Help me find an outfit for court please

[starshaker]

I have court in 2 weeks. I'm terrified. I need to find something that I will feel comfortable in but looks smart.
I'm 5ft 2 and size 20

Please help cos even stupid small things are really stressing me out

[starshaker]

Anybody?

[mirpuppet]

Dress?

Trousers and a jacket?

What do you normally wear?

[starshaker]

I live in jeans and uggs. Ivenot been anywhere that required making an effort in so long. I was raped and I need to not be judged on what I wear. I'm scared and this is stressing me out more which is stupid cos it's just clothes

[BitOutOfPractice]

Oh star. I am so so sorry that this happened to you and I wish you all the very best for the case. I truly do. You are doing a very brave and worthwhile thing and I salute you xx

I would say a soberish colour dress, maybe with a jacket over the top?

Where do you usually shop? How old are you?

Don't worry, we will sort you out

[eurochick]

I'm sorry that you were raped.

You really can't go wrong with black trousers, sober top and jacket or cardigan.

[starshaker]

I normally grab stuff from premark. I'm 33. I just can't make anything look nice. I see other larger women and they look nice but I never do. I have a budget of about £150 for everything. I have plenty shoes and boots since a 5 is a 5 no matter how fat I am

[rockybalboa]

Oh you poor thing. I go to court a lot for work and think you would be absolutely fine with black trousers, a top and a cardi. I hope it's not too traumatising for you

[BitOutOfPractice]

Oh star, first of all I'm sure you always look lovely.

And secondly yes I know what you mean about shoes. They are always my friend too, no matter what size I am.

I would love to take you shopping! Where are you?

But how about popping into debenhams and asking for the personal shopper. You can just say you are a witness in a court case. No need to go into details if you don't want to

[FamiliesShareGerms]

I'm sorry you have had such an awful experience and I think you are fantastic for going to court.

I think the most important thing is for you to feel confident and comfortable. For me that would be a smart dress and heels, but I know that is the very opposite for many women.

I'll have a look and see what I can find to suggest.

[starshaker]

I'm in Ayrshire. Not sure the local debenhams has a personal shopper but I'll go check now.
Thank you. It's stupid that this is causing me panic attacks

[tethersend]

First of all, be secure in the knowledge that whatever you wear, it was not your fault.

A huge well done for taking this to court. Incredibly brave.

I am not comfortable with choosing clothes in which a victim of rape will not be judged- it should not make a difference. Having said that, I understand why you want to dress in a way which will make you feel comfortable and confident.

Would you feel more comfortable in trousers or a dress/skirt?

[FamiliesShareGerms]

If you don't like jackets, a structured cardigan like this might work.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Or this?

Are there any shops that you can or can't get to particularly easily?

[starshaker]

Personally I want to wear my jeans and my boyfriends hoody cos it always makes me feel safe but I don't think that's appropriate for the high court

[BitOutOfPractice]

Damn op I'm in Essex so possibly couldn't be further away

My local m&S has a section just for dresses now. Have a look through there

I don't think anyone is looking for clothes for the op not to be judged in. Just something that she'll feel comfortable in and that are appropriate to a formal court setting.

[starshaker]

I like that black cardi. I can get to most shops and have 16 days so could order online too

[higgle]

Sorry to hear of your difficult time. When you are giving evidence you will be in the witness box so they can't really see much of you. As a former solicitor I think you need to be comfortable more than anything else and also not wear anything that distracts attention from what you are saying. I'd go for a plain top and jacket type cardigan, dark colour if it suits you is best. Blue jeans can be indicated as showing lack of respect for the court but if you had some plain black jeans style trousers that would be fine.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

So sorry this has happened to you, I am not surprised you are feeling paniccy about this.

I've been on jury service twice and all I would say about what the witnesses wear is that provided they are fairly plain and reasonably sober, no one will remember what you wore. In all likelihood you will only be seen from the waist up in the witness box. Although I agree that a victim of rape should not be judged by what she wears, any witness might want to give the impression of being respectful to the court and the process of law, so dressing slightly more formally will probably make you feel that you are fitting in to the surroundings more than casual dress might.

Why don't you take the hoody with you and wear it over your other clothes while you are not in the courtroom itself, that way you have it for comfort. I would also dress reasonably warmly in case the air conditioning is cool, one of the courts I sat in was freezing.

[tethersend]

How about:

polo neck

[tethersend]

jacket

[tethersend]

trousers

[MissFenella]

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/joe-browns-versatile-jersey-shirt/uk194/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=9985

this top looks good with jeans work trews or leggings - its not too low cut either and hangs nicely. I have the black and white version

[MardyBra]

What shape are you OP? I'm short plus size too and find some of the Evans shape guides useful. There are a lot of black trouser/tunic looks there that might work.

Wishing you all the best.

[starshaker]

Ok I've just tried on the black jeans I bought last week and they look nice with my boots. It's not obvious they are jeans so just the top now. Do you think this would be ok?

[starshaker]

My shape is apple I think