Conference wear with a bit of personality

[Errrrrrr]

I've been asked to give a presentation at a conference next month and am worrying about what to wear! My favourite green boucle skirt which I wear with a cream silk blouse is now 10 years old and isn't doing what I'd like for my little pouchy mum tum. Any suggestions for formal conference type wear which will make me feel good and smart and not like one of the waiting staff at the drinks reception in the evening? I'm 5ft 4 and a size 10 but quite self consious of my tummy, particularly around my team who are all a decade younger and super fit!

What's your budget? How about a wrap dress, single colour, with a bold necklace and some great shoes? A wrap dress can hide any lumps and bumps you're not comfortable with, and be very professional looking. There are some gorgeous ones out at the moment too.

I try to wear a bright jacket to a conference - it makes me feel confident and visible across a room, and people always remember me! I went to one a few weeks ago where I was speaking and I wore navy cropped trousers, a navy merino wool short sleeve jumper, a tomato red jacket with the sleeves rolled up and a big gold cuff bracelet.

I have a pink jacket, a black and white pinstripe jacket, and a teal tweed mix jacket - usually wear all black or all navy underneath.

Oh and also - I hate to say it because you're always on your feet at conferences, but I always wear heels. Otherwise I find men speak to each other over my head, and I have to tip my head up to see them and get an eyeful of nosehair, like as not...

Thanks both! katmarie any links to wrap dresses you like? I tend to think of them as a bit mumsy but I'm probably not imagining it right.

I'm definitely not a statement jewellery kind of person, just can't pull it off at all. I tend to go fairly understated on jewellery, hair and makeup which isn't good for standing out! Xiaoxiong your outfit sounds fabulous! Not sure I can pull off a bright jacket either but i'm going to have a quick google now.

Budget is reasonable high st - happy to spend £70-odd on a piece of clothing if it's going to last me another decade or so!

Yes! I have a pair of navy block heels which are mega comfy. Makes all the difference to my confidence. Although I always have flats in my bag just in case!

Book a personal shopper appointment at Debenhams - they will pull the whole look together. You have to feel comfortable though if you are presenting.

When I'm presenting, I tend to go for classic style workwear, but with a small twist. I normally love a bit of colour, but i'd rather people were listening to my content and not critiquing my outfit...

I got this recently from phase eight, and have found it super useful and flattering (the knit feels right enough to hold me in). The colours aren't quite as bright irl and it's really comfy! Paired with a black blouse it was my conference outfit last week. There's also one in blues that I'm hoping will end up in the sale too at some point (Sorry I can't do a short clicky link)

www.phase-eight.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?UniqueProductKey=801076000&redirect=true&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk-nxgr_e3QIVzZ3tCh3CZAaoEAQYASABEgIuVPD_BwE

m.asos.com/city-goddess-tall/city-goddess-tall-bardot-wrap-over-pencil-midi-dress/prd/9815938?clr=green&SearchQuery=wrap%20dress%20green&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=12&gridsize=2&pge=2&pgesize=72&totalstyles=106

I like this one, great colour and good shape, plus you could add a jacket if you wanted to. Pair it with some good nude heels and a chunky wooden bracelet maybe?

I also love this one, and the colour would definitely get you noticed, just make sure it suits your own coloring.
m.asos.com/oasis/oasis-wrap-front-midi-dress-with-tie-detail-in-red/prd/10330253?clr=red&SearchQuery=wrap%20dress%20red&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=12&gridsize=2&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=136

You could go bold and wear this (I love it!!):

www.finerylondon.com/uk/products/astrid-colour-block-dress?taxon_id=6

Or for much more conservative, this will cover any tumy issues but not look frumpy:
www.finerylondon.com/uk/products/sanford-midnight-wrap-dress?taxon_id=6

Oh so many suggestions! Kat I like the wrap dresses but just don't think they're very me. Thanks for linking!

fingers don't knitted skirts stretch? Looks lovely and I know what you mean about going understated. Such a hard balance to hit!

hundred I love both of those but the block one is definitely too bold for me and the kimono one is a bit too evening-y. Although I'm tempted to buy it for evenings as it's goregous! I'd forgotten about Finery, though, will have a nose through the site now, thanks!

www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/collection/dresses-%26-jumpsuits/lyocell-dress-with-belt-c1864007p8367017.html?colorId=605&categoryId=1864007
This is lovely dress from Massimo Dutti which has some lovely workwear

Errrrrr the phase eight one is mostly viscose and I have had no problems with it stretching. I know some on MN don't like manmade fibres, but I think you need them for something like this to avoid it getting baggy. I've had it about 6 months and have worn it at least once a week for the cooler months (I think it needs tights). It doesn't feel any looser now than when I bought it and washes well. I promise I don't work for phase eight!

Good luck finding something you like