Attending nephew's college graduation: wear a suit or just a tie in? (boyfriend, husband)

[bostonguy1960]

I've gained too much weight in recent years to wear my only suit, and can't afford a new one. I only have that suit, as I don't even wear suits unless it's a special occasion.

Maybe his dad will wear a suit but is a long-sleeved dress shirt with a tie and khaki pants ok? Or even a new short-sleeved white or pastel polo shirt...is that too casual for a special day?

[bostonguy1960]

Title should read:

Wear a suit or just a tie ok?

(Unsure how to edit a title)

[reebo]

Not too casual at all. And bless you for attending. If possible, I’d have passed on any graduation I’ve attended, including my own and my kids’.

[LieslMet]

Originally Posted by bostonguy1960

I've gained too much weight in recent years to wear my only suit, and can't afford a new one. I only have that suit, as I don't even wear suits unless it's a special occasion.

Maybe his dad will wear a suit but is a long-sleeved dress shirt with a tie and khaki pants ok? Or even a new short-sleeved white or pastel polo shirt...is that too casual for a special day?

I think it depends on the pedigree of the school, to an extent. Guests don't tend to dress for community-college graduation as they might at, let's say, Carnegie Mellon or Temple or Yale.

For your best guidance, look up pictures of his school's previous year's commencement, where they show families standing in groups. There will be all shapes and sizes. That will show you what's appropriate for the occasion. I think even at the most prestigious institutions, pressed slacks and shirt, a tie, and the right [pill-free] sweater could be appropriate for you. (And I think it looks better especially if there's a belly happening... it looks better to soften the tummy, rather than have it jutting out from over the belt. That gives a mall-cellphone salesman look. My husband has this issue and wears sweaters in the cool weather and sweater vests with the sleeves rolled up in the summer. Long-sleeve shirt, sleeves rolled up crisply, tie, sweater vest. It looks nice.)

eta an example: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/507499...72678/?lp=true

[BirdieBelle]

Wear what you want that is flattering to you, especially if it's at a large university.

Most of those have so many guests that you blend in and see all manner of dress.

[hertfordshire]

Originally Posted by bostonguy1960

... is a long-sleeved dress shirt with a tie and khaki pants ok?

Yes, provided the khakis are pressed and in good condition. Not the every day khakis that are fraying at the hem.

Originally Posted by bostonguy1960

Or even a new short-sleeved white or pastel polo shirt...is that too casual for a special day?

Too casual. Though Pink Jazz would approve.

[charolastra00]

I both work at and attended top 40 private colleges and it isn't super common to see most men in suits. Not the least because there is no air conditioning in the space! Some years (and locations) are better than others in this regard. One of the blessings of this cold spring in New England is that it won't be miserably hot at graduation!

I believe my dad wore a blazer. My brother just wore a button down. Even as staff working the event, I wear a nice dress and leggings while my male coworkers wear pressed shirts and slacks. Our photographer wears a suit, but really only to distinguish himself so that it's know he has precedence over parents trying to grab snapshots in the aisles.

[G-fused]

I would guess that in most places it is ok. Boston is more formal though. I don't think a suit is a necessity but a sportcoat would be nice.

[thinkalot]

I wore a suit the last time I attended a college graduation but that was in 1973.

[Mightyqueen801]

I attended my daughter's graduation yesterday. I didn't see anyone in a suit except some of the people receiving MBAs. My exh and my daughter's boyfriend both wore black jeans and button-down shirts. I wore a long T-shirt dress.