Outfit to wear to DC's summer graduation

[bookmarket]

I don't live near proper clothes shops so I'm having to shop online. I need some ideas of outfits to wear to DC's graduation so I sort of know what I'm searching for online.

I know people will wear a range of formal to informal outfits but I just need to visualise what I want before I go hunting for it as I've got a bit lost in the thousands of dresses available online! I'm not looking for a specific suggestion, just pointers of what others wear, so I can establish what I am looking dor., if that makes sense. 😊

DC's graduation is late in the day, with a mid-morning reception and then we will have a family meal in the evening.

If you’ve looked through thousands of dresses and not found one - that might suggest you don’t actually want to wear a dress. Separates are just as acceptable. A linen trouser suit? A silk shirt and your favourite skirt? ‘National dress’ if you have any non-UK heritage?

What do you feel best in?

I would wear some sort of trouser suit or a dress and jacket. Wear what ever you are most comfortable in.

Oh no, I haven't looked through thousands of dresses. I just know that is the options online and I could easily end up there, with my brain so saturated I can't see the wood for the trees. I want to target my search.

I thought about trousers but I'm not skilled at putting 3 items of clothing together plus shoes. I tend to suit dresses.

What size and shape are you?

14. Pear shape. Tallish. Early 50s. I've not worn a dress with a jacket for many, many years. I don't want to look like a wedding guest, nor wear something my mother will be wearing. Probably looking for something blue. I don't want to be too hot.

Where is the graduation? E.g. cathedral or conference and events centre? I would say for most posh lunch attire is appropriate. I wore a long party frock I had bought for a wedding from Wolf and Badger to DS’s as I was v proud and excited and it was expensive and I needed to get the cost per wear down.

If you don't often wear dresses then maybe a pair of linen trousers with a more dressy top would work for you then you would have the trousers to wear afterwards.

Do you have a budget?

Placemarking for ideas..

I meant I've not worn a jacket with a dress for years. I do wear dresses. But mostly casual dresses for summer and winter.

I wore a maxi dress and wedge sandals. It was hit so this worked.

Jasper COnran have some lovely shirt dresses - the silk are to die for but the cotton ones are lovely too. Very on trend for the summer. I'll probably wear one to my DDs graduation.

Is there a dress code on the university website?

At DD's university they suggested smart casual or formal, or national dress where applicable.

Most of the women were in a dress and jacket combo (as was I). I wore wedge sandals as well. You will be on your feet a lot so make sure your footwear is comfortable.

And congrats to your DC.

I will go for wedge sandals. I have several pairs. I like the idea of a shirt dress. Maxi dresses sometimes can sometimes feel like they are too voluminous and add bulk to me. I'm F cup with wide hips and a high waist and look better if you can see I have a waist.

At my dcs' various graduations I've worn a nice dress and a smart cardigan, though it was sweltering for one so opted for a summer dress I already owned. And wear comfy shoes - there's a lot of walking around!

Different universities and different courses have a different vibe. Have a look at photos of previous graduations. Enjoy! Youngest is graduating this summer too.