Winter graduation dress

[Pandersmum]

Urgent help needed ….

21 year old daughter needs a winter graduation dress for event in 2 weeks …
She has no idea what to wear … doesn’t do heels, size 10-12, 5’8, fairly classic style.

Any ideas?

Budget?
If it were me I would wear a plan black or navy knee length or midi dress. I.e the sort of dress I might expect to wear on my first day at work in an office. And flat ballet pump or Mary Jane shoes.

I don't know what "fairly classic style" means. It gets used all the time on here- I never know what's meant.

What sort of shops does she like? For simple lines and plain colours try H&M or Mango. A knit dress with ankle boots might do the job. Her graduation gown will cover most of it so I wouldn’t worry too much.

Thanks both.
Apologies - ‘classic’ meaning she prefers to blend in the background, not too much pattern and to dress appropriately for the occasion.
She does like H&M and a dress suitable for work is a good idea. She has some nice black suede ankle boots so will look along those lines.
Google ‘graduation dresses’ and many look like prom dresses to me!
Budget would be under £100

I’ve been to a lot of graduations. I think plain black dresses with sleeves look best with academic gowns and hoods. The hood supplies colour. Knee length or longer looks best. Nowadays the hoods have Velcro so there is no need for a button or safety pins to hold it in place.

Plain black is good if you don't know what colour the qualification hood is as it could clash.

A black skirt or trousers and a white blouse are the traditional option. Agree with others that a plain black dress is probably the best choice.

Nowadays the hoods have Velcro so there is no need for a button or safety pins to hold it in place.

I wouldn't rely on that, my DDs earlier this year needed pins (just a couple of straight pins carefully positioned).

I stand corrected! I was thrilled when ours got Velcro, I assumed they all would be now.

I'd imagine the rental companies will update their hoods when they need replacing rather than doing them all at once.

Thanks all. I feel re-assured to guide her!