Can I wear trainers for a 'smart/casual'/professional presentation?

[nnn99]

I have to give a presentation for my degree and we've been told to dress professionally. I will also start having placements in settings like schools and nurseries. It's a career change for me, I previously worked in an office in London and there was no such thing as office wear, we'd all wear trainers and jeans so there's nothing really suitable in my wardrobe.

I was thinking of wearing a smart black jumper with black jeans (they are a dark black rather than denim and look like black trousers), and my black and white Veja trainers (as I feel like they're quite a smart trainer?) Does that sound ok? I always struggle with footwear and basically live in my Nike Airforces and UGG boots in the winter.

I'd go with black boots if you have any, or flat black shoes.

But if all you have are trainers, what else can you do.

I really wouldn’t

I think conventionally no. If you really need to wear trainers, eg because of foot problems, I'd take the rest of the outfit up a formality level and be prepared to explain. Jeans and trainers definitely doesn't sound like professional to me.

I would say yes. Can you add a shirt under your jumper?

Lots of schools expect professional dress from staff (no trainers, blazers etc). I can't recall many outside people that came in in trainers - most smart casual with boots/brogues etc.

No to trainers.

Take your guide from the setting that you'd be working in, so in this case schools. Teacher's don't generally wear trainers unless they're teaching PE, so I wouldn't.

How about loafers - think dr martens do some or there's always a variety in shops at this time of year.
Some can be really comfy. Then I'd wear wide legged pants and a thin jumper/polo neck tucked in or loosely tucked in.
Comfy and smart

No

I am a professional who gives presentations all the time to other professionals, the public academics and clients.
These days I tend to wear jet black jeans (no fading), black/grey/beige silk top or shirt, black jacket if cold and all black trainers (I have foot issues). In summer the black jeans get swapped for black linen trousers and sometimes swap out the silk for linen tops.
All paired with good jewellery and impeccable hair & subtle make up.

Do you have a blazer or jacket that you could wear on top? If I go for trainers in a work meeting, I always go v smart on top

No. I'd wear black trousers (not jeans) a smart jumper, the type of top that you'd find if you typed "workwear" into Next, and fairly plain black leather style shoes or boots.

No to trainers.

Jeans and trainers are fine for the real World, i.e. offices etc.

Unfortunately, schools are still in the dark ages, so whilst smart black jeans may be ok, trainers aren't.

I don't think so, no

Your whole outfit sounds too casual. Get some black trousers (not jeans) at least. Trainers are a big no.

If you are starting to do professional placements then it’s time to invest in some professional work wear

In a school wear boots or shoes not trainers

preferably not jeans too

Ah ok, I guess I'll have to go shopping. I have a sprained and swollen foot at the moment too so hopefully I'll find something comfy but smart

It is a smart jumper from Next (from their workwear section), and the black jeans look identical to a pair of slim fit workwear trousers I have so I'll be wearing them.

Maybe I'll just go with a dress and tights instead

No (unless you work in advertising)

The degree is trying to get you ready for the job so you’ll need the shoes again anyway.

Good luck with the presentation :)

You are injured. Drop this into conversation and wear your trainers.

I have black and white Vejas as well - I wear them for work and I am a professional. I wear blazers which helps elevate the whole outfit though.

This is the kind of level of smartness I was thinking was appropriate, but with black trousers and a black smart jumper (a thin cashmere knit).

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c8/2b/68/c82b687cc573e4e797a046e45f0e3d88.jpg

I work in senior leadership in a school and even if injured I would never get away with a pair of trainers

Wear the trainers, blame the ankle and get some more appropriate footwear in time for
the actual placements