What to wear to sons University graduation at Edinburgh Uni? £90 budget, 5"8, size 16, small if chest and long of leg. Help, please, wise women of Mumsnet!

[KarenW]

I really am in a spin, so much choice online, and no idea what is appropriate to wear. There is a cocktail reception after the graduation too.

Just something nice. It doesn't have to be really dressed up like a wedding guest. Comfortable and slightly smart is the right tone, I'd say. Cocktail party will just be a glass of fizz and a bit of finger food. If it's hot, a nice summer dress. You'll be walking and standing a lot so comfy shoes are a must. Enjoy the day. It's long but fun. Oh and a few safety pins are always useful to have on hand.

I would go smart casual - skirt/ trousers/ dress and a jacket. Imagine lunch at a nice restaurant type of vibe.

Incredibly comfy shoes

I wore new heels to my son's graduation, big mistake! Don't normally wear them at all but had very long wide trousers I didn't want to drag on the ground. In hindsight smart trainers would have been fine.

Have you a jacket / blazer / light smart coat? If so this might be a suitable bargain:

Cos pale blue dress

Thanks for the comfy shoes suggestions, great tip. Am off to search the internet for a smartish dress

DD graduated at Edinburgh last year! I'd just buy something you like - I wore a £35 white flowery dress from Next with a blue cardigan (as blue in dress) - some will spend a lot more. Jackets or cardigans fine. I'd say most wore dresses, but it really doesn't matter if you want to wear a skirt/top or smart trousers. I bought a medium sized bag so I could put my umbrella and a spare pair of shoes in there!

Last year, we had to be there by 10am to collect gown, then lots photos/enjoying the atmosphere. Ceremony, then official photo. The reception was in a building about 5 mins away, bubbly flowed, but no food so have a snack with you if you're likely to get hungry. Some people book meals afterwards, but DD was quite happy to go to a local cafe as and when as we weren't sure of timings.

Thanks for the info on Edinburgh, good to hear that I won't have to go splashing out on a particularly fancy dress that won't probably get worn again.