Reception at the Houses of Parliament - what to wear?

[Menopausalprincess]

It’s a celebration rather than a work thing. I’m invited as a guest, so I haven’t seen an invitation, my host just said ‘oh, come fairly smart.

Given I always wear jeans for absolutely everything, this isn’t that straightforward for me!

I’m not asking what would suit me, just some ideas (images?) for the sort of outfit you think would be appropriate?

Would you wear jeans for a celebration if it were in a nice restaurant?

Is it evening or daytime reception, and what time of year?

Black trousers and a nice shirt / blouse and shoes / boots not trainers

I just wore work clothes because I was coming from work. I think I was wearing black, wide-legged cropped trousers, boots, a thin knit tucked in and a wool coat — it was February or March and pouring cold rain. I think everyone else was in what I’d vaguely class as workwear, too.

A cannabis leaf print onesie. Or a clown costume. 🤣

Definitely workwear for someone.😀

It’s quite varied but I think a dress or smart trouser-based outfit like PP describes would be most appropriate.

I agree with pp who suggested similar to smart restaurant. Invitation usually has a dress code on it so maybe you could ask to see it.
(You will have to go through security just like airport and there are armed police inside the building which can be a bit unnerving).
Have a lovely time it is a great opportunity.

I've been to an event at the House of Lords and I felt it had a very formal dress code. All the people working there were in suits, saw a few women in heels which had practically vanished from London at that point.

So I would go smart work/restaurant wear.

Also it's fun turning up and being ushered through security like you are someone massively important. Enjoy your event!

You will have to go in with the person who has the invitation. Check what ID you need.

I go to the HoL a lot. Generally work wear is what people wear. Don't over dress, you will feel conspicuous. I generally have to go for work receptions etc. Some people wear jeans etc but most look smart. Interestingly you can only buy items from the HoL shop if invited to HoL, so worth a squizz. Anyone can visit the HoC and buty stuff in their shop.

Anything from smart casual to the fancy end of work wear.

You won't feel out of place in nice jeans and a top, but most people will be in more 'pre pandemic office wear' mode.

Depends if its day or evening... for daytime just business workwear. For evening then a bit more evening event wear. Sorry that's not much help. I've been to HOL, Parliament and Buckingham Palace and to be honest you can probably dress less formal than you think for the daytimes, but for evenings you want to think about the image / impact - kind of depends on what role you have ie. are you working, are you a guest, who are you meeting. You want something you feel confident in.

The sort of thing Victoria Derbyshire wears on Newsnight.

Having been several times if it’s daytime/after work I agree smart office trousers/skirt/dress, shirt/blouse and possibly a jacket.

I’m attending one next week! It’s my first. I’ll be in meetings all day so plan to wear a smart suit.

For a really nice restaurant, or the theatre….. yes 😊 I figure nobody’s there to look at me!

Thankyou everyone, I’m getting the idea.
Thankyou PercyFone, i particularly hate feeling overdressed, so that’s really helpful

I wasn't trying to be snide! I'm just trying to understand if that's your ceiling of smartness for a more formal occasion.

You won't be overdressed if you go a notch smarter than jeans. Pre- pandemic office wear is right. Or an aunt's 90th birthday lunch

Smart work wear.