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?

im with weasley - what is with the dress obsession on here?
its like Eton mess and anti pasti

gives in www.marksandspencer.com/striped-shift-dress/p/p22274083

That jaeger wrap around dress is gorgeous...

I think separates are making a comeback Greta. I probably wear them 4/5 days atm and just bought the loveliest cream silk blouse from uniqlo.

Have you looked at Damsel in a Dress? I can't recommend them highly enough - they are cut by hand so have a really high quality finish and fit, but often have a jersey lining (super comfortable!!) with a silky shell - but also machine washable.

John Lewis stock them too, so you can usually find them on sale, occasionally they appear in TK Maxx.

I normally wear dresses for smart, but try and remember never to wear them when I'll have a radio mike as I hate stuffing the pack in my bra.

A trouser suit with a jewel coloured top and a brooch looks good on stage, and because I bimble round on stage I make sure to wear shoes with a fairly solid heel as often there are bumps and joins. Nothing fussy, and not too much round your neck to distract from your face, or big bangles if you talk with your hands

By hand - my arse

As a spectator I like accessories to gawp at when I'm bored

And nails.

I always notice necklines and nails when watching presenters.

Yup. Once did a very serious thing in black suit Luminous orange nails. First question "your nail varnish ?"

I like this dress

Yeah, nails are important. But short, neat and varnished rather than, well, other options.

SOunds great Greta, just the ticket.

Love the grey Cos dress.

Silver jewellery
Grey shoes
Blood red nails

Depending on your colouring and budget how about something a little different like BLUE-18&refpage=business-suits/suit-dresses&view=2&searchpage=1&pagesize=18 this I think the colour and shape are gorgeous and would look lovely with nice jewellery and good shoes and nail.

m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-invitation-etoile-dress-kingfisher-blue/p1118017

The Fold does some gorgeous 'work' dresses. Really fabulous. Depends on your budget (think they are about £250-300, but v. good quality).

Lots of great suggestions here. Love the grey cos dress but material looks like it might show underarm sweat? The Hobbs blue dress is gorgeous and presentation is in April so would be quite springlike- have nude shoes as well which would look good with it. But what would I wear over it to get there?
Anyone seen any nice neutral looking skirt suits as could dress with bright blouse to liven up and take jacket off if not sweating too much.
I'm in a lecture theatre so imagine I will have a static mike. Should check though.

The Hobbs one is polyester, so could be quite sweaty.

Banana republic. Always

Op. Tell us whatchoo talking about

The bargain jacket from Hobbs would have been perfect with the matching skirt but smallest sizes out of stock in skirt.

Might out myself if tell you but it's an academic presentation