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.

Peacocks are surprisingly good at these kind of outfits. They have some smart flat shoes, too.

My go to shops are Next, Monsoon and Zara though, Warehouse, Topshop and H&M are also good. TK Maxx can be brilliant as can charity shopping but can be very time consuming.

Thanks for all the input. This is really helpful!

Thank you Livvy, I shall take a look at those.

I think @ShabbyAbby has suggested pretty outfits but not for this occasion.

I think a simple navy dress with tights and low heels paired with a light pink cardigan. Hair curled but very neat, light natural make up well manicured non fussy nails.

So my smartest coat is a really good newish quality designer wool one but it's a bright green. Would that be an issue do you think. Alternatives are all much more scruffy.

How bright?

Emerald green

Emerald could be lovely... lime would have been more worrying!

You are getting great advice on here. You want to look smart but approachable / normal and not too corporate or flash. Something like trousers and shirt plus cardi, sweater or not too matchy jacket, or dress and cardi or not too matchy jacket. Leave the all black at home together with knee high boots and fuck me shoes. Your outfit should also be comfy so you aren’t constantly adjusting. Primary school teacher in her smartest outfit (parents’ evening? NUT conference?) sums it up nicely.

SimplyPut’s outfit is nice, but cardi would clash with emerald green a bit. Not that you will wear your coat inside the courtroom.

Thank you! It's tomorrow 🙄

Aargh, sorry! Good luck. Try not to be nervous. Stay strong.

Good luck. Try to get some rest tonight, I will be rooting for you tomorrow!

Thanks so much.

Dress and blazer..

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-split-sleeve-midi-dress-with-obi-belt/prd/11500888?clr=navy&SearchQuery=womens workwear&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=32&gridsize=2&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=643

Or

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-split-cap-sleeve-midi-pencil-dress-with-buckle/prd/10544773?clr=khaki&SearchQuery=womens workwear&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=13&gridsize=2&pge=5&pgesize=72&totalstyles=643

Take him down on style!

Hope all went well @Hullabalooo

They're both stylish @shortandsweet thanks for those

Thanks everyone. It ended up taking most of the day. Cafcass has ordered section 7 report and final hearing in a few months.

Absolutely rung out emotionally after at all. But having a good outright helped.

Really appreciate all your support xxx

I wore jeans and frankly looked homeless. Ex turned up in a suit with a barrister.... I still won it doesn’t matter what you wear, just dress for comfort