My oldest is graduating from high school this year and with the big day only days away, I have been spending some time thinking (ok, maybe panicking) about what to wear on the big day of the dinner and dance (which is an entirely different and separate event from the ceremony (ugh). I consider myself a mildly fashionable person – on the edgier side of classic but aware of the trends that work and don’t with my body as well as my age. The age thing has been a difficult one to grasp in recent years. Man, would I love to wear the high waisted pants and a short midriff top with some fun accessories out for dinner. But I refer to my famous saying, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” I’m having trouble accepting this, but truth is, I hate trashy more than I hate getting older so I am slowly getting used to looking at certain things in the stores and recognizing that it may not be age appropriate anymore. Shorty rompers – I’m looking at you…
So for graduation, my search had to have a few parameters. Something comfy – meaning I feel good in it, classy and current – oh – and probably I should pick something that meets the approval of my son – because just the fact that he will be eating and drinking with his parents is mortifying enough, he may as well think I look “decent.”
SO – in the search for my own outfit as mother of the graduate (wow, that is crazy) I have put together 5 looks for you to check out. Maybe one of these will inspire you for the upcoming graduation, shower, wedding, garden party season! Make sure you let me know what you think in the comments below! When the big day comes, I will be sure to post my outfit on our Instagram story…
The Wrap Dress
Perennial fav for most women – and I love that you can pretty much get this dress in any price range. From the “original” from Diane Von Furstenberg at the higher end, to some of our “old standby” retailers like The Gap, a wrap dress is pretty perfect for all body types and for all budgets. Hugs the curves, shapes the booty and something you can wear again. Go into your fav store and I bet you find one! I love the high / low detail in this one. Don’t forget your spanx for this dress – smoothes everything out and keeps you looking your best.
The Suit
Ok – so here’s the thing – if you are going to wear a suit (can you say COMFORT!) in my opinion it needs to be special. It can’t be the suit you wear to the office – or should I say, it can’t be worn the way you wear it to the office. Add a silky camosole, a gorgeous statement jewelry piece, a killer pair of shoes – make it special with a funky clutch / bag. I am loving the vibrant pinks in the stores this year, and that mustard colour you keep seeing – to die for. Nothing like a pink suit to make a statement. If you go for a vibrant colour, keep your accessories to a minimum…let the suit do the talking. However, I wouldn’t say no to the addition of a white pump (the shoe of the Summer). I guarantee it will be a hit.
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The “Almost” Jumpsuit – my ultimate fav
Who doesn’t love a jumpsuit – so flattering and classy. In a jumpsuit, you never have to worry about being uncomfortable. Until you have to use the bathroom – then its a whole different story – you are naked in the stall, trying to figure out how to get re-dressed and put it all back together in suitable fashion to return to your function. If you have noticed – one of the latest trends these days is the matching two piece top and bottom. Looks remarkably like the jumpsuit but with the ease of a pant suit. Pajama inspired, these “almost jumpsuits” are a great option for grad. Check out the one I found below from Ted Baker… I love the Bardot neckline. Universally flattering and has a dressy feel to it. You might just see me in this one at my son’s grad in May..
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The Shift Re-visited
Not too flashy, just above the knee – the key to this dress will be in the added details – that is what will take it from something you might wear to the office to something special. Find one you love with a flutter sleeve, a little lace, or subtle button or exposed zipper detail. I love this one because the bell sleeve just takes it up a notch. Add a choker or a large pair of earrings (not both!) and some shoes you plan to stand in for more than a few hours! Hint – if you are not fond of your legs – the higher the heel, the better they look…
The Caftan Inspired Dress
Another beautiful and classy dress that is perfect for graduation is a caftan – sort of Grecian inspired. This can be worn tied, as shown below – or loose and flowing if you prefer to not define the waist. Either way looks beautiful. This dress can be found in many lengths and in various stores. I’ve seen them these season in short – long and also in the high low style – which I personally love. Show your legs in the front, but no worries about being too short in the back. A simple necklace – either a choker style or a beautiful lariat (if you have the v-neck as below) would be stunning.
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No matter what you end up picking for your graduate’s special day, remember tissue and a smile – these are the days memories are made.
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Your models look to be barely HS graduates themselves. Maybe university. Would’ve loved to see actual mom of graduate models (i.e. age appropriate)
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OMG – I love you!! Both of our first born children graduated in 2018 – and Danni and I were both 46. Thank you for the feedback. We like to show fresh, current trends and we did have a variety of sizes, but I do agree they all were on the young side – except for the photo of me of course!!! :)))
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