What to wear to child’s graduation

[Fastingandhungry]

Help, I don’t know what to wear, looking for a dress, must cover arms, 5’6” and a size 12.

Bit of a tummy, don’t notice much when standing but huge when sit down so very self-conscious of that.

Single parent going alone so already stand out amongst the families.

I just want to feel good for once ☹️

What are you wearing to your child’s graduation?

I wore a lilac linen trouser suit to DDs graduation. I’ve been to loads of graduations (I was an academic). People are mostly smartly dressed but the days of wedding type outfits with hats are long gone. Some parents roll up in jeans, some in national dress, really anything goes. You will probably want to have the option of something warm, a jacket or cardigan, even with a long sleeve dress, there is a lot of hanging around outside and even in summer it can be chilly. For the same reason comfortable shoes that you can stand around in are a must.

i had a black fitted style of dress and I am a lot bigger but overtop it had a floaty light floral bias cut fabric piece. that way it covered my arms elbow length one side and wrist the other and looked really nice. i wore with sandals and took a pashmina for an extra bit of warmth when stood outside for pics

There is an infinite number of long sleeved, size 12, smart dresses available!

Could you narrow it down a bit? Budget? Fresh out of the store or pre-owned? Online or will you only shop on your local High St. Fashionable or Phase Eight?

And - for heaven’s sake - you and your graduating child are a family, and you should be very proud!

From what you’ve said I think this would be outstanding:

Toast dress

Plenty of room for middles. Low key smart, without being at all twee. And would fit into any wardrobe after the event.

Comfortable shoes - you’ll be on your feet all day

Single parent going alone so already stand out amongst the families.

No you really won't.

Wear comfortable shoes, and think about no heels especially if the post-graduation party will be in a marquee or on grass in a quad.

No hat.

Just something nice really. Something you like that feels smart, and is adaptable to a potentially hot Great Hall, and English weather in July. I have to wear gown etc, and a jacket & smart dress as I'm on the platform, but I make sure it's cotton or linen.

The main dressing/fashion faux pas I see from years and years of students graduating is with scruffy young men (they should wear at least a suit), and young women in night club style tight/short dresses and stilettos. They look silly in gowns.

Em & Shi also do beautiful but easy to wear dresses:

Berry dress

Blue dress

It was my grandsons graduation. I wore a black sleeveless dress with white daisies, and a white cropped linen jacket....black beaded sandals for comfort.
Luckily, it was a beautiful day weatherwise.

Have a great time, no matter what you decide to wear. x

Each to their own, but I think that's awful, and incredibly overpriced too.

All that’s missing is a Victorian nightcap and she’d look like Ebenezer Scrooge.

No, I don't think that Toast dress is at all suitable. @Fastingandhungry would look as though she's collecting eggs in the farmyard. I like Toast stuff, but it needs quite careful styling.

Something fairly conventional - a dress with a waist & a smart, tailored silhouette will be fine. Or a suit in summer colours. But not a smock!!

I've bought this dress from TK Maxx for DDs in July

Although now I've read lilac trousers suit and I'm tempted to look again 😁

I wore a seasalt dress and coatigan fkr my childrens'.

You won't stand out as a single parent. Lots of graduands have only one supporter - or a supporter and a friend and sibling. DH couldn't make DS's Masters graduation so dd came with me.

I echo comfy shoes and have a lovely day.

I’m wearing this to my son’s graduation in July …

@anon2022anon that dress looks perfect!
OP there were lots of parents on their own at our DCs graduations. There is lots of waiting around, so people soon got chatting. There’s usually some sort of snacks and hot drinks available too which can be quite sociable.

Both my daughters were in York Minster in October, you could not really tell what anyone was wearing as it was freezing and we all had big coats on. My oldest son was in July at Trentham Gardens, beautiful day , all had nice summer dresses on and men suits.
OP you will not stand out being alone, it is usually very busy and quite a lot of waiting around for photos etc. With the girls we went for food (late lunch) for son it was more of a picnic type affair. I would say comfortable footwear the most important thing.

Comfy shoes or sandals and wear something you feel good and comfortable in.

Style of dress for parents varies you will see a massive variety of clothing for women. From coloured jeans, a nice or not nice top (maybe or maybe not a jacket or smart ish cardigan), trousers and a top (maybe a jacket depending on the day), to skirts and tops and dresses, no hats.

Some people will look like they are going to a royal wedding minus the hat, Whilst others (in the minority) will look they have come straight from digging the garden/straight from the farm to most people who are somewhere in between the two.

I am thinking maybe a dress or neutral coloured trousers and a nice top.

If you’re spending upwards of £165 this is a lovely place to look for a gentle, pretty, beautifully made skirt or dress that could be dressed up or down and worn anywhere for years to come:

https://justinetabak.co.uk/

Given that you're asking here, I'm assuming too dressed up is just going to make you feel uncomfortable or awkward, so I'd aim for something more relaxed but still making an effort. The day is about both of you, not your frock, so anything that makes you feel not yourself could make you even more self conscious.

Nobody's Child are a good shout these links are at John Lewis but M&S and Next also sell online - lots with sleeves and midi length - this is black, bit of shape to it and should flatter but I prefer the version in red.

This with chiffon sleeves to hide arms or possibly more wear out of it over the summer black but relaxed

And I know you said dress, but you could always go palazzo trousers which will balance out the tum and a top expensive or cheaper .

Thank you so much much everyone I really do appreciate the suggestions and will have a look at all. I like the TK Maxx style, shape and covers top of arms.

Actually there are quite a few I like in the links, really appreciate it.

I’m a single parent - I wouldn’t worry about standing out we aren’t rare

I’m going with a mid length, bright blue and white jersey wrap dress with wedges or black linen pants and a sleeveless shirt depending on weather

@NovemberMorn it looks like an Amish lady's dress. It just needs the bonnet and pinny.

Oh, they're gorgeous. 😍

Now, I'm lusting after the tartan skirt, the tartan trousers, and the striped skirt, damn you.