Help! What do I wear for dinner at the House of Commons?
#1
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Help! What do I wear for dinner at the House of Commons?
My husband & I are going to London on December 12th, and an acquaintance (who is an MP) has invited us to dinner at the House of Commons. I have NO idea what to wear or if there are any things I need to know before we go.
Also, does anyone know where I might buy Christmas ornaments while I am there? This trip is going to be our Christmas gift to one another, but it still doesn't leave much $ for family gifts.
Also, does anyone know where I might buy Christmas ornaments while I am there? This trip is going to be our Christmas gift to one another, but it still doesn't leave much $ for family gifts.
#2
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Lucy,
How exciting to do and see something most visitors will never get a chance at.
I think a black suit ( not a severe business style) with a silk blouse either white or a bright color can get you in anywhere! I certainly wouldn't do the cocktail dress thing!
Even in another color , like emerald or deep purple would be nice , if you're not into black
Trip report please.
How exciting to do and see something most visitors will never get a chance at.
I think a black suit ( not a severe business style) with a silk blouse either white or a bright color can get you in anywhere! I certainly wouldn't do the cocktail dress thing!
Even in another color , like emerald or deep purple would be nice , if you're not into black
Trip report please.
#5
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For what it's worth, while I was in law school, the students were required to attend a seminar called Dress for Success. The speaker mentioned that an attorney should NEVER wear a black suit because it gives you a criminal appearance. He highly recommended navy blue. This was just the speaker's opinion. However, it might be something to keep in mind and possibly discuss with your friend.
#8
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Having been to events in both the Commons and the Law courts here is my suggestion.
A nice solid colored suit - Black is best but any dark "wintery" color will do. Not a "cocktail" suit with glittery fabric or high slits.
A dress with matching jacket in the same colors is OK too.
If the suit requires a blouse, add a silk tank or camisole in any becoming color. You could also add a great scarf or Pashmina.
Men wear business suits (called a lounge suit in the UK) - not a dinner jacket or tuxedo unless it is a special event.
A nice solid colored suit - Black is best but any dark "wintery" color will do. Not a "cocktail" suit with glittery fabric or high slits.
A dress with matching jacket in the same colors is OK too.
If the suit requires a blouse, add a silk tank or camisole in any becoming color. You could also add a great scarf or Pashmina.
Men wear business suits (called a lounge suit in the UK) - not a dinner jacket or tuxedo unless it is a special event.
#10
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Kate,
Glad to make you laugh. I think that every culture has certain idiosyncrasies that would be frowned upon by others and this should be kept in mind. Just because something is okay where I live does not mean that it would be okay where you live. The reason that I am saying this is because I am from New Orleans and people in N.O. will where red as business attire, even to job interviews.
I think the main goal of the seminar was to let us know that red was not okay and that in N.O. black may be viewed upon negatively in a court house.
It's great to be able to get info here on Fodors. I completely forgot about the black robes, I guess the criminal connotation of black doesn't carry over to England. Is it just a southern thing?
Glad to make you laugh. I think that every culture has certain idiosyncrasies that would be frowned upon by others and this should be kept in mind. Just because something is okay where I live does not mean that it would be okay where you live. The reason that I am saying this is because I am from New Orleans and people in N.O. will where red as business attire, even to job interviews.
I think the main goal of the seminar was to let us know that red was not okay and that in N.O. black may be viewed upon negatively in a court house.
It's great to be able to get info here on Fodors. I completely forgot about the black robes, I guess the criminal connotation of black doesn't carry over to England. Is it just a southern thing?
#11
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The advantage of black robes worn by barristers in England is that you never know what they are wearing underneath (shorts in summer if it gets too hot??).
Judges in the US also have a similar advantage. Sometimes I wish lawyers wore robes here (although not the wigs, thank you). It would make the "What to wear for court" issue a lot more simple.
By the way, I have a stable of two piece suits in various colors for courtroom wear, as I go to court 3-5 days a week in DC.
I would dress simple but elegant for the House of Commons dining room and I do think people worry about the clothes/shoes issue entirely too much on the boards. Everyone knows that people traveling have a more limited wardrobe than they do at home.
Hmm. What should I wear to the theater at the Kennedy Center in DC for Thanksgiving evening? Please do not answer that question. It's facetious.
Don't let me get started on shoes.
Judges in the US also have a similar advantage. Sometimes I wish lawyers wore robes here (although not the wigs, thank you). It would make the "What to wear for court" issue a lot more simple.
By the way, I have a stable of two piece suits in various colors for courtroom wear, as I go to court 3-5 days a week in DC.
I would dress simple but elegant for the House of Commons dining room and I do think people worry about the clothes/shoes issue entirely too much on the boards. Everyone knows that people traveling have a more limited wardrobe than they do at home.
Hmm. What should I wear to the theater at the Kennedy Center in DC for Thanksgiving evening? Please do not answer that question. It's facetious.
Don't let me get started on shoes.
#12
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Lucky you! I did get to tour Parliament in a group in'84. I was wearing a rather bright green jacket. I strayed behind the group to take a closed look at something and one of the guards almost had a fit. Green is not a popular color there [IRA bombing and all that, I guess].
#14
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Lucy,
I have been to dinner in the House of Commons a couple of times, ask you MP friend to take you for an informal tour, it is really enjoyable, ask him about the cupboard where Emily Pankhurst hid in order to claim she was a resident and therefore able to vote. It was a broom cupboard the last time I went, but one of the MP's paid for a plaque to go on the back of the door to remember her by. It is so much more interesting going with someone who knows the place, they all have little anecdotes to pass on. The dinner I must say is not great, but considering where you are it becomes secondary, but I do remember they have their own wine with the House of Commons on the label, not sure if you can buy it, but it would make a nice unusual present. Dress code would be smart casual, I wore a smart trouser suit. Also try to find out if the house is 'sitting', when they do and they are about to vote a bell rings through the whole place and any MP who is not in the Commons has to run there to vote, it is really good fun, we ran up several flights of narrow stairs to the viewing gallery and watched the whole thing. Hope this helps
I have been to dinner in the House of Commons a couple of times, ask you MP friend to take you for an informal tour, it is really enjoyable, ask him about the cupboard where Emily Pankhurst hid in order to claim she was a resident and therefore able to vote. It was a broom cupboard the last time I went, but one of the MP's paid for a plaque to go on the back of the door to remember her by. It is so much more interesting going with someone who knows the place, they all have little anecdotes to pass on. The dinner I must say is not great, but considering where you are it becomes secondary, but I do remember they have their own wine with the House of Commons on the label, not sure if you can buy it, but it would make a nice unusual present. Dress code would be smart casual, I wore a smart trouser suit. Also try to find out if the house is 'sitting', when they do and they are about to vote a bell rings through the whole place and any MP who is not in the Commons has to run there to vote, it is really good fun, we ran up several flights of narrow stairs to the viewing gallery and watched the whole thing. Hope this helps