What would you wear for….

[parachutegirl]

A summer graduation (parent, not student) if you don’t like dresses/skirts? Smart linen trousers? A nice blouse? (Links welcome)

Smart linen trousers and silk blouse sound perfectly appropriate.
I don’t have any links but think about what colours you like wearing and shops you usually buy from to help you narrow things down a bit,
when I went to dds there was an amazing range of clothes, some in trousers, some full suits, florals, plain, dresses, jeans, shoes, trainers, just everything. So just make sure you’re comfortable. Oh, and that you won’t embarrass your dc in a tracksuit maybe!

I’m a lecturer and the majority of mums/female guests are in what you’d wear to a nice lunch or afternoon tea, evening wedding type thing. Linen trousers and a blouse will be fine.

I know people always come on these threads and say oh, it’s casual, just wear jeans but that tends not to be the case for the majority of guests with us, especially if you are having photos done. My mum wore a dress to mine, my dad a suit, brother and boyfriend in shirts and ties, smart trousers, and that was about 25 years ago - I’d say the fashions have definitely changed but the tone of the event is much the same. (My graduation outfit was a black midi skirt and white broderie anglaise blouse, with black kitten heel mules - I wish I still had that blouse!)

I’ve been to a graduation before and I did actually wear a dress I had in the wardrobe from a previous wedding, but I’ve now given up dresses 😂 I’ve also given up heels which doesn’t help as I’m only 5’3 but I’ll tolerate a wedge if I look too stumpy without.

Something like this? ( posted picture for style, not the price).

https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-petite-nolah-linen-blend-wide-leg-trousers-neutral/p115198860

Bolder version.

https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-petite-charli-suit-jacket-pink/p115198711

https://www.boden.com/products/women-belgravia-linen-trousers-spearmint-r0853plm?_pos=16&_fid=826fc86a8&_ss=c

https://www.boden.com/products/women-kensington-linen-trousers-ivory-delicate-blossom-r0855ivo?_pos=39&_fid=826fc86a8&_ss=c

https://www.boden.com/products/women-belgravia-ponte-trousers-pomegranate-r0814dpk?_pos=41&_fid=826fc86a8&_ss=c

https://www.boden.com/products/women-belgravia-linen-trousers-olive-green-r0853grn?_pos=97&_fid=17b0c74ef&_ss=c

Sorry I've no links as it was 4 or 5 years ago but I wore white, ankle length wide leg trousers (Me and Em) with a vintage 1960s Jackie Kennedy-ish jacket and a Whistles blouse. Flat, white patent leather shoes (vintage). The guests were mostly a similar level of smartness - some slightly fancier but I didn't feel out of place. I saw no sign of those parents in jeans that I always hear about on these kinds of threads. You probably already know this but whatever you wear, make sure your shoes are comfortable as there's lots of standing and walking.