Winter smart outfit

Callistemon21- All my graduation ceremonies were at Exeter...and I was cold at every single one! Sitting still for hours, with little to no heating was no fun...I'm hoping Wills' Hall is heated. I suppose I could admit defeat and ask my son, but I know he will tell me off for fussing ;)

Thank you all for the advice, I am off on an Internet trawl :D

You definitely don't need any sort of headgear, Treetops! I would suggest a trouser suit, skirt suit or matching dress and jacket (whichever you feel most comfortable in), plus in November you will need a coat or cape. I find capes are very accommodating!

You must be so proud of your son's achievement. As they say, the best accessory is a smile and I guarantee you'll be wearing a big one!

Have a wonderful time!

I would suggest no hat or fascinator either.
Don't try to compete with mortar boards

Hope you find something which makes you feel good and that it goes well.

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White Stuff do a rather lovely velvet coat in teal, gold (chartreuse) or a deep purple. It could look really smart and dressy with knee length boots and a skirt (or dress) or smart trousers.
Good haircut, perhaps a scarf but NO HAT - and absolutely NOT a fascinator!

Germanshepherdsmum

Which university is it? People attending graduation ceremonies at some (eg Cambridge) tend to dress up, almost as if going to a wedding, less so at others. No hat needed though. For my son’s graduation (LSE) I wore a skirt suit. I don’t remember what others wore but I didn’t feel out of place.

It is Bristol, and the ceremony is in The Wills' Hall. I graduated 3 times in the 2001-4, some wore hats, and really dressed up, I just want to look smart. I look like a toadstool in a hat, and fascinators look like my head has swollen :/

Is it in Exeter Cathedral, Treetops05

DD's was there many years ago and it was a wonderful place for a graduation ceremony.

As others have suggested, perhaps a longish, good quality jacket, dark trousers and ankle boots - and a good haircut!
No hat - it will compete with the mortar boards.

There will be photographs ?

Have a look round & try a few things on first before you decide ... may take a few weeks or so, then go & enjoy !

If you're going to have a photo with your son, get a nice top. Definitely no hat.

White Stuff is expensive but look online at their sales items. I am sure you would find something there. As Maw said their jackets are smart and reasonably priced in the sale. I fancy two of them.

DS2 graduation was in November, I wore a trouser suit and smart but comfortable shoes. I’d set out with ankle boots, but left them in the hotel, they were new and rubbed. I knew it would be a long day.

Which university is it? People attending graduation ceremonies at some (eg Cambridge) tend to dress up, almost as if going to a wedding, less so at others. No hat needed though. For my son’s graduation (LSE) I wore a skirt suit. I don’t remember what others wore but I didn’t feel out of place.

Attended DD's graduation in Ely Cathedreal this summer no one wore a hat, absolutely no one.

I have attended 7 graduations over the last 30 years and people do not wear hats at graduation cereemonies - unless they are academic and accompanied by an academic gown.

Don't wear a hat -think of the people sitting behind you

Just a thought: you may find that the hall where the ceremony is held gets very hot, with so many people - or not, who knows? So maybe a coat that is not too bulky in case you have limited space or have to hold it on your lap.

Go to a good hairdresser and get a good cut and, if necessary. get your hair coloured. Nothing is more likely to drag a smart outfit down, or raise a less smart outfit up than well cut hair.

Roman have a good range too. Hope you find somthing. Comfy trousers maybe not black, dark green or chocolate? ,and maybe a tunic. Next have some smart lightweight coats. Good luck

PPS
If you find something you like, you could also have a look on eBay- not everything is pre-worn, the likes of White Stuff, Seasalt, Joules etc also sell their remaindered stock on eBay at a very acceptable discount!

PS I vaguely remember from the daughters’ graduations that sone mums dressed up as if they were going to a wedding and looked totally out of place.

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Jacket or coat, smart trousers, ankle boots with a little heel would be my choice (as I don’t do dresses of skirts!) But a good smart coat is an investment) Sahara has some lovely jackets- at a price, but worth it! Or you might find a coat/jacket at White Stuff. I bought the checked one below in the sale . If you’re quick-and like it- they have one size 20 left. I bought an 18 and it’s big enough to wear a jumper under, but not huge. I plan to wear it with a white polo neck, navy trousers and a bright red shoulder bag.

Everyone will know how proud you are of your lovely son - your face will display your feelings. Don't worry too much about what to wear , be comfortable!! In your position I choose would dark trousers , low heeled shoes and a smart jacket in a bright colour . I am fairly sure I would not be wearing a hat although I recognize it is a personal choice. Enjoy the day !!! and congratulations to your son . I achieved a good degree at a late age after leaving school at 15! Your son has worked extremely hard and I feel sure he just wants you there and will not be in the least bothered about your outfit! Have a wonderful day !

You could have a look at Sahara. They do lovely clothes for larger ladies. Congratulations to your son. Best wishes for his future. Enjoy his graduation day.