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Original poster

Dress me for court!

36 replies

onadietcokebreak · 14/01/2011 23:41

Sorry to disappoint- not been a bad girl.

Am due to do some observational work as part of my placement.

Have been advised that a suit jacket is desirable.

I only own one pair of black trousers that currently fit so think i may need to buy suit.

Am 5'2 and size 22/24 with big Blush and norks

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Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 14/01/2011 23:42

Also suggestions for tops would be good thanks!

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dyzzidi · 14/01/2011 23:46

Hello

I have to attend court on a semi regular basis for work although mine is Employment Tribunal. I fing the courts really warm so tend to opt for a smart dress with tights and flat shoes. M & S do some smart ones and actually Asda have been doing some lately up to size 24 and for about £15 - £20. Next sometimes have them too. You coud also get one you can put a shirt under if you like. I justt wear a dark coat or cardigan over the top.

Dresse ted to be cheaper than suit and are often machine washable.

HTH

jaffacakeaddict · 14/01/2011 23:49

I wouldn't worry too much about what you wear. I spend some time in courts in Scotland as part of my job and unless you are a lawyer people will not expect you to be in a suit, just smartly dressed. Black trousers and a smart coat would do absolutely fine. In fact, if you were in a suit many people would assume you were a lawyer.

freshmint · 14/01/2011 23:52

Irrelevant what you wear. As your mother might have said "nobody will be looking at you dear".

Wear what you wear to work. Certainly wouldn't go shopping...!

dyzzidi · 14/01/2011 23:57

I always think if I would wear it to a funeral its perfect for court.

Oh my god I realise how bad that sounds but it true.

jaffacakeaddict · 14/01/2011 23:58

Dyzzidi and I attend courts that are at the opposite end of the spectrum - I often find ours are absolutely freezing and find myself shivering for hours. I try to remember to put on extra layers when I am going to be in court. Might be worth finding out if they are hot or cold before you spend a day either boiling or freezing.

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 14/01/2011 23:58

I wasnt too worried until the question of dress code was raised at initial meeting. She suggested suit jacket to smarten up.

Not offended as m&s waterfall Cardigan probably wasnt her taste!

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dyzzidi · 15/01/2011 00:00

At the manchester tribunals the judge we nearly always sit before is a bit deaf so he gets the clerk to turn the AC off hence why its always warm :)

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:00

Tempted to head down the skirt/dress route but I'm unfortunate with tights and my only comfy footwear are my black ankle boots

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freshmint · 15/01/2011 00:05

black trousers perfectly acceptable (and commonly seen)

ditto waterfall cardigan

you will be sitting at the back and the focus will be on lawyers and witnesses

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:06

Freshmint-that's exactly what my mother would say. I am rather irrelevant in her eyes in everything!

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freshmint · 15/01/2011 00:07

no I didn't mean that! it was meant to be a joke!

SevenAgainstThebes · 15/01/2011 00:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:08

Thanks freshmint. May have a quick scout around someone cheap to keep mentor happy.

It's family court and think it's likely to involve being in discussions with judge.

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Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:09

Lol freshmint - I know it was!

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Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:13

I used to have some lovely work clothes pre to dcs. Then I put on weight and not much fits. Plus been a scruffy student for past 18mths too!

I do need to address my wardrobe issue but am loathe to buy mew when I could do with losing some weight!

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AimingForSerenity · 15/01/2011 00:17

Have a look at Ann Harvey sale. I tend to wear seperates (e.g. black trousers and top with smart jacket) and get good workwear in their sale each time. They do 16-30.

freshmint · 15/01/2011 00:18

judges in family courts really don't mind what people wear

remember some of the punters they see are not exactly the smartest turned out

if you questioned them they wouldn't have the first clue what the people sitting in their chambers for 6 hours that day were wearing

I've been in court where a witness was wearing dungarees with nothing underneath. every so often I saw a flash of his nipple ring. nobody said anything including the judge (although I don't recommend trying this..!) crown courts would have a fit - county courts couldn't care less

I wouldn't worry about the judge, I would just be smart enough to keep your boss happy!!!

SevenAgainstThebes · 15/01/2011 00:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:34

Seven- thats the plan tomorrow already Charity shops and dress agency. There is more of them in my town than other shops.

We love charity shops too!

Are suggestion on material to look out for?I hate that sweaty polyester feel

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SevenAgainstThebes · 15/01/2011 00:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 00:48

Thank you. Am sure I will. Just a bit of a shock to discover my wardrobe is empty after so long in jeans!

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Meggles76 · 15/01/2011 10:24

I am a Probation Officer and sometimes have to attend Court in that capacity. I think Magistrates Courts are less formal than Crown Courts. If I am going to Mag Court, I tend to wear, shift dress, long T-shirt top or blouse under with dark opaques and dark heels. Or, smart dark trousers, heels, shirt and fitted cardigan.
If I am going to Crown then always a dark trouser suit with white shirt and heels.

tethersend · 15/01/2011 11:12

I would get a shift dress like this and wear with a black suit jacket like this, both of which you can wear again.

Original poster
onadietcokebreak · 15/01/2011 19:28

Thanks everyone. Went shopping today without much success.

Am definately a size 24 so starting slimming world again.

Tried on a shift dress and my stomach looks awful in it. Am sickened by how it looks. Been a wake up call.

Still need a cheap size 24 black jacket. Added problem that today all were too long in arms.

Court is crown court.

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