It doesn't have to be the latest fashion, it just have to look as if you belong somewhere other than the Barrens. The problem is that Necro has always stated that O'Connor is wearing Barren's clothes and those won't allow you into the needle. The others should be okay, Vashion Island, Mortimer, Zoé are all no problem. So in order to make it easy for everybody, let's assume O'Connor's armour is not the problem (he will have made sure it is still in good condition I assume), it's just the clothing he wears with it. So a quick trip to the shop to get some nicer looking trousers and a decent shirt and vest to wear under that armour jacket of yours and we should be okay. and that shouldn't cost too much either.
For weapons only the ID issue might be a problem, as an Ares Predator is 4R and you don't need many mods on that one. It might be easier if someone has a spare weapon. And secondly, don't even think about walking into the Needle with anything bigger than a heavy pistol, no matter who you are and what licences you have.
Also, I might not be on much the next week, as I'm on holiday and I don't know what I will have in the way of internet access.