Work conference,help, what to wear?

[MarianForrester]

I have to go to a work thing, with about 400 people I don't really know. It's a day conference.

I work very rarely, two days a month, roughly, and am a SAHM rest of time.

I am very stressed by this; lots of the others will know each other, and my normal style is somewhat eclectic. I love clothes, and wear a kind of vintagey style, with a hint of Nashville/rock hen. But am stumped by this.

I have a few ill fitting and frumpy clothes for work, which is very Serious and Responsible. But I would like a fab and confidence inspiring ensemble for this terrifying jamboree.

I have no money, am in forties, roughly size 14, hourglassish. Any ideas, p,ease! Would be most grateful.

Have you got dark serious suit which you could perk up with a bright (cheap) top?

No... all my proper work stuff from former life was far too big, so chucked out.

I don't think I need to be in full actual work gear, maybe a dress, or black slash neck top and skirt..?

I am most anxious about the whole thing, so perhaps unduly preoccupied with what to wear.

How about something like this?

When you say your style is vintage, which era are you into? I don't think you should stray too far from the style you are happy with...

Something like this would be smart enough and still vintagey/western.

Oh, that's really funny: I love that Pearl Lowe dress- in fact I had one! It was an 18, and massive so sold it on eBay...

I really like that jaeger one too, though more classic than my usual style. I am tall and sturdy, blonde and pale, so am not sure of colour..? Might work with bright red lippy.

By vintagey, I suppose I mean a selection of items, like lacy skirt,jersey, or tea dress and usually boots..

Maybe the 16 would be ok, it does have a pull in tie...

On the other hand, my normal style, on paper at least, is quite inappropriate for a woman of my age So am drawn to the gold one; could give me an air of being groomed, without being frumpy...

Ha, brilliant

What's your budget? Will have a look for some more options...

Similar but smarter

You obviously got my style

I have shoes and stuff, so budget about £50...

I am take with the jaeger one, it depends how warm the gold is, might just order and see.

I do want to feel like myself, but better and a bit professional, so that could fit the brief nicely. The worky type dresses I've seen are just too corporate for me and I would feel weird. And I hate the black trousers/nice blouse thing, just not for me.

Thank you

print

Oh, I like that too, but should've said though hourglass and vintage loving, pencil skirts are not good on me. Am long waisted and bit of a tum.

As an aside, I use to call the peacocks one my Mrs Danvers dress

I wear vintage stuff all the time (mostly 70s) so I feel really strongly about not giving up your style for work

I think the Jaeger dress is gorgeous and a real bargain. With black heels and red lips, it will look really striking and smart without being corporately dull.

Am still looking though, this is the best brief for AGES

If you're speaking at the conference, it is important to look professional - but if not, it's unlikely anyone will notice what you're wearing. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Don't waste money on an outfit you'll get hardly any wear out of.

How confident are you with colour?

This has been styled really badly, but is v. nice IRL. You could pair it with a green or black jacket like this

Thank you- I've ordered it! I shall report...

This is so helpful: I normally love clothes and an never stuck, but this has had me foxed.

Love 70's stuff, though invariably look like Margot Leadbetter, sometimes a good thing, sometimes not so much

Am liking the midi skirts that are around,on that note.

Oh great- let me know how it is

Margot is one of my style icons, along with The Liver Birds and that one off Man About The House

Oh, no, the dress is no good! Came today, much excitement, but when I tried it on I could see why the model has her hands down sides like that: the skirt has bits that kind of stick out like panniers at hips, not something to be sought . Aargh!

Am going to try a local vintage shop tomorrow. There are no other shops near me. I may try a skirt instead. Or just skive as all too stressful!

I know that no one will be that interested in what I am wearing. I just want to feel confident and like me.