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I'm going to be a speaker/panelist outfit help

76 replies

Lndnmummy · 14/08/2023 21:05

Calling all you lovely lot. I'm going to be speaker/finalist later in the autumn. Financial services, high profile. I feel rubbish about myself. I am short and v overweight (working on this but it is more of a long term thing). I don't want to wear a suit because it does not suit (sorry for pun) me at the moment. I am short, apple shape and have a large chest. I would preferably prefer a colour to black so am thinking green or blue. High heels a given due to my height. Budget wise I'm looking at £300 max.

I am thinking a dress. My usual go to is COS or Massimo Dutti but I just don't know with this one. Help!

OP posts:
ToEllewithIt · 15/08/2023 12:13

Personally I'd go for something like this top from The Fold in navy or fushia. They are my go to for corporate events, with enough detail to be interesting while simultaneously being safe. https://thefoldlondon.com/product/clever-crepe-belleville-long-sleeve-top-fuchsia-pink/ The fabrics are good and they are always constructed to avoid gaping necklines

Cream silk won't show sweat and would work well too. https://www.hugoboss.com/uk/regular-fit-blouse-in-pure-silk-with-pleat-front-/hbeu50494739_118.html?cgid=11100

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/bowery-blouse-ivory-stretch-silk/?glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwxOymBhAFEiwAnodBLJNfWuF4WCwbb53At0YGZH1XJoGec3VDvL7Wsq_MhPTdp0fgQvBQWBoCqn8QAvD_BwE

Clever Crepe Belleville Long Sleeve Top Fuchsia Pink

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/clever-crepe-belleville-long-sleeve-top-fuchsia-pink

ToEllewithIt · 15/08/2023 12:14

Pic

I'm going to be a speaker/panelist outfit help
Lndnmummy · 15/08/2023 16:50

I can't thank you all enough for all your support and suggestions. Truly grateful. Some brand I'd never heard of as well. Thank you all so much.

OP posts:
Lndnmummy · 15/08/2023 19:52

I am blown away by all your great suggestions thank you all so much. I have ordered quite a few of the suggestions (thank you Klarna!) and will have a look at them. Some fantastic options, I loved the fold and have ordered two items from them to try.

To those of you who say you are of similar body shape what type of jackets would you recommend? Any tecommendations for elegant jackets that hang/drape well. Until I lose more weight traditional suit jackets truly make me look like a stuffed sausage.

Thank you also for the advice on jewellery. I sometimes wear larger earrings as abit of a statement if I am in very muted colours. I will use my sapphire and diamond studs instead (an inheritance) that should work with the colours. I might wear a thin gold chain (another inheritance) and along with wedding rings that will be it.

Thank you again! It just dawned on me that we might be on the same panel/at same event!

OP posts:
Tinymrscollings · 15/08/2023 20:33

I’m an event organiser, OP. We’d very rarely put a panel on bar stools for all of the clambering/uncomfortable/toppling off reasons you mention. They are for solo speakers or MCs who are roaming the stage and need a perch, not panels. We want panelists to be comfy. I’d be surprised to hear it wasn’t either lounge chairs or a formal panel table. Either way, if you don’t want a bar stool just tell them. You hold all the cards, speakers are always the boss 😁 I’d suggest you avoid anything shiny like satin, it’s incredibly unforgiving under the lights, and wear a bra that matches your top/dress, even if you think it’s not showing. Sometimes it shows. Entirely personal preference but my favourite panellist/speaker outfits are always long wide trousers and a simple top. Nothing that you need to fuss with, cool under the lights and no danger of accidental underwear flashes. Good luck!

Tinymrscollings · 15/08/2023 20:38

Oh and leave your handbag in the green room! We try and check people but the odd one always slips through you’ll look like you’re waiting for a bus if you’re clutching or stashing it

whatwasIgoingtosay · 15/08/2023 21:59

Write to the organisers now and say that you absolutely cannot manage bar stools because of your arthritis/old knee injury or whatever. And ask what the set-up is likely to be. As a panellist you're likely to be sitting and I think trousers are always better for that, with a nice block colour blouse.

Katrinawaves · 15/08/2023 22:12

I’m a bit confused by the reference to make up artists, hair stylists and green rooms in this context. My understanding is that @Lndnmummy is a financial services professional speaking at an industry event.

When I’ve done these things previously, even the high profile ones which cost ££££ to attend, there have been none of those things. A nice conference venue, professional sound and lighting sure, sometimes recorded and sold as a webinar later, but everyone does their own make up and sits in the audience watching the other presentations until they are called to the stage for their contribution.

Unless you know otherwise @Lndnmummy please don’t assume that there will be any professional help with your appearance or a green room or any other facilities available on the day.

Mountainormolehills · 15/08/2023 23:01

I would say it depends, I have only had my makeup done once (touched up really) for live TV, certainly not for anything else. But I have had a green room a couple of times for speaking. I work on the side as a professional speaker and the venues and setups are all different. I certainly wouldn’t make a fuss about a bar stool even though I’m not keen on them. I prefer standing but usually I’m by myself rather than on a panel.
Headsets are unusual, it’s usually hand held or a lapel mike.
I must admit that I stress more about my outfit than anything else when it comes to in person presentations, I do a lot of corporate stuff on Teams and Zoom etc now so in person gigs are much less often.
Good luck @Lndnmummy and let us know how you get on!

Rainallnight · 15/08/2023 23:09

I know a personal shopper/stylist who offers a dressing for public speaking service. https://instagram.com/kaykorsh?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Instagram

https://instagram.com/kaykorsh?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Dighi · 19/08/2023 09:10

Hi Op, I can confirm the fold is awesome quality. However, my tip (I sometimes have to speak) is to start with you. Last time you went out somewhere smart, but felt good/yourself, what did you wear? Can you wear this again? Or what did you last wear to something like an art gallery, if attended nothing that smart/corporate recently? It may actually be something as “simple” as spending your £ on smart new shoes or accessorising your existing outfit more appropriately.

Otherwise, I am also short and for gravitas, I too find that trousers work best. I put these with a long top (same colour). For you, perhaps a V neck or wrap top. Ideally a jacket as a pp said. Get your nails done, have a haircut, smile. I go for dark colours since these suit me, and I prefer my body not to be a focus. Other people get energy from bright colours. I’ve realised I’m not those people. If you want a bit of colour then a small silk scarf tied around your neck, or a necklace in the metal that suits you (silver im guessing).

Incidentally, to your first linked choices choices, I love the green dress, but it may be too long on you, and emphasise your chest? The black and white skirt, nice - but I once bought similar: disaster unless you are whippet thin in my view. And the final patterned choice, I tried similar recently from that company, the dress seemed designed for someone considerably taller, material was too thin, and just didn’t work. But of the three, the simple green is the best. You have great style op.

Oh and about weight, we all judge ourselves so harshly yet (i at least) have never judged another woman for being overweight. Also, if you have a really nice ring, or nails, or shoes, people will remember you for that (in terms of style!). Very rarely do I remember another woman’s outfit unless there’s something extraordinary about it, so if you aren’t feeling great and want to blend, keep it very neutral and simple - and maybe even based on something you already own but improved by new shoes etc as above. Do a whole closet audit if you can face it! I’m planning to do one this weekend, since I’m fed up of mindless buying!

BurntoutGP · 19/08/2023 11:01

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this- but I would really really recommend the free John Lewis Personal Shopper service if you have a John Lewis near you. After 20 years of wearing scruffy functional work clothes I have developed a side hustle which means doing frequent presentations/panels. It was terrifying as I literally had nothing at all to wear. The personal shopper was incredible. She has completely changed the way I dress and showed me what styles suited my figure as well as finding some amazing outfits which I feel confident in every time. There is no obligation to buy anything.

mumda · 19/08/2023 11:51

https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh/videos

I've watched some of this guy's stuff on presenting. I think it's really interesting.

Before you continue to YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh/videos

Sadilicious · 19/08/2023 12:29

BurntoutGP · 19/08/2023 11:01

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this- but I would really really recommend the free John Lewis Personal Shopper service if you have a John Lewis near you. After 20 years of wearing scruffy functional work clothes I have developed a side hustle which means doing frequent presentations/panels. It was terrifying as I literally had nothing at all to wear. The personal shopper was incredible. She has completely changed the way I dress and showed me what styles suited my figure as well as finding some amazing outfits which I feel confident in every time. There is no obligation to buy anything.

I would recommend doing this too, you'll have all of their experience of dressing different body shapes and the cuts and fits of different labels to draw from. Will be fun.

MotherofGorgons · 19/08/2023 13:50

MarciaSaysANumber · 15/08/2023 09:15

I generally dislike Reiss but your first link, the green dress, looks fine, provided the fabric isn’t too thin and the high neck actually works for you.

Alternatively you’ve mentioned wearing your own navy trousers with a top? If you’re not wearing a jacket then your top should (IMO) carry that sort of authority. So I’d probably choose something like these, both in good heavy silk that will fall elegantly and light up your face, with top buttons undone on the first, complemented with an old school string of pearls.

https://www.buddshirts.co.uk/george-plain-silk-neck-band-dress-shirt-in-navy.html

https://www.buddshirts.co.uk/buddette-silk-button-cuff-shirt-in-indian-ink.html

Preferably tucked in, with a leather belt for your trousers. (Should be ok even on an apple shape if the trousers fit well.)

These are gorgeous but so expensive! Maybe worth it as an investment piece. I hadn't heard of this brand.

Lndnmummy · 19/08/2023 16:17

Thank you so much all of you. Your suggestions are really soothing and so helpful! @Dighi I think you sre on to something in terms of tonal. I have decided on my navy wife trousers. They are very plain but I always feel confident in them. Elongating, drapey, never crease etc. I trust them the way I trust a good foundation I know will never let me down. I will focus on finding a navy longline/v neck shirt/blazer too that looks nice and 'lifts' the outfit. Navy is boring but it suits my eyes and makes me feel
comfortable. I have nice heels I could walk all day in ad they are so comfortable so that is sorted. I always do my nails (short and red or short neutral) so that is sorted. I did think about wearing chunky gold earrings as a statement but someone upthread suggested studs so I will use my sapphire and diamond ones I have inherited and maybe a chunky gold necklace if it goes with the neckline. I am due a haircut anyway so will book that for the night before. Blowdry will last overnight.

It is a long day, it will be hot with lighting etc so will go with non crease, floaty and non fussy. I THINK.

I am happy to invest in the right top. It will be a neutral colour that will get plenty of use.

If any of you attend the event it will be so obvious who is me. Do come and say hello!

And any further tips please keep them coming. I will be saving this thread for all its brilliant advice. Mumsnet at its finest. 🫶🏻

OP posts:
Dighi · 19/08/2023 16:32

Great op. Incidentally from where are your navy trousers? I’ve been on the hunt for some that don’t crease and work for a shorter person, thanks! Ps I really think our own style comes through even if very simple outfits. But maybe that’s because that IS our style! I liked all the things you linked to 😊

SoShallINever · 19/08/2023 18:05

WehIstMir · 15/08/2023 12:10

The Fold specialises in beautifully made wrap tops for professional women. It should be quite easy to fix a lapel microphone. This top would go well with navy trousers and is currently on sale:

Oooh I think you've nailed it.

WhereAreWeNow · 19/08/2023 18:20

Sounds like you're making progress with the outfit OP. The only thing I would add is that when I'm speaking in public I get really sweaty from the anxiety and I also sometimes get a flushed chest. Hopefully that won't be a problem for you but I'm just mentioning it because I always factor that into my outfit choice. So something with a high neck and something that won't show sweat patches (eg. A patterned top in a cool fabric). Good luck!

DahliaRose3 · 20/08/2023 00:49

I am a similar shape and height to you. Post pregnancy means even bigger breasts (the despair 😩), and going up 2 sizes! I think a co-or could be lovely.

High waisted trousers are flattering (even when I was thin this was my preference) and a shirt or nice v neck blouse/top won’t draw too much attention to your breasts. The high neck will only accentuate your large chest.

I find an oversized jacket looks good too with a tighter top (I have broad shoulders), and helps conceal a bit if you’re feeling self conscious. A good wrap dress is lovely too, (but I would be worried about a wardrobe malfunction), or similarly a button down style.

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 20/08/2023 13:22

I love that Fold top but.... plain, bright colours show sweat. Having lived in hot countries, I have learnt the way that white/cream/navy/black are the safe choices if you want a plain colour in a sweaty situation!

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 20/08/2023 13:26

PS agree about bar stools. Don't be apologetic - be firm: you are not able to sit on one. They are awful for men with bad backs or hips too btw, because of how you have to position your legs to balance on them (not that we should need a male-centric reason to say no to them).

Havingtofight · 20/08/2023 15:54

I love every season for about a month then impatiently want the next to hurry up.
I guess that's what's so great about us humans we all like different things.

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