What to wear to son's college grad?

Mita

Hi YLFers, wondering if anyone has general tips about what a mom should wear to a child's college graduation? It's in mid June, northern California (56-78 degrees current forecast). I just don't know what is traditional. Thanks for any thoughts

3 years ago

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

cat2

Veteran

Private or public school?

3 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

I think anything goes these days but I'd wear a dress--something a little more festive than business casual. There are usually lots of photos for occasions like these and it's nice to look back years later and feel that you were dressed nicely for the graduate. I've seen skirts, pants/jeans and jumpsuits too--but usually put together to be a little dressier than everyday casual (at least for me.) I added the find for one of the dresses I wore. I think I even suffered in uncomfortable shoes--I wouldn't recommend that.

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3 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I totally agree with Kelly. I’d also consider some kind of topper that you can peel off, and possibly a hat if you’re outside and in the sun.

3 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

but not air horns

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3 years ago

Mita

Active Member

OMG too funny bj1111. cat2- private college, Jesuit, Silicon Valley (Santa Clara). Agree kellygirl, and good tip JAileen. Thank you. Now to see what fits...

3 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Santa Clara/San Jose is likely to be at the higher end of the temperature scale. Wear a hat and sunscreen!

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

You can expect to see afternoon appropriate skirts and dresses.

3 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I would say business casual made festive...

3 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Oh, yes, for SC, I'd definitely error on the dressier side of casual. It's a safe bet that all of the parents there will be dressed well.

3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Kellygirl’s example is excellent. Do err on the side of serious/dressy. If there is a lot of outdoor stuff mind the shoes. A block or wedge heel if you will be on pavers, bricks, or grass. I murdered a pair of shoes getting the slender heel caught between the brick pavers, and then punched holes in the turf during an outdoor reception and nearly took a tumble trying to free myself.

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

If you do find yourself unexpectedly on grass in heels, the key is just to walk on your toes, actually your forefoot, and not put weight on your heels. Tricky, but not impossible.

3 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I’d wear flat shoes for climbing bleachers or a grass field if outside. If outside dress for the weather. You may need a good sun hat and way to secure it if windy. Dress like you would for Church or a special dinner.

3 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Good pointers from everyone already. Just wanted to add to make sure your dress/ skirt is long enough to allow you to safely climb onto stands etc without flashing anyone, lol. I also like to add slipshorts, to prevent heat rash.

Oh, & if you burn fairly easily or are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, a lightweight stole or gauzy shrug/ scarf should be helpful for when you'll inevitably be ferried in & out of A/C buildings & outdoor photoshoots, lol:

https://www.etsy.com/hk-en/lis.....ear-summer

3 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

For events like this, where you may be seated outside in the sun, I make sure I have a good sunscreen and potential cover-up. Depending on how hot it was on the day I would wear either of the following dresses.

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3 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I would wear a nice dress.

3 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

The three dresses below are what I wore for my children’s college graduations which were indoors, not outdoors. The colorful print dress was for DD’s graduation from art school. The lace dress was for DS graduation from a small private college. The blush dress was for DD’s graduation last weekend from a masters degree program from an Ivy League college. It’s my current favorite dress. The colorful print was the least conservative, but it was my all time favorite dress. It has long been retired due to overuse, but I was happy to see it is still here in my finds. The lace dress was also a favorite dress at the time of DS graduation. So, my suggestion…..wear your current favorite dress!

My best advice: Bring plenty of tissue for the tears!

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Shoshanna Drayton Midi Dress

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Tracy Reese 'T' Print Stretch Silk Dress

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3 years ago

Mita

Active Member

Thank you so much, stylish ladies! Great suggestions. I will look at my favorite dress, thank you Staysfit. I, however, have not stayed fit, with some post menopausal weight. But I will try the faves and if they don't work, will shop. Agree with many of you that SC will be dressy and a little conservative. And YES to great ideas about slipshorts and easy shoes. Enjoyed your anecdotes Runcarla!

3 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Mita, I once said that exact same thing to Staysfit, that I hadn’t stayed fit!
It is my 24 year old son’s graduation on Tuesday. This is my 3rd and last child. It is winter here from that day 1 June, and the last 2 graduations were in April which was mid-autumn.
To each graduation I have worn/ will wear a dress and smart but fairly flat shoes. This one is indoors. The previous ones had parades but I think they have cancelled that.

3 years ago

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