Please dress me for this work thing...

[teacoffeesomethingsweet]

I have this work thing mid march, it's a whole day conference, then a meal and drinks, then probably some more drinks somewhere naice.
Dress code is smart casual. Would I get away with jeans? Or is it a big no no?
I am already panicking about it. I have put on over stone recently (health issues) and am lacking any confidence. And I hate feeling over dressed. You know these people who can always pull off whatever they wear? And whatever they wear, they always somehow seem to look appropriate? Well, I'm the opposite.
Any help would be much appreciated.
I am a very busty, apple shaped size 16. I look ok in most colours, apart from brown and green (dark hair, quite pale, green eyes).
It's a very important event so trying to get ready for if in advance. I am prepared to spend in the region of £200 (negotiable), especially if clothes are "wearable" later, for my work/other occasions.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

www.fashionatedesires.com/659-business-casual-style/women-business-casual/
I have no idea how to do a proper link but I had a similar situation and trawled Pinterest for business casual. I loved this look, oasis have some ponte blazers in different colours if you don't fancy the beige. And I got some ultra skinny back trousers from gap which are incredibly comfy and flattering. They're quite stretchy and give a fair bit so had to go down a vanity size

Oof link worked by itself

I would say for work conferences that jeans are a big no no.

I go on quite a few of these things and for smart casual, you cant go wrong with either smart trousers/ skirt with nice top or cardi or a nice dress with a cardi if no sleeves. You could dress it up with a scarf / necklace if thats your thing

I think £200 would well and truly cover things but you could get away with spending far less

Also an appropriate handbag ie not denim. Smart shoes / boots

It depends on your place of work, but jeans are definitely not allowed as part of a smart/ casual dress code in my workplace.

I'd verge towards smart and go for slim trousers with a blazer/ jacket and maybe a more casual top than I'd wear to the office.

I do have a smart black pencil skirt which is very flattering. I don't think trousers suit me all that well just now (massive belly, slim legs). Skirt, nice top and heels.
Thank you.
I hate looking as if I just don't belong in the place...

pencil skirt nice top and comfortable heels with a classy bag and a smart jacket/blazer for an all day thing/meal/drinks would be ideal! if its chilly you could put on a pair of tights too but personally i hate the things! i too have a big tummy so tend to go with pencil skirt with top tucked in or a peplum top to take the attention away!

I don't like tights either.
Need to find a nice top now. Nothing fits me properly any more..

a peplum top is probably the way to go if you feel like your tummy is your problem area

I'd go with :

shirt with embellished collar

pencil skirt

textured blazer

necklace under collar, over shirt

and heels!

Actually, I'd probably avoid a pencil skirt. There may be lots of sitting listening to talks/conferences so the skirt could get uncomfortable. Plus possible walking to other venues and even the dreaded mini-bus transfer involving having to hitch up your skirt to get up the steps. Jersey or sweater dress? If you had really smart flat boots it could work and be more comfortable.

Georgie this is actually a good point.
My worry though is that nice jersey dresses tend to accentuate what I desperately want to hide ie my massive belly.

Firstly, I can guarantee your tummy isn't as big as you think it is. Secondly, look for a plain jersey dress with a ruched front - go for a darkish colour in case you spill your tea, or a loose sweater one. They don't have to be skin tight. Marks might be worth a look. I hate tights, too, but if you wear 100+ dernier opaques they'll keep you warm and act as mini-spanx.

No to jeans. Also I think peplums are very tricky and can accentuate hips and tummy. Sequins and imho embellishment are also out at work

Boden has some nice blouses (and 20% off!!) maybe with black trousers? I got a nice dress in M&S sort of ruched. dress

Would not go for a peplum or a skirt with a tucked in blouse as it may accentuate exactly what you want to hide. As will trousers.

I agree with Georgie, Jersa dress - maybe with a crossover and three quarter sleeves plus the 100 denier "magicwear" tights will keep everything in place whilst allowing you to breathe. I would wear heels.

What about a shift dress?

The pattern would distract from any lumps and bumps, and you could do opaques and maybe suede wedges or even ankle boots with a heel?

There are quite a lot of shift dresses and also shirt dresses which might work well for all those parts of the day. I personally don't like wrap dresses/Jersey dresses as I feel self conscious of my boobs and possible bra marks and stuff. You could stick blazer on over the dress for smartness without frumpiness too

NO to jeans

i would wear slim leg trousers with heels that have stretch in them like this
bananarepublic.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=57998&vid=1&pid=000187079H114-17810
with a floppy shirt ( fitted but not cotton)

Like maybe this bananarepublic.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=5039&vid=1&pid=000184485H114-17820
and a warm jacket maybe like this bananarepublic.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=98073&vid=1&pid=000969748BA00-01869 ( wrong colour0 but you know- or a pleather jacket)

there you are!

No to jeans.

In mid-March you will almost certainly need tights with a skirt. Bare, cold legs are really not a good look.

Otherwise, I'd go for cigarette pants, a silky blouse and your most comfortable heels.

this top and blazer would look nice too with some nice earrings and heels
bananarepublic.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=1027446&vid=1&pid=000288850U014-17329

LOL at me and Remus - the SAME

Crossed posts with Data - yes, exactly!

We MUST be right then!

or something like this that has a casual style but more formal fabric
www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Tops-T-shirts/Short-Sleeved-Tops/WA527/Womens-Spot-Jacquard-Top.html

Nooooo - that Biden thing is horrible!

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