two.

Love the 3rd one.
Remember though a button is handy for fixing the gown to. Maybe something the colour of the coloured bit of the gown (sure there's a name for it). Also....wear something that can be worn with comfy shoes.

@AuntieSoap CONGRATULATIONS! 🌼

suggestions from another thread, a button will be useful for your hood. eta; crossed with @katscamel 😊

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4819879-mature-student-graduation-outfit

I've got them all, and they all look good on me. I've worn the green and pink ones a few times but the black one hasn't looked right on me until now and I haven't really had cause to wear it anyway. I think it's the most formal and suitable for the occasion, but I just think it's too black! I was trying to avoid buying anything else new.

3rd one is the nicest out of them.

at my ds’s graduation last year a lot of the girls wore black dresses, it looked lovely in their photographs.

Gosh they are all very different. First 2 aren't formal enough, fine for a party afterwards. I think the fact you can see the inside of the material on the back of the last one makes it look cheap. Graduation is quite a formal event but it's all about the photos really!
What colour will be on your gown other than black? Matching to that makes you look put together. Well done on achieving your degree x

Thanks everyone. It's University of London MSc so it's a sort of creamy colour.

Thanks Beetr and @katscamel - good tip about the button

You had to wear formal attire at my graduation, most people were in what would best be described as smart office wear.

Oh in which case I think the pink!

Yes, sorry, I agree I don't think any of them are great, but possibly graduations have changed since my or even my son's day.

The third one would be the closest. It would be nice if it didn't have the dipped hem. I'm not a fan of dipped hems unless the dress is lined or it's a thick, plain material. On this one it shows the back seam and the hem seam against the white background.

You don't need pins or a button for the hood for a lot of them anymore, they attach to the gown with velcro. It's actually the weight of the gown that will pull back so make sure you pull it on like a coat and pull the actual gown on rather than the hood.

Definitely third option - could add a pinky cardigan and/or necklace to lift the black. I'm one for lots of navy ........

Congratulations! I agree - third option. I'm a lecturer and have been to countless graduation ceremonies.... there's a bit of a trend to dress in clubbing-type dresses (and heels to match) and honestly, it often doesn't look great 😬
Talking of heels - your footwear will be just as prominent (if not more prominent) so worth thinking about too if you haven't already.

Thank you! I'm planning on wearing these (I've got them already)

www.jonesbootmaker.com/products/heeled-closed-toe-sandals-gab39518-325-069

1and 2 are too "clubbing until dawn " and 3 is a bit wedding guest-y.

Definitely 3rd option and I actually think it's a benefit that it's partly black, it will look chic and elegant.

No 3 would be my choice.

Agree it needs to be business-dress smart rather than wedding/evening smart.

Third option is the best of all of them.

I agree…the shoes are good though!

Most definitely number 3. More elegant and the shoes should go perfectly with it.
i agree the dipped back hem inside showing spoils it a bit but it shouldn’t show against the longer cloak.
Congrats you’ll look lovely.

The third is ok, the first two are not right for graduation.

I think it's a day for smart, not dressed up.

I see a lot of people graduate and anything that is more suitable for a night out just looks wrong.