Cinnamon Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 (edited) Just been told the date of my daughters graduation, which is mid July. Question: What do audience members wear? It could be hot then, so I dread a very formal do, also that just isn't very me I live in jeans & flip flops, & don't really like dressing up. There is also a long steep hill walk to the Cathedral in Guildford & I am really unfit....help! Edited March 19, 2014 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I'd wear whatever you are comfy in, but I would dress up a little. All eyes will be on the students in any case Get there in plenty of time so you can get over any nerves or breathlessness (lots of steps I seem to remember) Most of all, enjoy it, its a real rite of passage, and your daughter will be celebrating in a suitably august place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I think you probably want to dress up a bit, but no need to do the full "mother-of-the-bride" bit, I'm sure smartish trousers and a blouse/top would be fine. You will have a lovely day, still remember my graduation now, very special! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 People generally dress up to be honest. You could go for a lovely floaty dress and sandals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 Uh huh, there is no getting away from it, is there? I won't have to wear a hat or one of those silly fascinstor things, will I? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Only if you want to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 Nope! Might dust of my tiara though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I would say you do need to dress up. Not quite Mother of the Bride but definitely wedding guest ! For my ed's graduation I wore a smart dress (Phase Eight was where I got mine) with a lacy short sleeved cardi. Personally I think the ones who wore headgear looked a bit over the top Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 It really depends on the Uni At Oxbridge you need an Armani suit and, yes a hat At most former Polys, it rather depends on the course... The parents of business students are usually wearing dark suits. The parents of arts students wear kaftans and goodness knows what Generally it's quite smart, but it's down to you - personally I hate to feel 'under-dressed' but there's no good reason why you should wear anything you'll feel uncomfortable in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Agree it is a bit dressy and like everything some are OTT in hats etc but a nice summer dress or linen trousers and top would be lovely and it's a nice occasion for family pics.We didn't do formal photographs of family,just daughter but took some ourselves which are lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 Thanks all, you are a great source of knowledge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 I'm glad you asked this question, I've got exactly the same dilemma coming up in June . I have actually bought a dress from Laura Ashley in their sale - partly because I've got a family wedding in 2015 but also possibly for the graduation. I hope I have the nerve to wear it - I don't do dresses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 It really depends on the UniAt Oxbridge you need an Armani suit and, yes a hat At most former Polys, it rather depends on the course... The parents of business students are usually wearing dark suits. The parents of arts students wear kaftans and goodness knows what Generally it's quite smart, but it's down to you - personally I hate to feel 'under-dressed' but there's no good reason why you should wear anything you'll feel uncomfortable in YD graduates this year as a Nurse will I get away with going in bandages as her mummy Sorry couldn't resist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 very good! It'll be a big audience, and all eyes are on the students but ... there will be photographs with your daughter afterwards, and they're the ones you're going to want to have on display afterwards and will treasure for a long time. You'll want to look smart in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 I just can't put on pretty, floaty clothes. I feel self-conscious and odd. I think I would go for a 1940s style trouser suit with a peplum waist with one of those delicate little blouses with pearl buttons. The ones that sit on your waist, not tucked in. I could do that. If you really don't want to go you don't actually have to. My daughter opted out and we didn't mind that decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scary Mary Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 I was in exactly the same position 2 years ago. Very overweight I was dreading the climb up to the cathedral. When you arrive at the uni, the gowning and photos are in the first set of buildings just a short walk from the car park. It is all very relaxed and there is a café where you can get a coffee and have a sit down. Our son pointed us in the right direction and we slowly wandered up in the direction of the Cathedral while he chatted to mates etc and he caught us up closer to the Cathedral. The final steps up to it from the campus are quite shallow, just lots of them and there were loads of people like me pausing to catch their breath! Just take your time and its fine. Clothes wise I wore smart grey trousers and camisole top with a light viole and linen overshirt/jacket (to cover a multitude of sins). It felt right, and I didn’t feel I was pretending to be something I wasn’t. Shoes were comfortable and flat as it is a bit of a hike! Don’t be intimidated, just be yourself - the best accessory you can have will come naturally, one huge enormous proud smile. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 From previous experience of DD & DS Graduations they tend to be pretty dress up formal occasions as posted there are photos which you will want to display so your going to be looking at them daily. YD graduates this year too no firm date yet though we know it's autumn as hers will be held at St Albans Cathedral I am assuming formal again although I am normally a shorts T shirt jeans wearer I look at it as a lovely memorable occasion our children have worked hard to achieve so you don't want to embarrass or let them down. I am hoping wear a white dress with black polka dots and black bolero Jacket that I wore to ED's wedding unless it's not dress and heels weather in which case I have a plan B which is a smart suit I wore a skirt suit to DDs and trouser suit to DDs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 Please don't let the dress code put you off going to the graduation - it will be the most wonderful day for you all and whatever you wear will be fine - the important thing is that you are there to share in your daughter's achievement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 If I were you Cinnamon, I'd get yourself a floaty hippy / maiden style dress that you might want to wear afterwards on holidays. Buy a nice chiffon wrap / pashmina type thing to keep shoulders from catching a chill & to dress up the dress a bit You've got lovely hair, so make the most of that. Have a teeny fresh flower decoration made on a clip for in your hair. Then you can just clip your side pieces back. Then like others have said, some nice pretty but comfy sandals / low heel shoes. I'd also buy yourself a pretty birdcage type umbrella. You can't trust British weather! You'll be fine & most of all the proud parent! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 21, 2014 Author Share Posted March 21, 2014 Please don't let the dress code put you off going to the graduation - it will be the most wonderful day for you all and whatever you wear will be fine - the important thing is that you are there to share in your daughter's achievement Oh I am not put off going - I can't wait - just wanted some verification on the dress code, is all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnie&Moose Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 I'm coming to this a bit late - but as one of the people normally in 'fancy dress' on the platform at these events - I would say wear whatever you're comfortable in - and definitely go for comfortable shoes - there's lots of standing around and waiting. So - if you want to dress up, do; if you don't - don't worry about it - let's face it, academics and university staff generally aren't known for their sartorial elegance Main thing is to enjoy the event. Oh, and a tip for your daughter - one way to stop the hood strangling her, and keep it sitting in the right place - wear a very well engineered bra and use a safety pin to attach the hood loop (normally goes round a shirt button) to the point on the bra between the cups. That way it stays put . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 Obligatory Graduation photo... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 What a lovely photo Lewis. Such a handsome group Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 Lovely photo, Lewis . You can just see the pride in those smiles . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 15, 2014 Author Share Posted July 15, 2014 So, tomorrow is the big day! To say I am nervous would be an understatement, but I have a nice frock & some new shoes to wear......its going to be a scorcher too! I note that Lewis Dad isn't wearing a tie. The husband doesn't want to, as it will be so hot....he is wearing navy trousers & a navy & blue linen shirt, short sleeved. Hope we will pass muster! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
