Speaking at a work conference - need to look smart and be taken seriously. Please help!

[DanaScully83]

Hi everyone I have been invited to speak at a work conference next month. It is a conference for barristers and I will be one of the only non-barristers presenting. I will be part of a panel discussion with one judge and 2 QCs. I have no idea what to wear! I returned to work 5 months ago after having my DS and my confidence is still not back to normal. I need something super smart, but comfortable that will make me feel like I belong there.

I am 5 foot 2 so will be wearing heels (shoes are one of the things I don't need to worry about - I have these in black, navy, red and nude: www.marksandspencer.com/wide-fit-almond-toe-court-shoes/p/p60181985?image=SD_01_T02_1293W_B0_X_EC_90&color=RED&prevPage=plp&pdpredirect). I am a size 10 with a bit of a 'mum tum'. I would prefer a dress. Budget isn't too much of an issue but would prefer under £200 - I feel like I deserve a bit of a treat and can justify it as it is for work!

How about some wide leg trousers and a nice shirt. I love Cos for this type of thing? Pleated too trousers are very in this season. I find those flattering.

I'd go with slim trousers, top and soft jacket (with a touch of biker/military styling as this often seems better on my more petite frame). Complimentary, but not too matchy, but I work in health care, not law, so getting that bit right is down to you I guess.

Do you want to blend in or stand out?

To blend in, with lawyers you can't go wrong with a navy blue or black suit (trouser suit, skirt suit) and a white shirt or a dress + jacket suit.

If you want to stand out, colour of any kind.

What about something like this www.next.co.uk/style/st311066#325582

or this if you like a more modern style www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/dresses/product.elastic-waist-long-dress-midnight.0679344001.html

That phase eight dress is lovely. That with heels will look great

Exciting!

What about M & S I've bought lots of their work wear it always last and makes me feel great and for your budget you can buy 2!!!!

Have a look at the fold sale section this thefoldlondon.com/product/arlington-dress-bright-blue-honeycomb-wool/ is a fab classy grown up dress that will nip you in and hide your tum

Many lawyer types are quite quirky in their style or at least dip their toe outside the black suit etc. As you are not a lawyer I think you should be smart but not try to venture too far from your previous taste. I also avoid anything that gets creased or anything too warm.
A dress like this from Boden might work
m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/j0252-red/womens-post-box-red_navy-opal-jersey-jacquard-dress
Good luck!

Thanks so much everyone - some great suggestions. I love both M&S dresses - absolute bargains! I may have to order both of them anyway. The burgundy dress is such a lovely colour.

The Phase 8 and Fold dresses are both very special looking. I hadn't come across the Fold before but they have some really nice things.

I love that there are no black options. I never wear a black suit and will feel much more like myself wearing a colour.

Hobbs have some lovely smart tailored dresses in bright colours, and you can get some absolute bargains if you look on the clearance section of their website.

I’d go for the Fold. I’m a solicitor and go to a lot of conferences like you will be speaking at and I think you’d look amazing and confident in something from there.

What type of microphone will you have? If it’s a radio clip mic, you’ll need something on your waist for it to clip on to. Also, necklaces may clatter against the mic depending on their length