Conference outfit ideas for a polished professional look after years at home

[GreenCaterpillarOnALeaf]

Help help help!! I have to present some stuff at a conference. I’ve not done it in 6 years and this is a much more professional fancy thing than I’ve done before. I want to have a nice outfit, like Cathrine from CSI (if anyone remembers that).

I’m 26 and pretty thin for three kids to be fair, so I think I could pull it off, but dressing like that is way out of my normal remit. I normally WFH as a maths tutor so I’m pretty intimidated by the whole thing! I’m only doing it because a friend who I’ve worked with on some research papers is asking me. Cathrine from CSI is pretty much the only professional woman I’ve ever thought looked even remotely cool other than Elle Woods.

HELP!!

Okay so I work in an office and always want to feel comfortable but look nice. I recently went for something like this and felt great. Was dead cheap on TikTok but lovely quality.

Good luck!

Whatever you wear when you're presenting make sure you have a waistband or pocket for your mic pack. I once scarred a sound guy for life by having to put a mic pack in my tights.

Personally I prefer trousers or a jumpsuit as I have a terrible fear of tripping and flashing my knickers!

Thank you. I think I’m a bit paranoid about looking like a scruff

I want like a nice pants suit but that also looks good. It’s not a massive conference but because I’ve not done it in so long I don’t want to look silly

Just got back from one. Day 1 Dress (Hobbs red one), Day 2 Colourful jacket, mine is pale blue (similar. From Mango/Zara/H&M or Hobbs), white or patterned t shirt / blouse (French connection) , wide leg black trousers (M&S) and smart trainers (Veja)

A scruff?! 😅 No, no - you need to see the photo once it’s approved.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/leslie-dress/0225-5018-9322L00-BERYL-RED.html

Photo??

There were lots of ladies wearing waistcoats and wide leg trousers. Very smart.

I've googled her, seems like jackets feature highly? A good jacket will elevate any outfit and make you feel professional. Not sure budget/size or what you prefer trousers/skirts?

You might like this at John Lewis:
https://www.johnlewis.com/jigsaw-crepe-jersey-jacket/p114874717?s_share=jlappdroid

Yes I’ve included a photo that’s waiting for approval, weirdly!

Wide legged pants, slight pleat, sleeveless top with cowl neck in dark charcoal grey in very durable thick cotton.

I usually like Zara for work but this set I have not bought in three colours 🤣

Now!

Is it an academic conference? I go to a lot of those and generally people do not dress up.

The ones I’ve been to people looked smart and pretty put together so I’m kind of comparing it to my normal attire. At the end of the day I’m more scared of being under dressed than a bit overdressed

I don't think you've mentioned budget, I just came across this and thought of you...

You might like this at John Lewis:
www.johnlewis.com/tommy-hilfiger-slim-fit-tailored-waistcoat-white/p114791623?s_share=jlappdroid

Or this, better price!
https://www.reserved.com/gb/en/suit-vest-with-linen-042jl-00x

I went to a cyber/tech conference recently and went with black tapered ankle grazer trousers, a black blazer with ruched sleeves so they were 3/4 length and a plain vneck top under. I was definitely on the smarter dressed end compared to most but felt good and confident while also being comfortable enough at a big busy full day event. What shape of trousers suit you best? Do you know what colours are most flattering and you feel most comfortable in?

blazer - https://www.matalan.co.uk/p/clothing/et-vous-black-ruched-blazer/16243848/
trousers - https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-slim-fit-ankle-grazer-trousers/p/clp60506651?color=BLACK#intid=pid_pg1pip24g4r1c2