Mom Dress for Graduation

Momma2018 · March 8, 2018, 3:52pm

Any suggestions on where to find a nice dress to wear to S18s graduation? It is a morning graduation so my typical LBD will not work. So far, I see mostly sleeveless and/or low cut. I want something relatively conservative but do not want to look like I am going to work. Thanks in advance!

Massmomm · March 8, 2018, 4:17pm

I found my mother of the graduate dress at Ann Taylor. It was sleeveless, because that’s what I like, but when graduation day rolled around, I wished it had been a sweater dress because the day was uncharacteristically freezing and rainy! We were all shivering under a tent with our trench coats on!

So, the question is: where is the graduation? Indoors or outdoors? Budget?

Nordstrom will have a great selection of beautiful dresses in many styles, but they can be pricey. You may also have luck at Macy’s or Lord and Taylor.

BunsenBurner · March 8, 2018, 4:20pm

Check ModCloth. Lots of dresses for bodies of all shapes and sizes!

thumper1 · March 8, 2018, 4:21pm

High school or college? Indoors or outdoors?

For our kids indoor HS graduations, I actually wore nice slacks and a silk shirt/jacket. Both bought at Chico’s.

It poured rain for DS’s college graduation…so I wore slacks to that as well. It was cold, dreary and just plain yucky.

For DD’s outdoor college graduation, I wore a sleeveless dress…good thing as it was in the high 80’s. Bought at Loft.

preppedparent · March 8, 2018, 4:28pm

Lots of sun/backless dresses at last year’s BS graduation end of May. It was a hot sunny day. I think pants and a sweater top looks nice too. I wore a sleeveless dress with a white sweater. Anything you’re comfortable in works. I’ve seen lots of different graduation wear including cultural hats and dresses, long, short, suits, pants and the like

Momma2018 · March 8, 2018, 4:32pm

It is a HS graduation - held outdoors under a tent in New England. Although the calendar may say it will be Spring, it could still be snowing then. (Only half joking - we have had May flurries before). As for budget, I would do Macys/Nordstrom/Ann Taylor level. Doesn’t need to be Target prices and won’t be Versace.

Momma2018 · March 8, 2018, 4:46pm

I guess my question was more about where to shop to find age appropriate without looking dowdy. I like Ann Taylor but lately they have been showing a lot of plunging necklines and tight fitting/see through clothes.

thumper1 · March 8, 2018, 4:54pm

Are you sure you want a dress?

If you don’t mind online…look at Bodan (I think that’s how it’s spelled).

How about looking at TJ Max or Marshalls.

White House/Black Market has some nice dresses, as well as slacks and shirt combos.

Macy’s is fine too. Why not go there? They have a bunch of different dress departments…with lots of selection.

Look at Dilliards online also.

happy1 · March 8, 2018, 4:58pm

I wore lightweight slacks and a sweater set. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Midwest67 · March 8, 2018, 5:08pm

My go-to is a linen sheath dress from Talbot’s in a solid color. Sleeveless, but I usually pair it with a cardigan. Some bright statement necklace and/or bracelet. Sensible shoes.

It’s the kind of outfit that looks put together, I’m comfortable, and I don’t have to think about it too hard.

HImom · March 8, 2018, 5:19pm

I like shopping at Ross. Seem to hav more luck there than Nordstrom’s Rack or TJMaxx. I like most Lauren dresses that are a stretchy knit. My other go-to is nice dark slacks and a nice top so I can wear walking shoes and walk forever.

deb922 · March 8, 2018, 5:46pm

Would this work https://www.talbots.com/online/dresses/classic-ponte-sheath-prdi45194/N-10189?selectedConcept=&akamai-feo=off ?

A quick look and found plenty of dresses with sleeves at Talbots and Chico’s. If you like Chico’s, I find that it’s a good option for things that have sleeves.

Did anyone notice that there were plenty of dresses at the Oscars that had sleeves. Maybe the sleeveless look is waning.

Momma2018 · March 8, 2018, 5:50pm

Thanks @deb922. That is a cute dress. I do hope the sleeveless look is waning. I have never shopped Chico’s but I will take a look.

thumper1 · March 9, 2018, 2:49am

@Momma2018

I usually don’t like Talbots…but my Facebook feed had a bunch of really nice dresses…and some nice casual sandals as well. You might want to look there.

BunsenBurner · March 9, 2018, 3:42pm

White House Black Market always has some dresses that have splashes of color. They usually add one or two colors to their B/W staple combo each season.

rom828 · March 9, 2018, 4:17pm

Thanks for the reminder about Boden. Planning on my D’s college graduation and found a lot of great options. They had fallen off my radar.

Classof2015 · March 9, 2018, 7:40pm

@Momma2018 – I’m in the same boat (DS graduating in May). First, congrats! Nice to see them graduate.
He’s down South, so I’m planning on wearing this little number: https://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/new-arrivals/for-women/marlowe-boatneck-t-45-shirt-dress/pc/1/sc/3/8246.uts?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9NTijf_f2QIVxFuGCh3d7w1yEAYYASABEgJRi_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&swatchName=Beckon+Blue+Jungle+Utopia

Momma2018 · March 9, 2018, 9:12pm

@Classof2015 - that is a cute dress. I just found this online at J Jill that might work but I want to see how it looks on me: https://www.jjill.com/product/striped-color-block-knit-dress