Winter smart outfit

I bought the White Stuff velvet coat last year, in a dark purple colour, having had one from there for years previously. Their previous ones were a softer velvet material and a different collar. I find the collar on this one a bit awkward, especially since my short hair is now shoulder length. I think that collar style works best with very short hair.
Congratulations to your son. Have a great time!

I’m plus size too as hard as I try not to be so have you looked online at Box2 , Ulla popkenUK. Or Chesca? Unfortunately all a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for with our size as you are aware. Chesca have a lovely dress/trousers and jacket in Black with a white zigzag pattern. If you bought maybe the jacket and wore with your own black trousers and put a camisole under that would look classy. Well done to your son and enjoy your day

I love Roman originals. On line or city stores. They have lots of smocked tops to wear with a smart pair of black trousers. And a good choice of dresses in various styles. Appropriate dresses can be hard to find on the high street. And their prices are very reasonable.

When my daughter graduated from Oxford 25 years ago I bought a nice suit and top….changed in a loo as it was a 3 hour drive and got there to find that most people didn’t seem to have made much effort at all…mainly just every day clothes. For my sons graduation I wore a floral dress and plain jacket that I’d had worn for a wedding and that was probably just right. I think you need to look and feel good, but don’t go overboard, and don’t buy something you won’t wear again!

I’ve been to many of these things with my son being in the military and my experience is buy something you can wear again not just for best. The last time I wore smart trousers with a matching top and dressy cardigan with some boots. I’m same size as you I bought all from Roman looked smart next to my sons uniform and on photos. I wore thermal tights under my trousers knowing if it was warm I could slip them off in loos and stick in my bag. No one will take any notice of what you wearing and you will probably find a lot of ppl won’t really bother. Just relax and enjoy it and don’t put so much stress on yourself.

Simplicity and comfort tunic/leggings w socks or tights/pixie boots, coat/jacket to cover, - a colourful scarf to help the photo look 'lively' - they can be quite 'inexpensive!' so won't matter if you only wear it once. A hair cut and or colour, maybe facial and brow threading, but don't get talked into 'special' make up - you won't feel (or look) like yourself.

I’ve just had a look at the coat from White Stuff. It’s really lovely but if you have a short neck it may not be flattering (and makeup may end up on the edge).

Definitely no hat. Been to three graduations at rather prestigeously thought of Universities and no hats. Your black trousers with a smart top and possibly a 3/4 length wrap/jacket. Would get the jacket before the top just to make sure the top fits well with whatever style jacket yoh go for. A not too big handbag. Don't stress about the day though appreciate your sentiment in trying to look special for your DS's Day.

Oska is really good for interesting styles which suit larger ladies. May be stockists in Exeter otherwise on line.

Go to default as you know what suits you best,don’t worry all he will see is his lovely Mum if your too hot just put the coat or jacket over your shoulders & it will keep you cosy it it’s cold.
No one looks at your clothes if you have a big smile on your face,which you will have,you must be very proud,have fun.

Northernlass

I’ve just had a look at the coat from White Stuff. It’s really lovely but if you have a short neck it may not be flattering (and makeup may end up on the edge).

Yes, that’s the sort of thing I meant - I bought a similar coat last year

There’s an author I follow on Facebook called Lizzie Lamb. I think her style might work for you. Do an internet or Facebook search for her. I’m sure you’ll get some inspiration from her outfits. Congratulations to your son, I hope you enjoy this very special day ?

I’m 5ft 1 too and buy a lot of clothes from Evans, the cut of their dresses suit my shape. Plus being short the dresses are longer on me which I like as I’ve got terrible knees. ?
So I would suggest a dress with knee high boots. Maybe go for a dark colour dress as it’s November but dress it up with a colourful scarf or jewellery.
Enjoy the graduation, you will look very proud. xx

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Sloegin

Oska is really good for interesting styles which suit larger ladies. May be stockists in Exeter otherwise on line.

I have a gorgeous Oska jacket that I bought from an Oxfam shop years ago. Very good quality and a great style - but just looked at their website and this outfit would cost around £800!!

Trousers and a jacket that comes to mid tummy length. This will make legs look longer. Jackets that are too long shorten the legs. Dark trousers and lighter jacket. Low healed shoes. Have a wonderful time.

Lots of good suggestions here! Well done to your son, you must be proud.

I absolutely love that teal velvet jacket. I see it with navy trousers and light sweater, with a lovely sparkly broach on your jacket.

A sweater-dress with nice low boots, you could wear warm tights underneath, and a warm wrap or shorter jacket on top.

I live in Bristol so have seen graduations taking place there on many a occasion.
You will need to walk as no parking nearby so nice comfy shoes or boots are a must.
A visit to the hairdressers is good the day before as it will stay in place. You could visit one of the make up counters in a department store to update your make up snd ask for a trial...you may need to purchase something but will give you ideas.
Don't overdress. Check the weather on the BBC weather app to see what the temps are for that day.
A nice skirt, top & jacket along with a colourful co-ordinating scarf should do the trick. Your son just wants you to be there and to be you!

Have a look at Kesta cashmere and wool coats by David Barry. I discovered them at the exhibition hall in Islington. They have a sale on at the moment, about £40. I have them in red, brown and black and about to order the camel. Although warm, they are light to carry if need be. Enjoy the day being proud. He will only see your smile.

Sosander sell smart stuff. A bit pricey but 30% off and free postage and returns not uncommon. Good quality.

I’d go for a nice printed dress possibly in autumnal colours, a plain smart jacket & stylish but comfy boots, no hat.

So many wonderful suggestions, thank you! I tried the coat on, having braved Exeter...and the collar was exactly as NorthernLass worried about. It really didn't suit me, and looking at it, I knew I'd worry about it. So left it in the shop.

I have had a wonderful offer from another member to go shopping in October if I haven't settled on something by then. Although I'm beginning to think a really nice mid thigh coat over trousers and top, with a scarf might suit best...with shoes obviously :D Thank you for such constructive comments x

I'm incredibly proud of my son, science isn't my thing, so for him to take Medical Microbiology amazed me. As he was a mature student we were not expected to fund him, he gained a Lloyds scholarship, took student loans and only asked for minor financial help 3 times - all with quite a major memory issue (diagnosed in year 2). My smile will be dazzling xx

A tremendous achievement. You will smile all day. I did.