Need outfit for major conference presentation

[googlenut]

First major conference presentation. Got a lovely dress out of coast but husband said it was too patterned - you noticed the dress before be. So I need something quite neutral but with a bit of style.
I'm 5ft 3, size 8. Usually need to go for petite sizes especially if tailored. Have had a look at next tailored stuff which looks good on website but then looks a bit cheap when you see it in the shop.
Anyone got any ideas?

[googlenut]

Oh also has to be comfy! Have enough to worry about on the day.

[JeanSeberg]

Have you got a link to the Coast dress?

[JeanSeberg]

Personally I love LK Bennett shift-type dresses but I don't know if it's a popular view!

[PrincessOfChina]

I think I'd go for a well cut shift dress, with maybe a contrast belt, good shoes and jewellery.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

I think you either need sleeves or a jacket over the dress to look properly, formal smart.

What's your budget and any shops you can / can't get to in particular?

[AwkwardSquad]

I agree about sleeves / jacket, and YY to comfortable - and remember when trying on to walk about and use your arms as you would when presenting, to make sure the clothes stay in place. I'd also go for some colour but don't overdo it. Have you tried Hobbes?

[AwkwardSquad]

Ps careful not to get something in which you may overheat when on stage. A jacket would hide any unfortunate nerves-related underarm sweating.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I saw a gorgeous dress in Cos today, but you'd have to try it on, as it might be too long. Maybe layered over a long sleeved top and with opaques and shoe boots? It's a million times nicer irl than the pic suggests - a sort of silver grey and v Victoria Beckham-esque. Looks v expensive. Here

[GretaWolfcastle]

yeeeeeeeah - Cos website always a but Prisoner Cellblock H innit

[GretaWolfcastle]

i would do a skirt and loose blouse

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I always find separates easier than a dress tbh, but don't get on with blouses (norks).

[MrsLettuce]

The cos dress certainly looks worth a try. Given the choice, I think a dress with sleeves wins hands down over a dress + jacket.

[MrsLettuce]

yy, separates over a dress + jacket

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

This is M&S so could be abominable, but I've linked it because it's petite and quite a nice shape.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Bargain jacket here Not sure if it's a bit 'Harrogate ladies flower arranging club' though (this is what dp calls such things!).

[GretaWolfcastle]

i need stretch in any dress although rarely wear them as I look like Jessica Rabbit in them as am short waisted and norkily encumbered

plus thighs are thing so I often get gappy skirts

[GretaWolfcastle]

take a look at how cool Claire underwood looks here www.neverunderdressed.com/people/news/claire-underwood-house-of-cards-the-clothes-bags-shoes-glasses-in-her-wardrobe

[Thurlow]

I would go for a good shift dress that you feel comfortable in around the waist, and then a nice jacket, but for the jacket I would go for something either Chanel style of with 3/4 length sleeves, something a little bit more interesting.

[MissBeehiving]

agree with the sleeves thing

jaeger ?

[MissBeehiving]

love this in red

[MissBeehiving]

like pinstripe too but maybe dullsville for some

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Jaegar generally v long though.

[MissBeehiving]

tis true remus but cheap to get altered

[JeanSeberg]

That red jaeger dress is lovely Miss and affordable in the sale...

[HermioneWeasley]

I assume you'll have a radio mic pack to wear? IME they are difficult to attach to dresses (unless you have a very sturdy belt) so think about wearing something that it won't drag down and won't create a funny line under.

IMO a skirt suit with a simple shell type top under the jacket always looks smart