Outfit for conference

[Runforthehills754]

Hi all. I'm due to give a small talk at a conference. Its my first time doing this and I'm quite nervous. Could anyone recommend a stylish outfit to help give me some self confidence?

The conference is work related and I'm a size 18 apple shaped. I'd like to avoid looking frumpy if possible. I need to work on losing weight but there isn't time.

I’d wear slightly cropped, tailored trousers. Loose fitting shirt / cami and a longer line blazer. Brogues or similar.

What is your budget?

Everyone is different, but for my public speaking gigs (at least the high profile ones) I feel at my best and most powerful wearing a trouser suit in an unusual colour and some bright lipstick (good for photos). For this, Hugo Boss and The Fold are superb but a little spendy.

Do you know whether you will be standing at a lectern or sitting down on a stage? Or - god forbid - a bar stool? If so, then trousers are usually a safer bet. And if you don't know, then ask.

You want something comfortable to stand in, OK for sitting and taking questions on stage in case that's happening, and not too warm as it can get hot up there.

I might wear a long dress with flat boots, or cigarette pants, vest in same colour, and a contrasring oversized blazer (in a colour that really suits me), with loafers.

Would you have time to get your hair done beforehand.

What counts as stylish surely depends on your industry and the context of the conference. Middle Temple, Oxbridge college or cookery school? So - are you thinking of ideally wearing a chic but sober suit, or more relaxed separates or maybe a plain or printed dress?

Something like this MaxMara jacket (wool, about £370, available in an 18) might be a good investment - very versatile as it could be worn with matching trousers or something else entirely, depending on degree of formality.

Thank you all for your advice. Budget wise probably 500 for the whole thing.

I'm not sure if I'll be standing or sitting - good tip to ask.

The conference is a trade related thing so we will be discussing movement of goods. I really have no idea what to wear I'm quite useless.

I definitely won't be getting my hair done. Its pretty long so I'll probably wear it lose and straight. I'm also 38 if that helps.