Not fashion savvy, 15 years older than the rest and don't know what to wear.......

belfastgirl23

My advice is go for something plain and ideally something you'll wear again (are you sure you don't have something in the wardrobe that would do?). Please don't go for very short skirts or crazy heels, imho this just looks stupid and somehow undermines the meaning of the day which is about a recognition of all of the work you've done. Our advice when I graduated was to go for something that would double as an interview outfit which I found really helpful. On the shoe issue, don't forget you have to cross a stage and collect your certificate, you want to wear shoes that won't have you worrying about tipping over!

M&S have a sale starting on Wednesday at 8pm online they have some lovely little dresses at the minute

scottishminnie

Congratulations on your graduation Crystaltipps:)

What is your budget?

I've been toying with ordering something from this company as I like the styles.

I particularly like this one - it is a bit Mad Men:)

crystaltipps

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice....I knew I would get somewhere here. And thank you for the congrats too - it has been a tough four years as I have juggled work and two teenage girls alongside the study so it hasn't been easy - hence wanting to feel good about myself on the big day, so to speak.

I like the idea of doubling up on an interview outfit and will certainly want to spend the money wisely. Budget wise - don't mind going up to about £100 or so for something very special and versatile but would hope for something less.

I have had a firkle through my wardrobe, I have a nice shirt but would want a decent skirt to go with it...I like the idea of treating myself though.

As far as shoes go, I am thinking heels but more of a platform/wedge or kitten so I don't ache after the first couple of hours.

Going to look at the links and google peplum (blush).

Monsoon is fab - I got a beautiful dress off ebay for a wedding 2 years ago that was a brilliant fit and very flattering. Also the M&S sale will be a good idea too.

You are all very kind to give me consideration and I will let you all know what I end up going for. Huge thanks! :-)

mum2one

Congratulations on the degree, I'm doing a BA Hons Business (41 now), got the foundation degree this yr from it. xx

crystaltipps

Good on you mum2one - and all us 'oldies'! I am officially a BSc (Hons) - Biology and been accepted to do a Masters in Environmental Health so we can show it is never too late! Although it's bloody expensive and I would have saved myself a fortune if I had done it 18 years ago like most normal folk! :-)

Poppy9

Next sale starts Saturday. Can you wear trousers as I would get more wear out of trousers!

hazyjo

These are all quite nice:

http://uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/1534634712 (bit 'safe'?)

http://www.mandco.com/lace-peplum-dress/invt/1207733blckivory/ (maybe a bit 'going out-ish'? Does have a peplum though lol!)

http://uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/1531894706

http://www.next.co.uk/x5054s1#764874x50 (Very stylish)

http://www.next.co.uk/x5054s3#779965x50 (stylish and very flattering)

http://www.next.co.uk/x502094s3#798602x50 (safe as houses)

Jx

crystaltipps

Hazyjo - I could kiss you! The Next dresses are great and I am going to try some on to see which one I like the most. I do like the Monsoon ones too but they are out of stock online so will have to pop in my local one and see what they have left.

Once again, thanks all for the advice - if I could multi-thank you all then I would. :-)

jenhug

how about something like these?
http://www.next.co.uk/gl9808s2#l16773gl9
http://www.next.co.uk/gl9884s4#l17279gl9

amyloofoo

What colour hair do you have? Whilst I know you'd prefer something you're going to wear again, and for that purpose black might be easiest, I think I'd be tempted to have a 'pop' of colour if you're already wearing a black gown. Maybe in the shoes or accessories? Having said that, I loooove this dress and think it could be very flattering (depends on your body shape of course) http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/dresses/party--evening-dresses/black-lace-calf-length-dress-623144 and this is also very classy and reusable http://www.next.co.uk/x5098s6#843737x50

Congratulations on your graduation btw, it can't have been easy managing studying with teens!