ASK SC: WHAT TO WEAR TO A WINTER GRADUATION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It’s Friday and I can’t wait to get my weekend started. Throughout the week I have been receiving emails and facebook questions about your fashion conundrums and dilemma’s. One of the first emails I received was from Marion.

Marion asked, “As you can probably imagine I am very excited to [finally] be graduating; so excited, that when my advisor said I could participate in the fall semester ceremony I jumped at the chance! But now I am facing a fashion dilemma, what should I wear? I always find tips on dressing for a spring graduation, but never anything about what to do for winter. My commencement ceremony will take place in mid-December; and even though chances are good that it will be pretty cold, windy and possibly a little snowy, the ceremony is indoors. Are there any tips you can give me on looking my best for the ceremony, pictures and dinner afterwards?”

Sincerely,
A VERY excited Winter Graduate

Thanks Marion for your question and congratulations on your achievement. I remember those December grads back when I graduated from college. With December you never know how the weather is going to be. It could be freezing with 2 feet of snow or it could feel like the beginning days of fall. I’ve come up with 3 looks that I think would work for you. You made a point to mention that you wanted looks that can carry you through the ceremony as well as take you to dinner afterwards. Then after dinner, you can shed your glamourous clothing and put on one of your graduation tees that you got made for this special occasion. Graduation comes at you fast so prolonging that feeling for a little while can be a great feeling.

I learned a long time ago to never allow the weather to mess up your plans. Basically you can wear anything you want. Since the graduation is going to be inside I would think that there will be heating so there’s no need to worry about being too cold. I think the key things to think about are fabrics. For a winter graduation, I suggest knit ponte fabrics or a high quality of jersey. This way you can stay warm and not sweat under your cap and gown (which can also be quite a statement in of itself – one of my friends graduated with stuff from Jostens after all), because it does get warm under there.

To look your best I added in luxury looking pieces like faux fur elbow length leather gloves.

For a standout look, Monif C. has great dresses that work for a variety of occasions. The leopard print swoop dress is a great option because it has flattering ruching, it hits right at the knee and it also serves as a cocktail dress which would make it appropriate for dinner after the graduation. IF it’s not snowing you can throw on a pair of dark tights topped with a knee length faux fur and you are graduation ready.

If your style is more on the classic side try a long sleeve pleated dress like this one from Donna Morgan faux wrap jersey dress in a bold color paired with elbow length leather gloves and a cropped belted faux fur jacket. Also for that cold December weather, a pair of over the knee boots will definitely keep those legs warm. If it’s snowing you can also try a pair of leather wedged tall boots for functionality in the snow. Pour La Victoire has a pretty chic pair of wedged booties.

Other options to think about are a jumpsuit. This fall season we are seeing dressy jumpsuits. I personally love this one from Dorothy Perkins. You can use the same pieces in Look 2 for the jumpsuit.

Hope this helps give you some ideas on what to wear.