Smart affordable outfit for court?

[Hullabalooo]

My horrible ex is taking me to court for custody of DC even though he's been mostly rubbish as well as abusive.

Anyway I am looking for a kick ass looking outfit - dress/ suit or something similar which will help me to feel and look like I'm not prepared to take any more s%$# from him.

I am on a tight budget, size 10, 5'6" and need something subtle but classy that I can buy this or next week. Any tips? I'm not in London so think regional large town.

Get into Primark for some smart cheap stuff. I think it's called Autograph or Atmosphere... sorry! It's been a while!

And go get em girl! x

Next has some workwear that looks much more expensive than it is (if you're picky and/or read the reviews!)

I recently bought something very similar to this skirt for my corporate job: www.marksandspencer.com/checked-pencil-skirt/p/p60279119?image=SD_01_T59_4388_T4_X_EC_90&color=GREYMIX&prev. It's lovely. Would be MUCH better if lined but it's very very good for the price.

And this: www.next.co.uk/style/st296754#610639

The top is really flattering, but only in the black (I bought two other colours and they were very cheap and nasty looking).

Thank you.

Was thinking a dress might look neater maybe as it's less going on.

Do tkmaxx do those sort of clothes?

I got a dress from court at tkmaxx, you might be able to find something in their workwear section

Try matalan, they have a range of business wear including smart suit dresses and matching jackets etc. I bought a nice pencil skirt from there last week for £10. Admittedly they don't always last as well as some of the more expensive stuff, but for a one off they might well meet your needs.

For

Look too rich and a judge can think you spend too much on clothing. Bet your ex would think that too

Second hand or ex chain store resale from EBay. Some real bargains second hand, as like you people buy such items to wear once (interview, wedding) and sell on.

What's a tight budget for you?

Also, what kind of body shape suits you? If you have a waist, and can stretch to £25, this looks nice . Smart without being too severe.

Ooh that's nice @biwi what's Mark's sizing like? Is a 10 a 10?

Or this one? Reduced to £11.50 but available in your size

I think, like everywhere else, their sizing probably varies, but I don't think they're likely to be on the small side. If you're worried, perhaps you could order two sizes, to be sure? (Appreciate that might put pressure on the finances though!)

It depends what you call a 10 obviously.

It's nice but I wouldn't wear that first M&S dress to court

Why not? It's smart isn't it?

Don't get me wrong, I like it, I would wear it out with friends. It looks like a thin stretchy jersey type material that would make it too casual for a "smart" look however.

Try new look. I got a smart court/funeral dress from there years ago that I always fall back on when in doubt

BIWI, thank you. I just ordered that dress. I start a new job next month and have to get a whole wardrobe of smart workwear, so you’ve helped me start with a bargain

My pleasure!

and good luck in court

Thank you everyone! Do you think black might be too draining for court. Wondering about colour (not red) but is that good or bad idea?

Can't go wrong with Navy.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61132+504153HME_-1

You want to be comfortable.

The advice I had when I went through family court was to look a bit mumsy and not wear a formal work suit so a nice dress and a smart jacket/cardigan for example.

I seen people turn up in tracksuits so you might be shocked by what you see there.