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Help! What do I wear for dinner at the House of Commons?

Help! What do I wear for dinner at the House of Commons?

Old Nov 20th, 2001, 07:42 AM
  #1  
Lucy
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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.
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 09:22 AM
  #2  
JOdy
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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.

 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 10:24 AM
  #3  
kate
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I think Judy's got it about right, you can't go wrong with a suit, Bear in mind that a lot of people there will be working, so will be dressed for business. I too wouldn't do the cocktail dress thing, unless they had a special event on.
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 10:53 AM
  #4  
sart
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How about a dress and matching jacket in a plain colour. It will look like a suit, but you can remove the jacket if everyone else is wearing dresses.
As you have never dined there before and are foreign, why not ask your friend what is expected?
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 11:00 AM
  #5  
Julie
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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.
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 12:06 PM
  #6  
Ben Haines
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If you choose dark, then black or grey, I think. Blue suggests a spiv, a person on the make. But more colour, such as deep purple, is fine for a woman.

Welcome to London. Can I help you further ?

Ben Haines
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 12:22 PM
  #7  
kate
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Can't stop laughing at your comment Julie. Perhaps you're right, maybe our parliament is fill of criminals

another thing, our attorneys (or "barristers") always wear black in court. Navy would clash terribly with the black gowns
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 12:31 PM
  #8  
janis
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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.
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 01:11 PM
  #9  
Elizabeth
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I love this board--that's all. How terrific to have such a specific question and get such helpful answers, including from someone who's been exactly there.
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 01:24 PM
  #10  
Julie
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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?
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 02:03 PM
  #11  
Lauren
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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.
 
Old Nov 20th, 2001, 06:34 PM
  #12  
Daphne
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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].
 
Old Nov 21st, 2001, 03:20 AM
  #13  
xxx
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How about a nylon jogging suit and snow white tennies?
 
Old Nov 22nd, 2001, 07:25 AM
  #14  
julie
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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
 
Old Nov 22nd, 2001, 08:37 AM
  #15  
sally
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Hi,
I've never eaten at the House of Commons but did dine with the Lord Mayor at his residence and I wore a grey sheath dress with a matching jacket and felt very comfortable. Have fun!
 
Old Nov 22nd, 2001, 03:15 PM
  #16  
snoopy
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Please report back and tell us all about it.
 

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