<p>Thumper, That sounds like what I wore last year (in Boston). Black cropped pants, black slingback flats, little tee, jacket (it was cool in the morning when we snagged our seats) and a black straw hat. Looking at the photos, I am happy with my choices.</p>
<p>thumper…I like cropped pants MUCH better. I have a few capris in my closet- ones that fall just below my knee. I wear them for REAL casual events sometimes - and only because I’m not comfortable in shorts (shows my knees…ACK!). But cropped pants…that’s a bit of a different story. I think you’re gonna be fine…especially if you dress it up with jewelry.</p>
<p>I think it’s hard to judge whether capris are dressy enough or not. There are dumpy-mom-capris and there are really cute ones, perhaps worn with a great jacket and sandals, that have style and pizzazz. I do prefer cropped over capris, though.</p>
<p>OK…CC fashion police 
I went to my closet…my pants are definitely cropped…almost to my ankles. They are a nice fabric…looks sort of like a batik with aqua and light blue. Top is aqua. Jacket is white. Really looks nice. Sandals and small pocket book (with shoulder strap) are also white. To be honest, with all the walking and outdoor nature of this event, I think this is preferable to the dress. But I’ll be taking both. The dress really looks best with heeled sandals and I do NOT want to walk a distance in those shoes!! </p>
<p>I’ll probably try it all on again before the event just to make sure…and I’ll shove at least ONE other outfit into my carry on bag, just in case.</p>
<p>I don’t know thumper, the white jacket, sandals and handbag sound way too matchy matchy.</p>
<p>I brought out several pairs of summer pants the other day and I noticed a pair of yellow J. Crew cropped chinos. I think that they’re supposed to look preppy - the color and all - but I never really wore them because I’ve always felt ridiculous in such a bright color on my bottom half. It has occurred to me that past a certain age, we should not wear pants in anything other than a solid neutral color - no brights or patterns on the bottom.</p>
<p>I concur with gourmetmom – add some other color in the sandals and / or handbag. Looks dressier than all the matching. Or a statement necklace or earrings. Would something in turquoise / coral add a little something?</p>
<p>Thumper - They had some great coral and turquoise jewelery at Coldwater Creek and according to Northeastmom, it was on sale 50% off!</p>
<p>Most people at DDs graduation had on dresses, skirts or slacks. I don’t remember any capris and certainly no jeans. The men wore either suits or shirts & ties. They were actually more dressed up than some of the people at Easter Sunday church services.</p>
<p>I’m wondering how much geographic location effects what people wear. I’ve always heard that schools in Virginia and NC are a lot preppier My son is graduating from WUSTL in a couple of weeks. The ceremony is outside at 8:30 a.m. I’m still trying to decide what to wear. It will probabl depend alot on the weather. Right now I’m leaning towards wearing a dress.</p>
<p>BTW Kathiep, I really liked the color of your dress. I need to get away from so much black!</p>
<p>I AM wearing a necklace…the pants are a batik look. I already have enough aqua between the pants and the shirt…personally I don’t think more of that shade would look good…thus the white. Maybe I’ll ditch the purse. I actually hate purses anyway…or I do have a straw bag that might look good.</p>
<p>your birthday suit</p>
<p>thumper…I like the idea of a straw bag…especially if you already have it. Have fun! Honestly, I think we should all stop stressing about what we’re wearing and drink in this special time.</p>
<p>
Drinks come after the ceremony, no? :)</p>
<p>At my son’s school last year the seniors were awakened by bagpipers, then treated to a champagne brunch on commencement morning!</p>
<p>Good luck for this weekend’s Graduation. Hopefully all the worrying about the clothes is over with and you can spend this weekend celebrating!</p>
<p>Thumper, as you describe it, you will **not **look “dumpy!”</p>
<p>It sounds stylish and I am sure it is flattering; you 've checked it out. There is a big difference, IMO, between “ankle pants” or crops and capris. Especially if they are tailored and slim, they can be very classy. (Think Audrey Hepburn or Laura Petry, aka Mary Tyler Moore).</p>
<p>Enjoy your day!</p>
<p>I ran over to Coldwater Creek this morning and ran right into a 35% off sale (customer appreciation day). I picked up this jacket in aquamarine for $19.47:</p>
<p>[Coldwater</a> Creek](<a href=“http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=50540&ensembleid=56650&colorid=790&refLink=jackets.aspx]Coldwater”>http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=50540&ensembleid=56650&colorid=790&refLink=jackets.aspx)</p>
<p>And this one for $71.50, although I didn’t realize how much it cost so may end up returning it; also I’m not real crazy over jackets that end at the widest part of my hips but I’ll see how it works with clothes around the house.</p>
<p>[Coldwater</a> Creek](<a href=“http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=51427&ensembleid=57575&colorid=994&refLink=new-best-sellers.aspx]Coldwater”>http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=51427&ensembleid=57575&colorid=994&refLink=new-best-sellers.aspx)</p>
<p>And a turquoise and shell necklace - all jewelry 50% off plus an additional 35% off the reduced price so the $60 necklace ended up at $19.48.</p>
<p>And just for fun for $25.47:</p>
<p>[Coldwater</a> Creek](<a href=“http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=51688&ensembleid=57836&colorid=790&refLink=new-tops-and-tees.aspx]Coldwater”>http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=51688&ensembleid=57836&colorid=790&refLink=new-tops-and-tees.aspx)</p>
<p>Now all I have to do if figure out if I have anything to go under the jackets, not to mention if I have a skirt that will work. I do have dressy white capris but they’re a little tight.<br>
Wonder how much weight I can lose in a week…</p>
<p>Now I just hope the weather cooperates!</p>
<p>Oh no…just got a letter from S’s school that he will be mentioned during a separate recognition ceremony. My first thought wasn’t “oh, we’re so proud of him”. It was "oh c**p, now I need an outfit for that as well. Last count was 4 days, 6 events ranging from barbeque to black tie. I’ll definitely be recycling “looks”. Good thing I’ll probably never see these folks again!</p>
<p>reporting back from Duke graduation:</p>
<p>I saw women wearing EVERYTHING. OK, I am not sure that they were all mothers of grads.</p>
<p>Middle ground (now take into consideration that is was in the 90’s): light-weight dresses and skirts.</p>
<p>Knowing that there could be lots of walking, I wore flat sandals each of the 3 days. The photographs of me are not altogether flattering (a combination no heels and the heat and humidity causing my makeup and hair products to vaporize), but I am old enough that I am not sorry that I have neither blisters nor a sprained ankle!</p>