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Show me your dresses! Need a good dress for graduation

12 replies

Unstoppered · 13/02/2026 10:52

I am graduating in April. I probably have something I could wear in my wardrobe that would be ok, but I'd love to get something for it to mark the occasion. I'd like something I can wear again, and I don't have the kind of job where I wear smart / formal clothes, so I'm looking for something I could dress up for the graduation and dress down for summer / socialising in the future. My budget isn't great (£50-£80) so I'm looking on Vinted but because of that I'm struggling to see what things look like on actual bodies and not just on a hanger. I've been looking at Scamp and Dude tea dresses which feels like the right level of special / not too formal but not sure how they would look on me.

I'm 5'5", early 40s, size 10-12. Looking for midi length, but they often a bit long on me because of my short legs. I prefer short / cap sleeves, nothing with really puffed sleeves. Don't really like shirt dresses or wrap dresses. My gown / hood is red and blue so looking for something with those colours in, or that at least won't clash with them! Please don't tell me to wear a white blouse and a knee length black skirt, I definitely won't!

OP posts:
Skybluepinky · 13/02/2026 16:08

Have you been to shops to try on things to see what size and style suit you. Then look on Vinted EBay and local selling groups. Look on TikTok etc to see what others have worn with similar figures. Congratulations hope you find the perfect outfit.

BarnacleBeasley · 13/02/2026 16:22

The reason a skirt and tucked-in blouse works (besides dress codes) is that the hood is quite heavy and normally you either hook it onto a button or pin it to your clothes. I'd be a bit worried with the tea dresses you like that the fabric is quite lightweight and the dress would get pulled up at the front and not hang nicely. I'm not saying it needs to be a white blouse and a black knee length skirt if you really don't like that, but maybe something more structured in a fabric that can handle safety pins.

samlovesdilys · 13/02/2026 16:48

I wore a dress with a deep V for graduation so I could pin the hood to my bra, solving the problem of it pulling my dress/top up. It worked perfectly!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 13/02/2026 16:58

Unless you’re really sure, I wouldn’t risk Vinted. Maybe have a look at Nobody’s Child in that budget?

Also, what shoes/boots are you hoping to wear?

I think at this time of year I’d probably just be looking at a plain black dress tbh.

Sesquipedahlia · 13/02/2026 18:04

Congratulations!

But I don’t think an academic gown ever looks right worn over short sleeves …

Unstoppered · 13/02/2026 18:39

Thanks for advice! Take the point about short sleeves. And light fabric. Why are things suitable for graduation so unlike anything I would wear in my everyday life?!

@MiddleAgedDread these dresses are all beautiful but I just don’t think I would have any occasion to re-wear them, they’re all on the formal side for my daily life.

@samlovesdilys I think I might be too flat chested for that to work but it gives me hope I can get round the button dilemma!

Yes I probably need to just go and try some stuff on. But I’m worried I’ll find something I love and can’t afford 😅

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 13/02/2026 18:42

At those sort of prices I’d wear it once and stick it on Vinted! Do you never go out for dinner or to a birthday gathering and wear a dress? That one with the side ties would be really cool in summer with sandals for casual wear.

Gettingbysomehow · 15/02/2026 11:01

Ive been to loads of graduations and most of the women have looked like a complete mess because they will wear voluminous complicated clothing or separates with fussy blouses under the gown. The gown itself is quite fussy so you really need something plain and simple underneath that flatters your figure.
Id probably wear something like this:

https://www.boden.com/products/women-nessa-ottoman-shift-dress-jewel-green-d1573grn

You can add a jacket and chunky jewellery when the gown comes off but people who wear something simpla and tailored always look great during the ceremony.

Nessa Ottoman Shift Dress-Jewel Green

Shift dresses are never going out of style. Our Ottoman dress will make you look and feel pulled together even when rushing out of the house. This piece is perfect for work – and drinks afterwards.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-nessa-ottoman-shift-dress-jewel-green-d1573grn

Gettingbysomehow · 15/02/2026 11:02

I don't like the shoes the model is wearing though.

TheKateColumbo · 15/02/2026 11:10

I’ve never noticed anyone having any major problems with their gown and their dress at the graduations I’ve been to. I have noticed loads of women struggle with their shoes though.

Gettingbysomehow · 15/02/2026 15:38

TheKateColumbo · 15/02/2026 11:10

I’ve never noticed anyone having any major problems with their gown and their dress at the graduations I’ve been to. I have noticed loads of women struggle with their shoes though.

Falling up or down the stairs mainly.

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