Approval panel - what to wear

[topcat2014]

I know this is trivial, but what did others wear to approval panel.

I don't wear suits for work, but do have one I can wear. It is a bit 'banker' like though.

Not sure what DW is planning to wear. It is in November, rather than say 'Tuesday', but even so..

[clairedelalune]

I think i wore smart jeans and a nice jumper. I was told not to go 'work like' work

[clairedelalune]

(Rationale being you are being interviewed to be a parent not a bank manager )

[GiddyGardner]

My husband wore smart jeans, a shirt and blazer. He feels comfortable like this, I wore a summer dress with a blazer. Just be comfortable.

[Smudgymoo]

I would go shirt and chinos/smart trousers- I think you want them to know you care, but not a suit.

Good luck!

[PurpleMac]

I went for a smart dress and DH wore trousers and long sleeved white shirt, but sleeves rolled up so a bit more casual! I think smart casual is good, not a suit but smart trousers and nice top? It's difficult but ultimately as long as you look presentable it is fine, it won't affect their decision!

[topcat2014]

Thanks - I have a bit of a recurring fear of being underdressed - I once went to a party (at a pheasant farm) where the invite was 'casual'.

I was in jeans and rugby top, everyone else was in chinos and blazer.

I didn't possess such garments at 25, and still wake in a cold sweat about it 20 years on :)

[DashOfMagic]

Ha ha not trivial at all I remember this exact same conversation with other adopters about what to wear for panels and we ended up thinking more “what could you possibly wear that would result in a No?” (hot pants, floral pinny and blue rinse, red leather catsuit like Britney, fake baby bump etc??)

We just went with smart comfy casual jeans and jumpers.

Massive congratulations on upcoming panel btw, you have been waiting a long time best of luck x

[LaLaLands]

Dash I remember our conversations well. I echo the above. Smart but definitely not office wear nor rugby shirt casual. Something you’d go to meet friends for lunch I would say

[0rlaith]

I agree, smart casual.

Dress, top and skirt / trousers. A suit is too formal. Remember Social workers are generally very badly dressed and they don’t like anyone to be smarter than them.

No jeans, unless they are smart and worn with shoes / boots and not trainers . No sports wear, plunging necklines, short skirts or sleeveless tops. No slogan t shirts or political badges.

If your usual look is lots of slap, long bright nails , very done hair and fake tan then try to tone it down a bit.

Remember no one ever got turned down for being too conventionally dressed. It’s not the time to look glamorous , sexy or to make a statement.

[DashOfMagic]

Ha ha @lalalands I thought that was you, remember when we slow cooked casseroles and made apple pies for sw visits. So the house smelt like we’d be good parents. Smart.

[LaLaLands]

@dash the theory was good hahahahaha

[Italiangreyhound]

It was September. I wore a nice dress and jacket. I think casual rather than smart but not shorts and T-shirt (especially in November!).

Good luck.

[kierenthecommunity]

Ours was about this time of year so I wore a tunic dress with leggings and flat boots. I was channelling the practical mum look

[sunshinerobots]

I'm a panel member, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, we don't pay any notice to that really - full on wedding guest outfit might raise an eyebrow but I pay far more attention to your manner and what you say! Good luck.