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….

Something like this?

Hoody, jeans and trainers will be perfect. Make sure you mention that they're from Community Clothing and the trainers from Walsh.

(I am joking)

Yes, to a bunch of cretins who aren’t fit to tie OPs boots more than likely.

That doesn’t mean she needs to dress like she’s popping down Asda.

Op how about these,

https://www.meandem.com/texture-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-rich-olive-green

https://www.reiss.com/style/sv166802/k73316

I think a trouser suit with a t-shirt would be fine or just trousers and a t-shirt . Like others have mentioned Andy wears a lot of casual clothes. I would just wear things you already have.

What's wrong with your funeral dress , presumably it's smart. Wear it with coloured tights or cardigan. I wouldn't buy new clothes if you don't need them after this occasion.

I am also wondering why you are ruling out the funeral dress? You can accessorise it with some colour. I wouldn't buy something new unless you would be uncomfortable in something you already have.

Think about the weather. No10 is an old London building so is warm and you'll be walking and standing a lot. Security is airport style too.
Industry industry vs creative industry? If non creative suit up, like you would dress for an interview. If creative you can go more relaxed.

Came to say this 😂

A thong bikini and doc martens. For contrast.

No but in all seriousness they don’t really care. Perhaps a Hobbs dress if you want smart.

Dress from community clothing? Though your black dress will work too

Maybe she wants to

Which number 10? London or North…

Maybe

I was there in January, wore a knitted dress, tights and boots. It's smart casual work wear. I wouldn't spend loads if you won't wear it again. Go simple but smart

OP what is your industry and are you likely to be the only (or one of very few) female in the room?

Only reason I ask that is because when I’m going to a heavily male dominated large meeting I really make an effort to wear some colour. Helps stop the whole room looking like a sea of dark suits and white shirts.

This.

Number 10 doesn't mind. They have seen it all.

Adapt something you already have, but I'd avoid jeans. Otherwise, a dress will see you through opportunities like this. Usually meetings like this lead onto other invites. A jacket to zhuzz up somethign you already have? I struggle with shoes in these situations, tbh as live in flip flops trainers or winter boots.

They probably don't but I'd mind.

your funeral dress with bright accessories will be fine.

I wore this when I had to do a similar briefing at No.10. But I work in the startup industry so a little more casual than others.
https://www.stories.com/en-gb/product/tapered-blazer-dark-brown-1323946001/

Don't forget to take some Dreamies for the cat.

I honeslty wouldnt stress about spending a lot of money. Ive been to Downing Street events.

Just a dark coloured dress and some shoes that are not trainers are fine. Or nice top and skirt, nice top and wide leg trouser. All fine. If in doubt add a blazer.

You are there for work so its not about having a wow outfit.