Passing out parade

[Serenity45]

Bit of a random one...I'm one of my sister's guests at her passing out parade at Hendon in a few weeks. Bursting with pride and don't want to show her up.

Literally no clue what to wear - she's the first police officer in our family and we don't know anyone in the police either (well my brothers do but for the wrong reasons 🙄). I'm 48, 5 foot 2 and an hourglass size 18. Good boobs, definite waist, horrible knees/legs, big tummy.

I do have some smartish dresses that would go with nice boots I have (both ankle and knee length, heeled and flat) but they're all years old ( good quality though - Coast, Phase Eight, Boden before it went a bit crap). If anyone could give me an idea of what's viewed as suitable for this type of occasion or even make some suggestions I'd be so grateful!

I like simply cut rather than fussy clothes and budget would be about £200ish but could spend more.

Sounds classier than tulliallan. I think I had wellies, new look maternity jeans, a hoodie and a furry eared bobble hat. I think you’re overthinking it

I’ve actually just scrolled back through my google pics and I’m lying. I had ariat bromont riding boots on, maternity jeans, a woolly hoodie and a joules Mary king yard jacket but no hat just flat “helmet hair” so I’d ridden something psychotic before driving there and assume I’d just come from the farm or something. Baby was wearing a teddy suit. Thankfully more pics of eldest than me. For what it’s worth all the other wives and mothers in the pictures all seem to be wearing jeans and raincoats. I do remember it pissed down the whole time.

My son passed out last year, not at Hendon but it was held at a posh country house venue and I wore a smart dress and boots, and a jacket, but there were people in jeans and hoodies and others in full smart wedding attire / complete mix

Thanks both - think I'll err on slightly smarter side with dress and boots

Thanks for asking the question - my DS is passing out this coming Friday and I was also wondering what to wear :) Think it'll be cold and wet so I imagine a big coat is in order?
Did you get any refeshments at all or should I pack a sandwich and a bottle of water?

Yes to the coat you'll be outside for a while! People were generally quite smartly dressed but not too OTT/weddingy. I went with a wrap dress and flat knee high boots and big drapey long cardigan (quite a dressy one though).
We were given a little bag with a bottle of water, bag of crisps and a kitkat.

Have a lovely time! I was so so proud of my sister it was a great experience. And we got invited to pet the horses afterwards 😀

Thanks so much :)

It's nine years ago and I don't remember any catering details but over half of the event (at Hendon) was outside watching the parade. Ours was in November and without a warm coat, scarf, gloves it would have been miserable. Then there was a presentation inside in a hall with the Commissioner making a speech. I don't think anyone among the spectators was dressed up particularly but you will probably take some photos with your DS who will be in smart new uniform with white gloves etc so take a hint from that.

It snowed at my passing out parade so wrap up warm!

Thanks - may I ask if they had loos? Our son rang today and said there's going to be NO access into the building - do they have portaloos? Thanks x

Hendon has been completely rebuilt since my time there. I don’t know if anyone has passed out recently?