What should I wear to a meeting at No 10?

[Perfumepanda]

Help - I have found out that work have volunteered me to go to no.10 next week and meet the PM and other cabinet members to discuss an issue impacting our industry. I normally dress smart casual for work eg jeans and nice top so am panicking about what to wear as only smart dress I have is for funerals. What would you wear to the event - I’ve a budget of up to £250 - does anyone have any suggestions please? I am 40 size 10/12 and like to look on trend rather than too formal….

Well you don't want to look out of place so maybe something like this?

A black suit, white shirt.

@Perfumepanda

At what time of the day, OP?

Dress and jacket or trousers/skirt and jacket

If only for one event and you wouldn't get any more use out of it, consider renting one. I'd do a dress.

Just wear what you normally wear. Your normal workwear sounds smart, so wouldn’t consider buying an expensive outfit for that one event.

Having said that, AB is very much a t shirt under a jacket kind of person so you might feel more comfortable in a trouser suit and smart casual top.

Me&Em or Hobbs.
Do not wear a black or grey suit and white blouse - too much like a school uniform.

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles that's savage🤣🤣i was going to suggest a tin hat!!

Some thoughts for inspo.
Hopefully you will be able to take your photo outside the famous black door before or after the meeting So it would be quite good to pick something that stands out against the door ie not black.
Depending on your age you could have a look at what the more fashionable female Labour Cabinet mins or Labour MPs are wearing. Angela Rayner seems to wear Me & Em (although that may not fit the £250 budget)
Andy Burnham has made a bit of a thing of British, so if you can get some of that in, so much the better
What I would wear myself:
As PP says A trouser suit with T shirt or blouse underneath. One that I felt reasonably comfortable in, so I could focus fully on the meeting and getting my points across.

Id be wearing a smart trouser suit not linen and a shirt or top to go with. Mint velvet perhaps.
I prefer a trouser suit when working primarily with men.
Id be tempted to turn up in VB's dress that his wife wore. Now that would be a statement for sure.

Women's Red Fluid Fit And Flare Midi Dress | ME+EM
(I'd put a hook and eye in to close the keyhole neckline)
Jacket (black or olive?) over the dress if you like.

Can you state the industry? That might help guide ideas.

That's really nice @StylishAndBeautiful . On brand for Labour too 😀

@nongnangning , thanks. It's within budget and OP could wear it for other occasions (or sell it).

I’d wear a suit with a slightly oversized blazer, not black but a shade of grey or blue, maybe pinstripes, over a white cotton t shirt and simple gold jewelry. Hair up. Mango has great suits. I would not wear a dress.

id be stuck on footwear and probably go for pointy boots.

A ‘Get Labour out’ T-shirt?

Otherwise, I would wear what you would normally wear to work.

I wear a coloured trouser suit (rust, teal, burgundy) with a co-ordinating simple blouse or t shirt, pointed slingbacks, striking jewellery. This helps me (additionally) stand out against what is usually a big bunch of men in dark suits.

As PP said: don't forget to take a photo of yourself outside the No 10 door!

I think you could wear the funeral dress?

The PM tends to be casual though, so the smarter end of your normal work wear is probably fine.

When did jeans become Smart casual workwear'?
As PP, have a look at what female MPs of a similar age to you are wearing for inspiration. I doubt you will see anyone wearing jeans.

Wide leg trousers in a colour that suits you, white tee, tucked in, jacket- I would probably go for light grey blazer and green trousers but work with the colours that suit you and your wardrobe. Then smart trainers or low heeled pointed boots - you need the trousers to end at the right point. You probably have a suitable jacket and t-shirt so can spend the money on a gorgeous pair of trousers from Me + Em

Why should you have to fork out for new clothes for something you didn’t ask to do? Just wear whatever you normally wear.

Can you get a pair of trousers from eg M & S and wear with one of your smart tops? Or have a look on Vinted.

... meet the PM and other cabinet members to discuss an issue impacting our industry.
and posters are suggesting jeans, t-shirt or whatever you'd normally wear???

Is this really Style & beauty?

OP will be representing her industry, her organisation and herself. First impressions count.

Didn’t Victoria Starmer wear some very similar to this?

In that case, maybe not.