Graduation/Dressing Up.

Updated on April 22, 2011
J.S. asks from Green Cove Springs, FL
16 answers

I love this web site, it gives me so many ideas. So here is my question. My best friend is graduating next month (from college). I am flying from Florida to Missouri to see it. I really hate to dress up, I will put that out there. I know it is normal to get dressed up for these type of occasions, but really it seems like such a pain to pack a whole outfit including shoes for this, especially when we are going out to a dance club afterwards. This would mean that I would have to drive all the way home, change again and then back across town to the club. Since I am flying in the day of the graduation, but it's not till later, I would have an outfit that I am flying in, the dressy one, and the going out one, all in one day! It just seems a lot to take for just a weekend trip. What do you guys think?

Edit:

I can't believe I forgot to add this! I have lymphedema, which basically means I have swelling issues. So unless I want to be in a large amount of pain, I can't wear heels all day. Even the sandals with a bit of heel can cause major issues. I will have to wear tennis shoes for the traveling. Which also kinda knocks out wearing something nice on the plane, well I guess I could it would just look kinda funny. :)

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Wear double duty clothes. Black pants work well and a change of tops, or a sweater/jacket. Or a summer dress with a change of shoes in the car. Are you renting a car?
What is she wearing?

1 mom found this helpful

D.B.

answers from Boston on

Can't you fly in a nice pair of black pants that don't wrinkle, with a "club-appropriate" top and maybe a more sedate, light weight jacket or sweater on top? Just take the jacket off when you get to the club. Just a thought.

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C.D.

answers from Columbia on

If you think it's too much it might be time to pull out your favorite LBD (little black dress) and lots of great accessories to turn it from day to evening with style. One dress with the right shoes and accessories can transition really well.
Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

L.L.

answers from Rochester on

Seriously...three outfits is a lot? :) I'm pretty sure they'll all fit in your bag. If it were me, though, I wouldn't have three separate outfits, I'd have one. Wear some nice pants and a jazzy shirt for the flight, the graduation, and the "going out." Pack some PJ's for the rest of the trip, and wear the same outfit back home, if you don't want a lot of clothes.

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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

you know, dressing up CAN mean pants & low-heeled shoes!

Go for comfort, dress for the whole day, & just change out your accessories or drop the jacket.

Here's what I don't get: how is dressing up for the graduation different from clubbing that night? Wear the same outfit, cover up the top with a jacket to be a little bit more formal for the ceremony, & that's it! Using a basic pair of black silky pants/skirt....paired with a sparkly/beaded/cool top....with a sweater or jacket for the graduation.......will give you an outfit which will work all day! Add a little bling for the club, spiff up your makeup, & you're done! The only other thing I would do would be to change your shoes for the club....

Next weekend, I have a wedding on Fri nite. I'll be driving <2 hours, meeting family to deliver baked goods for our party the next day, & then hitting the wedding reception....all this after running my daycare 10+ hours! I'm planning on wearing black silky pants/cropped pants, a bright blue top with a chunky beaded neckline -lots of ooomph!, & a black butterfly wrap. I am also wearing black pumps (2" + heel) & my Gma's antique "flapper" beads. The shoes are my lifesaver....pure comfort! & I don't care if they're low-heeled....after working all day, they're what I need! By the time that day is done, I'll have been up almost 24 hours.....yikes! & another family party the next day....!! Just shoot me now!

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

It could be as simple as wearing a pair of flowy or wide leg pants, a sparkly shell/tank with a blazer, add scarf, cute flats (for the day) and day time earrings, ring, bag then remove the scarf, blazer and change to night time earrings, ring(s) and bag if possible ... you can look GREAT!

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K.M.

answers from Tampa on

Wear a pants suit, w/ tennis shoes, and wear it all day- Phil Collins did! so I assure you it is super fine. This is a day to enjoy, and everyone will be looking at her, most will not notice you, and those who do, will smile at your wisdom.
Enjoy your friend's day, and be comfortable.
best, k

L.A.

answers from Austin on

I think the most important thing is that you are attending your friends graduation! You wear what you are comfortable in.

It is a long day, so decide what can you sit in, walk in and eat in. Then if you want to dress it up for the club, have pair of fancier shoes for that night. Maybe wear some separates and then in the evening you could add a Pashima type wrap. I love dresses and skirts, but I know a lot of women are more comfortable in pants, so definitely follow your own style, so you will look and feel comfortable.

MY MIL was horrified that our daughter wore pants to prom. They were dress pants and a super cute top. It looked just like something our daughter would wear. SOO, many of the girls said they were jealous, because they had wanted to wear pants, but "their moms would not allow it"?

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N.K.

answers from Miami on

Why not just wear a cute, comfy cotton summer dress? This is comfortable enough to wear on the plane, to the graduation, and to the dance club. You can get a halter style, spaghetti straps or strapless if you want to look sexy, and change up the makeup at night for something more dramatic, maybe add flashier jewelry and let your hair down or wear some pretty loose curls. You can also put a blazer over the dress for the formal event if you feel too "naked". As for shoes, you can pair the dress with a cute pair of ballerina flats, so that your feet are not in pain, yet you look sophisticated enough in the dress, come day or night. Have fun!

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K.H.

answers from Tampa on

First off, you don't need heels for the occasion, especially if you can't tolerate them. No need. You can have pretty sandals that are flat and have room to breathe. Some like silver or gold sandals to make it look dressier. The important thing is you being there for your best friend and you feeling comfortable with yourself. Nice pants and a pretty top....maybe a little cardigan to make if more "formal" would suffice. Then, all you would have to do is maybe change your top for the night club. Simple and classy can mean elegance... no need to wear super fancy outfits. Also, you can wear the same pants to go on the plane on your return and maybe another shirt for just in case. The best bet is to have two pairs of shoes (sneakers and sandals) and change your tops. Remember the underwear though. :) The important thing is to be there for your friend, not so much what you are wearing. Have fun!

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L.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I say a colorful springy dress (light weight) and a pair of flats...to dress it up, accessorize, do your hair real nice and have make up on...
I am sure your BF understands your medical condition, so she will understand...heels are not required to go clubbing...shoot i have been known to wear flip flops...after a couple drinks, noone cares anyway LOL

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S.T.

answers from New York on

Since the weather will be warm and uncomfortable I say wear a strappy cottony type dress that can go from day in to night with a change of jewelry. I NEVER wear heels anymore and rarely wear dresses. They have so many cute ballet-type flats these days - flowered, sparkley, etc. At Target you can probably pickup a few for arund $15 each. It's semi-dressy event - but it's not a wedding and formal is not required. Sundresses are the thing to wear to most graduations. Have fun!

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I have been known to wear my tennis shoes on a plane or out with frineds. I have very minimal, low profile grey new balance shoes. I wear them with grey pants and a nice dressier top. I think it looks nice and people tell me i look put together and ready for anything. I also like the ballet flats. You can get a shiny silver pair. Wear them with black slacks and a silver top. I know youwant to be comfortable. But theres nothing comfortable about being underdressed or standing out for the wrong reasons. I would try to pull together a pair of comfy flats and slacks that will work with 3 tops. Wear a casul one on the plane, a more crisp tailored one for the graduation - or even layer. Wear a nice white button down on the plane and add a colorful scarf at the garduation. Then take a shiny top to go out in.

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T.O.

answers from Jacksonville on

bells has some great sandels that can be dressy or casual and are flats. They are by fly flotts. You dont have to dress to the nines as it is too hot. What about a nice skirt/skort and fancy but breathable top.

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N.S.

answers from Austin on

Do a sundress, something lightweight, but still worthy of being considered dressy. It's easier to pack with sandals than heavy professional attire. Either that or do a really dressed up pant or capri/blouse combo you can wear to the club and the graduation with a wedge sandal or something like that.

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B.R.

answers from Tampa on

You should definitely travel comfortably, but graduation does necessitate a certain amount of dress up - you are attending to honor your friend, and the way you dress says a lot. I would strongly consider dealing with the relatively minor hassle of packing extra & all the clothes-changing that comes with the events as planned. Make the best of it & have fun!

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