Formal but modern dressing

[plum1304]

I have been invited to speak at a conference for fellow headteachers and am struggling with what to wear. I need to look formal but want to be modern at the same time. None of this is helped by being a busty size 18!!
Any ideas or inspiration would be greatly received - thank you

Check this Week of outfits. Is the one with red trousers or striped dress formal enough?

Ah thank you - love the red trouser outfit - not sure if I’d need a jacket or not…
Not so keen on the dress - I think I’d end up wearing it with a jacket and heels which is my usual go to and feels a touch dated.
thank you - off to google trousers !

I was at a HT conference last week and most went with heeled court shoes, shift dress and jacket. However I agree with your dated comment. Best dressed woman wore pencil midi skirt and a silky blouse, she looked great. When people removed their jacket they looked better.

@MyBloodyMaryneedsmoreTabasco that’s really interesting - i felt I wouldn’t look out of place in a dress + jacket combo but perhaps separates are the way forward

I think so - it was probably a 70/30 split between dress and jacket or something else and the ones who didn't definitely didn't look too informal (other than the one in a fleece with combat trousers!)

😂got to love a teacher fleece!!!

off to google trousers !

Are you sure that’s the best route to a stylish wardrobe??

Here’s a selection from MaxMara. They each come in a size 18

@CountryCousin
Meant slightly tongue in cheek as it’s clear separates are the way forward. Thanks for the maxmara link - not really my colour palette… thanks though