Outfit ideas for a July graduation that I can rewear

[Windowbasket]

Hi, style gurus - I need your help! Looking for an outfit to wear to dd's graduation in July. Ideally something that I can wear again. Was considering the below combo (although more of a cream, silky top if I can find one) and would value your opinions, positive or not! Would plan to pair the below with tan or gold block heels plus nice jewellery and bag ...

Topshop skirt
Whistles top

Top is boring in my view. A bit office!

I’ve checked out these at M&S. The lace top and black skirt are very wearable all summer. The chartreuse skirt and top ditto. You could wear the black top with your skirt suggestion to make it more zingy. Get a black bag and shoes. The polka dot dress and the black column dress are classics. You could add cream shoes and a bag to the black one.

These

Oh, I like these suggestions - thank you!!

Also considering this Boden dress - but no idea what sort of jacket would work with it. I'm so bad at this sort of thing!! Would a cream blazer work, do you think? I love the dress but want to make sure the overall outfit looks modern and not too twee ...

@Windowbasket I feel the dress is pink and I would not put a blazer with it personally. It’s a perfectly good dress though. If you want a blazer, get a trouser suit. There are plenty around in summer colours - buttery cream/yellow for example. Both my DDs had graduations in July and it was really hot. Certainly didn’t need a jacket. I wore a floral silk shift dress for one and it was great inside but walking to the reception - it was hot! For DD2’s I wore a cotton dress but felt “underdressed” as Grayson Perry gave DD her degree! It was another scorching day. You would be unlucky to need a jacket unless it’s air conditioned. It’s not an overly formal day for parents though. Stay cool and comfortable.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to me, and thanks also for the tips and advice! V helpful. Out of my comfort zone here 😅 I'll drop the jacket idea - you are right!!

These are trouser suits from Mango. Different styles and although one is casual, a good top underneath and it’s elevated. I’m a big fan of these!

I wouldn’t worry too much. At graduations we’ve been to/seen pics of from friends, there’s a huge range of outfits.

At one end of the scale you have people who look like they’re off to a wedding, complete with hats/fascinators…then the other end people in jeans and a top. Anything you feel comfortable and smart in will be fine.

Thanks, guys - I've definitely overthought this! Absolutely love a trouser suit, too - it's just finding trousers that fit! Might order one for a little try-on ...

@Windowbasket I didn’t see anyone wearing a hat. We were Bristol and the London College of Fashion. So quite different! LCF was a bit more varied as you might expect. We have also done a couple of course graduation ceremonies for DDs since and as one was the Bar qualification course at Grays Inn, I can still say - no hats! Mostly a decent enough dress worn by most mums. The most important thing is comfortable shoes.