Houses of Parliament?!!

[Bubbleswithsqueak]

I have to go to a daytime meeting at the HoP. It is in one of the members' dining rooms, so not the most formal of meetings, and I am in a creative industry (although not creative myself), so definitely not business suit territory.
I need to look smart, but not over dressed or fussy. Well put together, but not too shiny, if that makes sense?! Erring towards well-dressed, slightly hippie-ish academic, rather than powerhouse of industry.
Size 14 (pushing 16 in trousers), 5'6, ex-hour-glass with a peri tummy, a big arse and quite broad shoulders. Need at least half my outfit to be fitted (either top or bottom), or I look massive (the whole flouncy dress thing with big puffy sleeves is my worst nightmare).
Budget - max £200, not including shoes. Can't wear heels, so will need to wear with flat ankle boots (have black, blue and brown).
Help!!!

I've had quite a few meetings at HoP and I usually go wide leg trousers, shirt, (have worn a tank top over the shirt in winter) and smart trainers. I usually shop at Cos and Arket, so that kind of vibe. I didn't feel under dressed. Enjoy, it's quite an interesting people watching spot!

I struggle with wide leg trousers as my hips are my widest bit and my arse is very 'shapely', so any trousers that get wider from the hip make me look 4x the size I am. I can only really wear jeans-type cuts...

I've been to several meetings at Houses of Parliament and it's been fairly low key. I just wore a Hobbs or Boden dress or Hobbs tailored trousers with a little H&M blouse and a cashmere cardi.
Sorry that's not very helpful! I suppose I'm saying you probably don't need to buy new because it's not that formal. But if you fancy something new, go for it!

Straight trousers with a nice top and a long cardi would work as well.

I go for work all the time, you don't have to dress super smart. Most visitors dress smart casual men will be in shirts, not usually ties, and smart trousers. I wear whatever I would usually wear to the office - so last time I went I wore a lovely super high waisted brown tartan skirt with a black polo neck tucked in and chunky boots. Loads of chunky gold accessories as is my liking. Go with something you feel smart and comfortable in, and you'll be fine.

I think the issue is that I usually wear jeans for everything! Mostly with a primark t-shirt and a chunky jumper. But definitely not smart enough for this kind of meeting. I don't own a pair of trousers, or a tailored dress, or even a nice winter skirt. I have pre-covid White Stuff type fitted jersey dresses, which feel really dated now. I have put on about a stone in the last 2 years, and so avoided buying much.
I also hate buying trousers as nothing ever fits me in both the waist and the bum.
@headcheffer your brown tartan skirt sounds good! Where did you get it from?

This was on another thread recently - I think it looks wondrously versatile; both louche and authoritative. Perfect dress for someone without one:

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.deconstructed-wool-midi-shirt-dress-blue.1221884001.html

But I’d suggest knee high boots rather than dainty shoes.

@Wordless I love the idea of that dress, but I would honestly feel (and probably look!) like I was wearing a big top! I definitely need something with a bit more shape and structure.

How about a nice shirt dress? I love a shirt dress. Smart (buttons and collar), gives a bit of shape (belt), but also comfy and forgiving. I've got one I wear with boots a lot in the autumn and winter.

Something like this? https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/eloise-cord-midi-shirt-dress-navy/sty-d0800-nvy

@WhereAreWeNow I love that shirt dress. But for some reason I cannot wear a belt around my natural waist - makes me look like a sack of potatoes tied up with string...
I need something that is fitted, rather than gathered. I can't wear anything tucked in either!

There are lots of similar styles without a belt @Bubbleswithsqueak .

This would be comfy and smart. Team it with flat knee length suede boots.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-printed-v-neck-midi-tea-dress/p/clp22579062?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Have you got dark coloured jeggingd that fit well?
I'd go for that, boots and a nice top, a nice coat.

I saw this Dress at Zara today. Might work for you?

Truly?

How about this?

Also available in black or green dots.

https://www.finerylondon.com/rosa-navy-crepe-midi-dress-d07f075-nvy

Please not jeggings.

All of the smart dress suggestions on this thread are great. I’ve been quite a lot for work and that’s what I’d go for.

Alternatively, have you seen the elasticated waist corduroy trousers from Uniqlo? Lucy and Yak do them too? They’re comfy like jeans, looks smart, are very forgiving, and work well with a top and the Whistles jersey blazer. Rushing to work but will try to post links later

Love that Finery dress @Ophy83 I always forget about them

You really don’t need to worry to much. I used to organise and attend lots of stuff at the HoP and you’d get people in all sorts, from jeans to suits.

That said, my go to for smart workwear is Hobbs. They’re great for dresses that are fitted, with no pleats or belts to make my hips look like a hippo.

Can't link add on the H & M app but this dress with black leather knee length boots

*as on

I'm going to add this in because it's my favourite thing at at the moment and an absolute bargain. I prefer the green one, would look good with a black polo neck. I have never had to go to a really fancy meeting but with some boots and a good coat I'd feel confident in this (I think!)

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/wildflower-tiered-velvet-party-skirt?fbclid=IwAR0uJlFWhP0bxap7cz0c6kYK4UuOkaMrSRrjnxy9yrXcHoxlaUy1EVlHEUUaemmAZVcsvB5L6Lt3-ezg6jzcs9phbz4XtRsdaYgWGFFo3TQOa4ZgW4Rx6ysQwIkBmjlCXpysP6yXXpC2OOaaHrLaTE

This.

The OPs normal business wear will be fine. No one else will care!!