Please help me look professional and stylish

[iloveeverykindofcat]

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

I'm an academic who usually lives in jeans and t-shirts but have to speak at several 'networking' (aargh) events with 'external stakeholders' (business people) shortly. Dress code is 'business casual'. I'm 5 foot 4, slight size 6-8, with a very short torso and relatively long legs. Olive complexion. I prefer to blend in with neutral colours, nothing too eye-catching. I tried a blazer and skirt but I felt like I was wearing school uniform. What sort of styles should I be looking at and where do I shop? I have smart shoes, they're black and flat (can't walk in heels) with straps.

To be honest, I'd just get some 7/8 length navy trousers, a few tops you like and a couple of jackets. Then you can mix & match the jackets and tops and have half a dozen different outfits. If you're going to be standing to present, make sure your shoes are comfy.

I agree with the 7/8 trousers. Sometimes (often) small details can lift an outfit. Nice jewellery (doesn't have to be expensive) can help you feel polished/put together too. I get mine from Oliver Bonas.

You've had some great suggestions- at your size I'd stay away from the oversized blazer look, it can look like you've picked the wrong jacket up from a cloakroom!

One thing I will say is if you are likely to be miked up, something with a firm waistband on your bottom half and a lapel or other suitable neckline on your top half will avoid having to get too intimate with the sound engineer (speaks from experience of wearing a v smart wrap dress and having to have the sound pack thing attached to my bra!)

I’d avoid black and white but black and cream is a very Chanel palette and would work with your strappy shoes. Great inspiration websites on here thank you

Something like this (with a simple top and trousers rather than jeans) would be a more modern look, @iloveeverykindofcat - while still being grown up and serious. Authoritative doesn’t have to mean dull and old fashioned.

Zara jacket.

Even better in navy. It’s the specific proportions and styling that make this look contemporary, even though deliberately retro, I think.

I do like that jacket. Dressy and casual. 👍

If the idea of a suit appeals, how about something like this as a more modern alternative to the black one? The pink would suit your colouring https://www.marksandspencer.com/satin-look-relaxed-blazer/p/clp60593167?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Here’s the knock-off Chanel jacket at M&S, although out of stock online in the smaller sizes
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-tweed-collarless-short-jacket/p/clp60595589?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

The YouTuber

'Treating the streets like a runway' has loads of ideas for workwear.

I wear tailored coloured cropped trousers with a white short sleeved loose shirt tucked in or black skinny trousers with a body and a bright/patterned jacket or blazer or pleated skirt with a body. I have chunky loafer style shoes and I love a statement earring!

I like this a lot, shirt included: https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/linen-blend-stretch-suit-blazer-l06031573

Or how about this? https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/cropped-textured-jacket-l06053576#colorId=800

If you're comfortable in jeans and tshirts and found a skirt and blazer too much like school uniform I'd avoid a blazer/jacket all together (I find suit jackets/blazers don't look right on me and I look like I'm playing dress up). A nice shirt/blouse will look just as smart.

If you're presenting you need to be comfortable and confident in what you where. Something too different will make you self-conscious.

I work in academia and am similar height and build to you - at the last conference I went to just about every woman was in a floral dress with maybe a blazer over if they were speaking. I'm a bit over the look tbh. I go for Me and Em tailored separates (the slim crop trousers are great for petites) with maybe a pretty silk blouse. (lots on ebay - sizing generous). I also get things from Sezane, Baujken and occasionally Reiss (quality not as good as it used to be). I like a jumpsuit too - fairly simple boiler suit style ones in particular. I personally do really like a wide leg trouser and think it can work well with a fitted top or simple tee and crop chanel style jacket. I like some of the clothes suggested above but the oversized tailored look just doesn't work on our frames. For more budget M&S is doing a lot of good higher end copycat stuff at the mo.

NEXT have a look on their website or in store, they do great work dresses, blazers and trouser suits.

Dresses are easier, less to faff around with I find. Simple shift style dress with a jacket suits your height and figure

But it’s not the OP’s preferred style, @Doone21 - and could look hilariously stuffy in some academic environments.

Hobbs has some nice seperates.
you could try a hybrid top/ jacket- like this for example

https://www.hobbs.com/product/ainsley-cotton-blend-knit-jacket/0223-9368-9083L00-BLACK.html#cgid=clothing-coats-and-jackets&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0223-9368-9083L00-BLACK&pos=9

That would look swamp op.
@iloveeverykindofcat I'm very slightly taller than you and often attend similar events. My uniform is a neat dress. Gives you presence but no untucking, slipping to take up head space.

I rarely wear a jacket at work. If you want to exude belonging and ease no outer layers, bags etc. is what you need.

I think this is extremely stylish and appropriate for your work requirements.
Great elevated basic outfit that can be kept minimalist with the option of adding interesting accessories if appropriate. Jacket could look great with jeans ..

It really isn’t! Standard restaurant front of house staff uniform. Unfashionable shape of jacket and trousers. Dull black in the middle of summer?

I realise not everyone cares about evolving style - and while it probably wouldn’t by itself stop me wanting to work with / collaborate with an academic colleague - I definitely would silently think Hasn’t bought any clothes since 1990 … Which might make me apprehensive about the person’s attitudes in other areas of life. Possibly this won’t matter in, I dunno, Mathematics, or Geography - but I’m in the creative / academic world and use networking events to find people I can (apologies!) vibe with. Dingy black suit wouldn’t cut it for me.

@MayIDestroyYou your comments made me laugh - I reckon I can guess the faculty and often department from the clothing people wear (men included incidentally). I agree a fitted black suit too formal in academia (a shame because I suit that look and did wear it in the 90s!) - even our Snr management team go for relaxed separates - maybe a dress or trousers with co-ordinating blazer but in softer colours. It's so varied though. I find dresses tricky - too formal or too summery at this time of year. I have a colleague who always looks fabulous in some variant of a wide leg trouser and cool blouse. Creative but smart too.

I really don't think those vast oversize jackets will do you any favours, OP. They are a high-fashion trend that doesn't look professional. I have a friend who is around the same size and height as you and she looks her best in fitted shorter-line jackets.

Not suggesting this jacket or this particular look, but as you are so slender and long-legged I'd suggest a fabulous pair of straight or wide-legged trousers and a shorter jacket, which you could team with a plain top such as a a good t-shirt, a shell-type top or a jumper for winter.

https://www.meandem.com/italian-short-velvet-boyfriend-blazer-green

That’s told me 😂