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Original poster

I need help! Outfit for massive presentation..

24 replies

CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2018 10:43

I'll be doing a presentation to 1500 people. Big event, huge video screens and I really need to make an impact.
I'm 5'9, size 12, 32f bra, broad shoulders, pale skin, white/silver hair, 46. I look shocking in wide trousers and wrap dresses, belts don't suit me somehow.

So help me oh style mavens. I have a good budget for this at John Lewis (I have vouchers), but will consider anything tbh. I've looked on Pintrest for inspiration but nothing works for this kind of event

OP posts:
MoltonSilver · 20/09/2018 11:22

It's hard to say without knowing what industry it is.

Would either of these be suitable?

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-kali-tailored-dress-dark-azure-blue/p3575554

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-alexa-shift-dress/p3685075

Original poster
CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2018 11:26

STEM industry, so not creative.

I like those Hobbs dresses, but the higher neckline can look a bit matronly on me, and they are the kind of thing I would wear to see customers normally

OP posts:
Cottonsheets · 20/09/2018 11:35

Patterned silk blouse (camisole underneath).
Minimal/architectural bold earrings.
Black slim ankle cropped suit trousers.
Black suit jacket for after presentation.

Manicure with complimentary polish colour.
A red lipstick to suit your colouring.
Blow dry. (Confidence boost)
Good luck. 1500 is impressive!

didireallysaythat · 20/09/2018 11:40

Also think about if you are going to be wearing a microphone - dresses which go to your neck can be tricky for these. I try and avoid scarves as they can muffle things.

And if you're a walker while presenting you might need a pocket for the microphone pack.

But you probably knew all this.

Original poster
CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2018 11:57

Didireally - yes, I've had problems with microphone packs before and usually end up with them clipped on my bra which is tricky but I can cope with

Cottonsheets - I'm not usually a patterned blouse wearer, but will have a try on of some. I do love a slim ankle grazer trouser.
Alas no chance for a blow dry as will be several thousand miles from home but have already booked a manicure with gel, eyebrows and lash curl for a couple of days before I fly.

OP posts:
Elledorado · 20/09/2018 13:34

I went to a presentation last week and one of the presenters was wearing a simple fitted black dress with a slight sheen, with a fitted herringbone/tweed type blazer like this. Great makeup and hair. Largeish stud pearl earrings. It looked really really good (to the point I thought I might steal the look for work). I don't know of that would be suitable or your style but just thought I'd post.

Original poster
CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2018 15:09

That jacket is lovely Elle

OP posts:
WhereIsMyDressingGown · 20/09/2018 15:40

Well, I read 'presentation' as something else...Blush.

But now I know what the event is Grin ...
You're a similar shape to me. I would recommend a dress with a pencil skirt bottom half that maybe has a ruffle detailing around the waist as it helps to break up the two halves and also is great if you're conscious of your tummy. I would wear either nude tights or very light black ones. And then some simple low heels.

hellotoyellow · 20/09/2018 18:49

Similar height and stature, slightly (34DD) smaller chest. For similar I wear trouser suits with either a crisp white shirt or if travelling white or black vests. Jigsaw suits usually fit well; my favourites (expensive) are from maxmara and Pinko. Yesterday for a big meeting I wore black linen jigsaw suit and a black vest top and black heels. Big statement earrings. Felt fab.

MountainGoat111 · 20/09/2018 19:07

Exciting!!
How about this outfit from ted baker
www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Workwear/PPOLLY-Structured-bow-waist-jacket-Black/p/147287-BLACK

Original poster
CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2018 20:57

I love those Winser dresses and maybe the Fenn Wright jacket would work.

I'm really rubbish at statement earrings - I usually just wear plain cz studs, so any suggestions welcome.

Thank you all for the suggestions! I don't mind doing the presentation, but for some reason am tying myself up in knots over what to wear Smile

OP posts:
justaweeone · 20/09/2018 22:46

I would wear the jewellery that you feel comfortable in
The emphasis is regarding STEM not what you are wearing
You want people to listen to what you are saying and just focus on your delivery
I do get though you want to look fab!

PETRONELLAS · 21/09/2018 07:02

Are you restricted by shoes? I always am as have awkward feet so it sometimes dictates dress length etc.
This dress is similar to one I had for a big legal presentation years ago:
www.lkbennett.com/product/CDDORISPOLYESTERVISCOSEELASTANRedPompeian%20Red~Doris-Dress-Pompeian%20Red

Will it be hot? You don’t want to get creased etc. Good luck!

Elledorado · 21/09/2018 09:29

The winser dresses look fab, especially with one of the jackets linked by just. Not sure I love the spotty one though honestly. Earrings: whistles, zara, and Cos - I wpuld go for understated 'statement' earrings. Do you wear gold or silver?

Original poster
CMOTDibbler · 21/09/2018 10:07

It'll be hot outside, but air conditioned to death inside, but I will be wearing the outfit most of the day so don't want anything creasable.

I wear silver jewellery, and will have a look at those brands, thank you

I do want people to focus on me, but I also need to look totally like I own the presentation for various reasons and more like I'm a couple of management levels up

I have wide feet which is a pita, but have good black patent/ black/nude heels

OP posts:
LurkerTurnedPoster · 21/09/2018 10:41

I work in communications and have done lot of speaker management at large events...just wanted to add a word of caution about statement earrings, last conference I worked I had to go up on stage to help a speaker remove one of her earrings which was getting tangled in her mic. wire as she moved about stage and causing awful feedback! So I'd steer clear of anything that hangs down more than about 1cm...

Elledorado · 21/09/2018 12:14

Yes I wouldn't go for dangly (earring wise) either, just as I dont think it looks as professional

Original poster
CMOTDibbler · 25/10/2018 20:02

Just an update - I did a JL personal shopper thing, and thanks to the fab lady, ended up with a Jigsaw silk top and Reiss skirt (and beautiful suede shoes). The presentation was amazing and I got so many compliments on what I was wearing (and my professionalism on stage).

I did get a Winser dress to wear during the conference and am v pleased with it

Thank you for all the advice!

OP posts:
HermioneWeasley · 25/10/2018 20:05

Hurrah! So pleased it went well

Liveinthepresent · 25/10/2018 20:06

What a fab update - well done OP on the presentation and the stylishness

Annasgirl · 25/10/2018 21:11

Well done OP that sounds great. I must remember to do that myself - for a big event it probably is best to go and get a stylist to advise.

justaweeone · 25/10/2018 21:36

Do glad it went well!! X

justaweeone · 25/10/2018 21:37

*so🤦‍♀️

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