Graduation outfit inspiration

[carkerpartridge]

DD's graduation is coming up and I am in a panic about what to wear! I am usually a very dressed down sort of person and am lacking ideas. It will be my first graduation so I don't know what to expect. I am sort of imagining it to be like a royal garden party! I would love to know what other mumsnetters have worn.

I'd say any decent, semi-formal midi-dress! This article has a cute examples https://themomedit.com/best-graduation-dresses-for-moms-2025/ congratulations to your dd! x

Thanks notnow, that's useful. The bullet point list is very much like the thoughts that are going round in my head the moment!!

the navy dress at the beginning of the article is perfect. Many mums are in outfits they had for weddings (think per Una midi dresses and jackets) because it’s an excuse to wear the outfit again. Others aren’t as formal, most universities do not have a guest dress code so you’ll see jeans etc. I don’t think one shoulder, strapless or spaghetti straps are really appropriate though, it’s about the graduates so nothing too look at me!

I have been to 3 graduations at 2 different Unis.

UEA has a big outdoor village type thing with food trucks and live music etc and people wore everything-some smart dresses but on the whole pretty relaxed. I wore a white broderie anglais day dress from Zara and felt like I hit the right tone. They all walk to the lake for pictures so def comfortable shoes.
Not very many men wore suits.

Newcastle's was a deferred from covid ceremony and it was at 9:30 in the morning with champagne reception after.
Was all indoors and a bit smarter but again a huge range.

So really a huge variation-think the tone set a little by the arrangements. I think UEA's more casual vibe was because of the outdoor village so have a look at what the plans are.

I don't think you can get it wrong-I always err on the side of not being overdressed/the fanciest person in the room and aim for a nice middle ground.

And you'll be in the pictures that will be around a long time!!

A midi dress (or jumpsuit?) that you could just about wear to a wedding and is too special for the pub.
maybe a dark blue or green with a small print.
think a 50th birthday party in a garden
wear comfy shoes and bring a jacket or a smart, cropped boxy cardigan- there’s lots of standing around.

Lots of helpful ideas, thank you. That's a good point about the photos!

@carkerpartridge have you managed to find anything? I have the same dilemma 🤦‍♀️

Softpebbles Graduation was a few days ago. I ended up wearing a belted shirt dress which seemed to fit all my many requirements. On the day I hated it because it didn't sit right, it kept blowing up in the wind and the belt kept coming undone! I should definitely have worn it rather than just trying it on beforehand - lesson learned for any future events. I have actually ordered a Wyse Alina dress in the sale to have as a standby outfit if I ever need to wear a dress again. I had tried on some shirt dresses from Boden which were lovely cotton but t I felt were a bit over the top - they would actually have been very suitable. Apart from my major clothes stress it was a wonderful day, DD looked beautiful and had a ball! Good luck with your outfit.