Panel next week and I have a burning question....

[RosieandJim89]

I am bricking it. SW have given very little info RE time, venue etc but what I really want to know is what am I supposed to wear???

[gabsdot]

I would dress up a bit, like for a job interview.

[RatherBeIndoors]

Approval panel or matching? Good luck either way! Your SW would not be putting you forward if they had doubts - it's impossible not to be a bit anxious but I strongly suspect you'll have good news to share soon

Reverting to your question, I think I went moderately smart for approval panel (dress but no jacket I think), and much more comfy for matching panel. It didn't matter at all, but it gave me something harmless to obsess about in advance! My rationale FWIW was that most panel members would be dressed "for work", and I wanted to feel fairly confident and comfortable facing them, which meant choosing something broadly similar.

Wear whatever you think will make you feel best no fancy dress

[RosieandJim89]

Approval panel- was thinking something work like but wasn't sure. It seems a daft thing to be worried about but it has been on my mind for weeks!

[matimeo]

RBindoors is spot on. Panels are generally really nice, very unlikely to be anything other than a rubber stamp, you will be fine.

Our SW was sent the wrong time for one of our panels by the LA so no harm in chasing details.

[CrazyCatLaydee123]

I had the exact same worry on Weds. Texted someone from support group and she said same as above. We got a unanimous yes so must have worked!

[Italiangreyhound]

Smart but comfortable. Don't wear something too low that you'll end up worrying you are flashing too much cleavage - only because that might make you act a it funny.

GOOD LUCK. All will be well.

[JustHappy3]

I went vintage Boden all the way (ie old stuff from the back of the wardrobe). Suited me.

[Kr1stina]

Don't go too smart. Although the panel member will be in work clothes, they are social workers ( or similar ) so generally have no style. You don't want to look smarter than them as they wont like that, they like to feel superior .

I'd wear what others have suggested - dress / blouse / skirt / trousers but no jacket . No one ever got turned down for looking too boring and mum like . If in doubt aim for bland and inoffensive

Probably goes without saying but no denim, t shirts , short skirts, low necklines, vest tops , anything that you would wear on the beach or clubbing. No jewellery that you might play with if nervous .

No statement anything .

If you are the kind of person who likes to show their uniqueness and sense of humour by their dress sense, that's great. Just not on this occasion .

[RosieandJim89]

I think my wardrobe is pretty safe and boring so no statement making here. :)
What did partners wear? DH probably won't think about it until the morning and then will realise he has no idea!

Thanks for your help

[delilabell]

I think wear smart but whatever makes you feel comfortable (I knew it was going to be roasting at matching so I wore a vest top with a sheer top over it )
Dh wore trousers shirt and tie both times .
Good luck!approval panel waa one of the loveliest afternoons of my life x

[Kr1stina]

My parther wore jacket shirt and tie as he's a very traditional dresser . However I think smart open necked shirt is also fine , if your OH doesn't normally wear a tie he might be uncomfortable .

The look you are going for is " I've made an effort to look smart because this is a very important occasion for me and I know you are terribly important people but I'm typical mummy material and a Safe Pair of Hands"

Sorta Boden X White Stuff

[Kr1stina]

You do know, of course that it doesn't matter ? Unless you wear something really extreme no one will notice . They are not assessing your fashion sense . Anything middle of the road is fine .

IMO high end designer says " I'm showing off my taste and money as I know that none of you have either " ( true but not tactful )

Beach wear or anything revealing says " I have no respect for this great institution and the importance of you panel members "

Fun clothing / t shirts with slogans says " I've not grown up yet "

[Sillyshell]

Hi, we had our panel a few weeks ago and I worried about exactly the same thing :)

DH wore a shirt and suit, he is used to wearing a suit everyday though and he feels more confident in a suit. My work is much more casual and I very rarely dress up so I knew if I went too smart I would be uncomfortable all day and not feel like myself. I wore smart jeans, a plain black top and a blazer so was neat and tidy but still felt comfortable, we got a unanimous yes so I guess we did ok!

Good luck for next week and I hope it all goes well

[RosieandJim89]

Thanks everyone. I don't think DH will want to wear a suit as he hates them but he does have some black trousers and casual shorts I think I could dig out.
I think I know what I will wear now

[Kr1stina]

Rosie, please come back and tell us how you got on

[Cleo1303]

Kr1stina "they are social workers.......so generally have no style" really made be laugh. Has anyone else noticed their fondness for hippy dangly earrings?

In answer to your question, OP, I agree with everyone else. I wore a plain-ish summer dress, small earrings and mid-height heels, but it's whatever you feel most comfortable in.

[dimples76]

Yes, I would go for something you feel comfortable and confident in. My approval panel was in July and I wore smart trousers with a pretty top.

[Cleo1303]

Hi Rosie, I don't think casual shorts are quite right. Smart shorts for you but definitely trousers for your husband.

[RosieandJim89]

Oops I meant shirts!
No way would I be going in shorts!!!

[Cleo1303]

I think smart knee-length straight shorts would actually be okay if that was what you had meant (for you, not your husband.) It was the "casual" aspect I was worried about if he was going to be wearing them.

I really don't think you need to worry at all. Some of the people on my panel looked as thought they had just taken a couple of hours out from gardening in their scruffiest clothes and would be going straight back to that as soon as panel was over.

Good luck!!!!

[RosieandJim89]

We got a unanimous yes!!!!

[Daisy151]

Yay best feeling ever. So pleased for you.

[Cleo1303]

Of course you did! Well done!!!

[RosieandJim89]

Thank you! Very excited😄😄😄

[OlennasWimple]

Congratulations!!