Outfit for daughter's graduation- help!

[maggienolia]

Hi All,
My daughter is graduating in July and I haven't got a clue what to wear!
Would like something smart, not heavily patterned, 5 foot 4 and size 16/18.
I'm not keen on skirts and would prefer something trouserish.
Budget up to £150.

Any ideas? Thanks

I’m in the same situation and looking at Toast or similar, I want to wear something that I can wear again, not mother-of-the -bride style.

I wore a midi dress and to both of my son’s graduations. Plus raincoat and umbrella for one in Wales!
There was a huge variation from anoraks and jeans to mother of the bride without hats.
Wear whatever you will feel comfortable in and suits you. Not forgetting comfortable footwear, possibly suitable for lawns, gravel and puddles.

I’m guessing the OP knows all that, @FormerlySpeckledyHen - but this is S&B and she’s come for recommendations.

The problem might be wanting at least two ‘smart’ separate items within the £150 budget. Eg a jacket and trousers, or a silk shirt and trousers. Would be much easier if choosing a dress. Or a jumpsuit if that’s your style, @maggienolia.

It sounds like a trouser suit could be a good option or as often mentioned on here trousers and a nice top .I was in Canterbury last year when it was graduation day for post grads. It was a cold day so warm coats were being worn and from what I saw it was smart casual for the mums and a lot of the dads were in suits. It was a ceremony that was held at the Cathedral and there was a notice up that members of the public could walk round the grounds .Other years I have been in September and saw that the mums tended to wear dresses as it can be quite warm in Kent at that time of year. Have you considered vinted/ebay?

A little over budget if you buy the two, but this sleeveless jacket with the matching trousers might be a nice choice. Goes up to a size 16. (Cos is generally generous in sizing.) Maybe to wear with a smart blouse / shirt you already own?

Cos co-ord jacket

There are some really interesting tops that people are selling on Vinted from Marina Rinaldi also from Ulla popken on Vinted. I ordered 4 tops last week as I got an unexpected bonus from Nationwide of £50. Two of the tops are here already and they are beautiful.

Oh, look! This jacket and the corresponding trousers are on sale and available (low stock) in a 16.

& Other Stories suit

Even though your event is in July there’s no guarantee of tropical weather - and if there should be, you could wear one half with something in linen or silk.