Yeah, I'm shallow but I want to give the right impression at court... Should I dress smart casual as the looking for job mum I am, or should I done an "office" out fit?

[Mongolia]

First hearing at court next week, after months of negotiating with and abuse from my ex.

I don't want to use a "power" dress style for court (namely suits, etc) first because I don't have any younger than 5 years, and second because it doesn't reflect who I am or what have been my circumstances now and in the last 10 years (have been looking for a job for months after loosing my suitable-for-single-motherhood job)

I have two smart casual outfits, should I use the one that make me looks mumsy but still stylish, or the one that makes me look like a secretary?

Note that the reason I'm going to court is because exH is demanding to sell the house DS and I live in (there's no need, he has another one), in order to achieve what is known as a "clean break"

Wear something that makes you feel good and confident though no need for a suit. I would recommend smart (rather than tracksuit for eg) but otherwise just wear something you like. I found that lots of makeup can help too (I used to be a barrister)

Oh no, I wouldn't dare to take a tracksuit.

Both outfits have pin stripped smart casual trousers, one I think would make me look as Teri Hatcher in Desperate Wives (nice jumper with camisole underneath, the other one is more Lynnete, IYWIM

Thank you.

In real life I am more like Susan than Lynnette though...

I always went to court dressed as i would for an office job. nothing too dressy but smart enough to show respect for the fact that it is an important day.

Definitely smart casual. I think first impressions do count. Respect for the court and demonstrating the fact that you are a well balanced human being.

Either of your smart casual outfits sound fine. You are trying to get the court's sympathies on your side as a mum so looking mumsy will help. But you also need to look together & respectful - so smarten up a bit with a bit of make-up, maybe a necklace or something and polish your shoes.

I definitely wouldn't recommend a suit in your position. Hopefully your ex will be wearing one of those.

(I'm a lawyer btw)

good luck mongolia, hope it goes ok

Surely you still are a barrister??

we always had to wear suits to court, hated it and get very hot. Wear what is you, but smart, either sounds fine to me good luck