Help me find a smart work dress & shoes

[roamingcat]

Hi all,

My office dress code is pretty casual (think jeans & a blouse or a dress with trainers), however, in November I'm going overseas for a work conference so need to buy a couple of smarter outfits! I'm 5ft 10 and pear shaped so usually stick to dresses and I have true autumn colouring so try and stick to those colours. There are soooo many places to look that I'm feeling overwhelmed, can anyone recommend any nice dresses (and I probably need a blazer too) that would work?

I'm also a bit stuck on shoes, I don't own any formal shoes as trainers are usually fine! I'm a fan of comfort over style so probably not keen on buying any ballet flats (unless some more supportive pairs exist), but looking for a pair of shoes that will go with lots of different options?

Thank you!!

A pair of chunky loafers or normal ones?
What’s the weather like where you are going? Boots maybe?

Budget?

Easy peasy answer is I could point you to Max Mara which would solve the clothes problem in 5 minutes. But it's not helpful if it's out of price range.

I wouldn't bother with a blazer. Jackets don't look great over dresses.

Or Hobbs. A bit dreary but safe.

@Username620 it’s in Europe and average temperature looks to be about 15 degrees. So perhaps boots are a good option.

@NatashaDancing Sorry forgot to mention this - ideally looking to spend around £200 on outfits for a couple of days and £100 for shoes? In terms of clothes for the right age bracket I’m 29. Will take a look at your suggestions!

Max Mara is out of budget. Hobbs is in. You could try Cos as well. If your budget is £200 per outfit I'd definitely ditch the jacket.

Community Clothing shirt dresses might be worth looking at too.

I live and work in Europe. At your age for conferences over here would be chunky boots or loafers, smart trousers with a funky blouse or a plain pullover (Uniqlo or Zara knitted) and dresses. I have seen people wearing more high end trainers too.
Most of the younger ones are wearing blazers but not as a suit with the trousers.

@Username620 thank you!! If anyone can recommend any smart work trousers which are actually comfortable I wonder if this could work as I have a few knitted merino wool jumpers already.

Not seeing many skirts but that would work to with a merino knit. Also depends on what sector you are in - I’m in finance and it’s definitely not as stuffy as it was 30 years ago.
The best thing to be wearing at a conference is a nice big smile.