White blouse for graduation

[ApolloandDaphne]

I am graduation in the summer and need to wear a black skirt and a white blouse/shirt. I have a black skirt but need a white blouse. I don't really wear blouses and don't know where to look.

It needs to be one that sits neatly outside the skirt and not tucked in. I am aged 62, a size 16 with boobs and apple shaped. I would prefer short or 3/4 sleeves and in cotton or a cotton mix. I would like something pretty rather than one that looks like a man's shirt. I'm prepared to pay for nice quality.

Thanks

Oh wow - congratulations! (As someone who did something similar in my fifties I feel tremendously happy for you.)

You must get something fabulous to celebrate the occasion. I found the white broderie anglaise blouse I wore for mine quite by chance on sale at LN-CC, months before the end of the course. It was by MSGM, absolutely beautifully made inside and out, still perfect years later and always garners compliments. This season they have this:

MSGM white blouse.

Long sleeves might be better under a gown if you’re wearing one. And you might look at the rest of their shirts if you’d prefer something plainer. Honestly worth every penny.

Reflecting that you might think my first suggestion too short (though the sizing is generous). Usually I’d suggest a simple white silk or cotton shirt - but that doesn’t seem to be what you want. And something that looks best untucked …

There’s a Rohe shirt that fits the brief - and might work for someone who doesn’t usually wear shirts.

Rohe shirt

Do you know what kind of gown/hood you will be wearing? Remember to factor that in to what top you choose. It's easy for men as they can attach the hood where their tie sits but it's trickier for women!

I'm wearing the usual Ede and Ravenscroft black gown and hood. I may need a button to attach the hood but I will also take pins.

That is one beautiful blouse and more or less the right shape but pricey!

I'm not keen on the Rohe one.

Be mindful that if your top is quite light or flowing then attaching the hood (via button or pin) can pull the top up as the hoods are quite heavy.

Yes, this! You probably either need to tuck your blouse in or wear something with a highish neckline to stop it riding up. Particularly if your hood is one of the furry ones!

The hood isn't furry.

And I won't be tucking in!

Well that's fine, was just a warning that "something pretty" and not tucked in needs to be balanced with what the hood may do to it once attached

The hoods do make your blouse ride up or pull it out of shape, which is why most people do tuck in. However, you might get away with something quite structured. Monsoon have quite a few white blouses that don't need tucking, so possibly worth a look? There's this one, which has a high neckline so less likely to ride up https://www.monsoon.co.uk/lia-lace-puff-sleeve-blouse-ivory-10017620016.html or even this structured short-sleeved jacket thingy (albeit polyester) which might be better at staying in place? https://www.monsoon.co.uk/eliza-short-sleeve-jacquard-top-ivory-10003760016.html

Also in my experience, a lot of graduands just ignore the dress code and wear whatever they like (normally wildly unsuitable party frocks) so you could just pick something else you feel comfortable in.

I wore a 3/4 sleeve white blouse from per Una for my graduation - definitely take pins with you to hold the hood but loop one pin over a button then link another pin in through the point on the front of the hood. Congratulations OP ✨

The graduands will all definitely be wearing formal wear. It's an ancient university and they are very strict about what is worn. It made very clear when you are applying to graduate.

This is more everyday, so easier to incorporate into your wardrobe. A little cheaper than the MSGM, but meets the brief in being quite neat at the hem.

MaxMara shirt

More ordinary prices …

Cos 1 Shorter sleeved.

Cos 2

If you didn’t mind a conventional menswear-type women’s shirt you could go straight to

Margaret Howell.

Expensive but some of the best fabric and craftsmanship available. Worthy of the occasion, and your achievement, and would last for years.

This is really pretty Brora Organic Cotton Lace Trim Blouse, White

Cotton Rich Collared Pintuck Shirt | Finery London | M&S

Pure Cotton Embroidered Shirt | FatFace | M&S

Nobody's Child Gretchen Organic Cotton Rich Top, White

Brakeburn Cowrie Pleat Top, White

Some very nice options. @MiddleAgedDreadand @DisneyHag. Thank you.

I'm a bit younger than you and a similar size. I buy a lot of my work shirts from Crew Clothing. You may find them a bit too mannish, but this is pretty.

Sezane may be worth a look. They do various pretty shirts and blouses, many of which are cotton or silk. Some options for you:

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/chlo-shirt/ecru#size-12

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/chlo-shirt/ecru-pastel#size-12

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/chlo-shirt/ecru-guipure-lace#size-12

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/florence-shirt/ecru#size-4

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/vannie-shirt/white#size-12

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/louna-shirt/white#size-12

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/rym-shirt/ecru#size-12

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/ambre-shirt/ecru#size-12

Congratulations on your graduation. Your dress code sounds familiar. Did you study at Oxford? I was a Hildabeast!

There is a Crew in my local town and I hardly ever go in as I think the clothes are a bit frumpy. I've not looked at the shirts though because I never wear them. I can take look.

@CakeIsNotAvailableNo it is St Andrews.

I hope you have a lovely time!

Just another person adding that you will, unfortunately, need to tuck in. The hood is kept on the correct position on the shoulders by attaching to the button on the blouse. The hood is heavy, can easily slip back, so it is the fact that your blouse is tucked in (I tucked mine into the top of Spanx knickers too, to keep it extra secure) that keeps it in place.

Some hoods now have Velcro on the shoulders to keep them in place. Or you can pin them at the shoulder instead of at the front. Otherwise I agree with some PPs that it is better to tuck a blouse in if attaching the hood to it. I’m a veteran of 30+ graduation ceremonies.