Dear Answer Angel Ellen: My son is graduating from college on May 22. And not just any college — Yale! What is the right thing to wear to a college graduation? It is outside, rain or shine. What about shoes? Help! Oh yeah, what about my husband — suit, sport coat, nice button-down? Double help??
— Proud Mom Mary
You are watching: Going to an outdoor graduation? Dress smart, says Ellen
Dear Proud Mom: Congratulations to you! A couple years ago, I, too, was busting with pride attending my godson Douglas’ outdoor rain-or-shine graduation at M.I.T. (in physics, I might add). It was not mere rain but a monsoon. To say I was underdressed is a gross understatement. Soaked to the skin (even with an umbrella), I shivered for hours in my seat. (Graduations take a very long time). So my advice to you (and your husband):
•Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. If there is even a remote chance of chill or rain, be prepared. And if it rains, those umbrellas that sprout up in front of you mean you won’t be able to see a thing. You’ll have to watch the Jumbotron or buy a university video of the ceremony to see your dear boy get that diploma.
•No heels. Wear flats or wedges so you don’t sink into the turf. Even on a clear day, grass gets tromped and your shoes could get trashed, so neither of you should wear your best footwear.
•Comfort is key. You’ll probably have to park far, far away from the event, so make sure both of you are wearing good walking shoes.
•Nobody is looking at you. Wear what makes you feel good. You will see people in jeans and people in fancy dress. Men will be in suits or in T-shirts. Anything goes. If it were me, I’d wear something that I don’t think will make me cringe for many years to come when I look at the photos posing with the graduate.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I bought a cocktail dress that is rather form-fitting, so I’ll be wearing Spanx. I need a pair of stockings to wear, and I heard from friends that the Spanx shaper stockings run easily. I thought I’d try a pair of thigh-high stockings, but I don’t know which brand to try. Can you recommend a brand that won’t fall down around my knees?
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— Elizabeth R.
Dear Elizabeth: I’ve tested cheapie thigh highs from Walmart and $20+ versions from department stores, and they both stayed up fine. The secret is in the silicone circle inside the top of each stocking that keeps it in place, and I haven’t found much difference among brands. Whichever brand you choose, wear them around the house to make sure they won’t let you down on the big evening. That said, why not just wear your favorite pantyhose over your Spanx? Granted, this adds some complication to any visits to the restroom, but wrestling off the Spanx in the first place is such a chore that the pantyhose won’t make it all that much more difficult.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I like to wear two-tone wingtip shoes with my sport coat or suit. (I volunteer at a charity thrift shop.) My sis says I look old and out of style. Should I update or do what I really like?
— Walter (a man)
Dear Walter: Stick with those shoes. I think two-tone wingtips are fabulous. It’s a retro look, and retro is stylish. And if those shoes are vintage from a consignment or thrift shop, even better. For a Florida wedding, I searched like crazy online until I found some cream and baby blue wing tips for my husband to wear with his powder blue blazer. He was a standout and got loads of compliments. Granted, most men might choose a more conventional two-tone shoe, but whatever the colors, you’re going to look great. And consider some colorful socks to go with.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Help me understand the buzz about Korean beauty products invading makeup mega-stores like Sephora. Do I need to check out the rice scrubs, raw soy, egg mousse, apple foams, camellia oils, green tea seed serums and snail mucin?
— Sandy C.
Dear Sandy: South Korean women are serious about their complexions and beauty overall. Some South Korean companies sell a 10-step skin beauty regimen for dewy skin that has now been picked up in beauty outlets in the U.S. The so-called “K-Beauty” products have enjoyed a bit of a cult following for a few years now. But 10 steps? You can’t be serious. I’m a drugstore three-step cleanser/sunscreen/moisturizer type and proud of it. The Korean focus on substances found in nature, rather than a chem lab, is definitely a good move. But snail slime? Really? I saw a story about a Park Avenue plastic surgeon offering a $300 “Escarglow facial.” Oh, please! U.S. companies at every price point are hopping on the organic, natural trend in beauty product as a quick browse through beauty/makeup mega-stores like Sephora and Ulta will attest.
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Angelic Readers
From M.J.T.: “For drying makeup brushes after cleaning them, use a toothbrush holder to stand them upright. (There are, of course, some particularly wide handles that will not fit).”
Reader Rant
Juan fumes: “In recent visits to my local library, I have noticed, unfortunately, the decline of manners, behavior and proper library etiquette. The library used to be a place of sanctuary and quiet, but it doesn’t seem to be that anymore. ‘Patrons’, and I use that term loosely for most of them, eat and drink there, talk and laugh out loud, especially when using the computers, and generally disrespect the climate of the library. They bother those around them, and what is more disheartening is the staff rarely intervenes, just going about their day ignoring them.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.
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Categories: Outdoor
