Graduation (not) dressing :( - YouLookFab Forum

I've been agonizing, and Tracey's post about what she's wearing to her daughter's graduation has me even more worried. My DD is graduating in early May, and the commencement details specify: "No matter what the forecast, it is always cold! In recent years, the temperature during Commencement has been 40 degrees or cooler, with a wind off of Lake Michigan. Please dress for winter weather (in layers with coats, hats, and gloves). There are no heated, indoor facilities in which to warm up. . ."

I/we will be sitting for 2.5 to 3 hours in the morning with a canopy above and a concrete heat sucking slab below. We are told to bring blankets, and I think they have blankets to buy. I'm a Californian who runs exceptionally cold and have a hard time outside for long periods when it is in the low 60s.

Would it be too horrible to dress solely for function? I am figuring I will avoid being in all pics taken at the site; it's DD's day after all. I will take a change of clothes and change at the restaurant.

I am never ever out in the 40 degree temps, so I'm thinking of layering the warmest clothing I have: Uniqlo long johns on top and bottom, thick ponte gray pants, black cashmere turtleneck, merino pullover, DD's black puffer on top or my Eddie Bauer windbreaker on top -- whichever is warmer. Both cashmere and merino got moth-eaten over the summer so I will probably ditch them after the ceremony. I can layer two pairs of fingerless gloves (no full gloves), and I have some hand warming packets that I've never tried. I was thinking of layering my new EF harem pants on top, but I don't think they would add much warmth. I could also layer a black ponte skirt on top. We are taking public transportation there so my footwear needs to go the distance. I'm thinking my clogs will provide more insulation against the concrete slab than my booties which would probably work better with the slim ponte pants.

My sweater dresses are fine (thin or cotton) for mild California weather. I don't go to football games or anything else like that where I have to be out in the cold or wind, so I am very, very worried, esp. with my Reynaud's.

Suggestions?

9 years ago

Anonymous

Since you have Reynaud's, you should probably discuss this with your doctor and do whatever he advises. It doesn't sound like the best place for you to be, and you might want to think about an alternate plan.

binkle

Veteran

I feel bad that you seem to feel so bad about this. "Dressing for function" is not horrible - that is exactly what the school is suggesting that you do. And why avoid pictures on this important day? Sounds like your outfit of sleek layered neutrals with a black puffer will be sharp and appropriate.

I live in Southern California and always see (and kind of chuckle at) the scarves, hats and gloves in the stores here - bet you could still find some sale items, or order some from the school's alumni shop.

And bring a newspaper to put under your feet - it is a great insulator.

Good luck and enjoy this special day!

Diana

I agree you should probably consult with your doctor re: your reynaud's and this situation. But otherwise, yes, definitely layers and more layers. I also can't emphasize enough how important hat, scarf (a big one, that covers your entire neck), and mittens are. Yes, mittens not gloves. They are WAY warmer. Since your DD lives there I'm assuming she would have some you can borrow.
ETA: sounds like everyone will be bundled up so I think you'll look fine and will fit right in.

Liz

Agree to dress for the weather and not try to "dress up" for the event. They put that wording on the invitation for a reason -- to avoid hordes of frozen parents who tried to dress up and didn't realize how cold it would be.
Please do whatever you need to, to decrease your worry so you can enjoy the day itself.

Momo

Dress for the weather! No one will notice what you are wearing unless they are jealous that they didn't wear cozy clothing

Gail

I agree with others, dress for the weather and change at the restaurant .
Do you know anyone from which you could borrow a long down maxi coat ? I have one that I cannot do without , I get very very cold when I sit outdoors I have to wear layers in addition to hat scarf and mittens at all times. My coat has a hood but I wear a hat also. Wool socks are also a must for me. Being warm takes first place over fashion especially when you have Reynauds.

DonnaF

Thanks everyone for your unanimous opinion! Off to my church's list serve to ask if anyone has a pair of (ski?) mittens I can borrow to slip over my gloves. DD's puffer has a hood, but I think I have earmuffs somewhere.

BrieN

I recently purchased a seat warmer from Costco for a friend who endures all types of weather to watch her DD play soccer. You put it in the microwave and heat according to instructions and it stays warm for hours. Also along a similar vein are the toe and hand warmers that you activate for one time use. My DD has reynauds and we depend on those during cold months

Brie, do you know if those hand warmers go bad? I have quite an old one, and my late mom had quite a few more. I was planning to take the bunch and see if at least one worked after I tore them open.

We won't have access to a MW, or at least will be traveling for awhile even if we have access to one, but those seat warmers sound great! I've only ever watched one live game, but I think I prefer basketball (or at least the Warriors!) because the game is played inside, so no chance to freeze or get a sunburn.

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