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.

Black is a smart colour for court (as are grey and navy).

I was always told to look "smart but casual"
I normally wear fitted trousers, boots, smart too and a jacket

My ex always goes in a suit, roll neck jumper, glasses (he doesn't actually need) and a flasher mac......

Don’t wear black as a parent. The solicitors and Barristers wear black. You are a mum. Wear something neat and tidy such as cigarette pants and a shirt. Have neat hair and just enough make up.

The judge is looking at parenting skills and what’s best for your children. No one is really looking at you. Keep animosity out of it and you will probably get residency unless there is good reason for you not to get it. Glowering at your ex in a kick ass outfit isn’t what’s required.

Oh, and not black trousers and a white shirt! Try something lighter. You really don’t have to look like a barrister! Killer heels are good though!

Have a look in Sainsburys, I often get things there that are complimented but are low cost.

I think you should aim for a look that signals 'mum but competent' rather than 'professional' tones. Your best colour, even if it's a bit ditsy; never, ever sexy. (If you'd wear it on a date, it's not suitable.) But with some warmth. A patterned fabric, in a muted colour? Soft, gentle colour, but no frills or furbelows.

Watching with interest. I desperately need some smart dresses for work, for a new job, size 14.

All the shift dresses I've ordered online have been terrible: thin and wierd fit. Wallis ones were awful.

Is it the final hearing?

If it’s the first directions hearing you probably won’t be in court very long anyway and won’t need to speak. You don’t need business attire and it should be comfortable. There might be lots of waiting around.

Charity shop dress. Something smart but not obviously just off the hanger

Tbh if you are clean and tidy it really doesn’t matter. Don’t try to impress anyone with what you are wearing. In court that can often make you seem shallow or wrong priorities. Wear something you already own, is comfy and smartish.

I’m at criminal bar but many friends at the family bar.

Good luck.

It's the first hearing so I know it'll be short but I'm so nervous after years of EA from ex and what this whole process might mean..

Dusty pink?

I think it's so stressful I'm looking for control in random areas like clothing.

Thanks @heronlanyon that's helpful. It's easy to be overwhelmed. Plus ex is on a middle class coercive control dad of the year PR exercise so want to just seem together and calm

oblomov - anything here?

Sale and sort from low to high.

These dresses are gorgeous on, very flattering.

www.divacatwalk.com/outlet-c20#sort3

Totally understand that - really sorry you’re having to deal with that on top of everything else ! If it’s any comfort, that kind of approach/behaviour is usually obvious in court (he really won’t be in control there) and doesn’t do his case any good.
Hope it goes well.

Thanks @heronlanyon

I have this that I wear to work and it's so comfortable (you don't want to be more uncomfortable than you already will be), flattering and smart looking. I always get compliments when I wear it. I know it says mini, but I wouldn't class it as a mini dress

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-wiggle-mini-dress/prd/10129382?ctaRef=my orders

Tie your hair up? Is it full custody? Child arrangements order?

That's nice @luaa

It's a child arrangements order and I don't want dc you go more than currently as I worry about impact on dc as so young

I would avoid wearing all black.
Try navy teal or grey.

At your size, you would absolutely clean up in a charity shop, especially if your town has a good selection of them, which regional large towns usually do. You are absolutely standard height and slimmer than average - PERFECT for charity bargains.

You can pick up some truly beautiful quality clothes for less than £30. Try it.

Next is good for plain sensible clothes.

Ahhhh I understand the appearance control thing, I really do,

You need to aim to look like a primary school teacher in her nicest work clothes. Smart, prepared, sensible but nurturing. Pinks, greys, beige, soft blue. A soft textured scarf. Focus on pastels. Put your hair back and up but leave a few soft curls around your face.

Key word is "gentle"

A nice dress and heals
Or smart cigarette trousers with a blouse and cardigan

It has to either by heals, boots or smart flats though.

I don't understand how anybody thinks it's acceptable to turn up in trainers even criminals tend to dress up a bit for criminal court. And family is a different kettle of fish.

These kind of outfits are perfect. A little bit Mumsy, smart/casual, but not too formal.