What to wear that's 'comfortable but professional' for a presentation?

[777d]

I have a university presentation coming up, and we've been told to dress in a way that is comfortable for us, yet professional. I don't have any professional clothes, so I need to go shopping but I have no idea what to look for. The only shoes I own are trainers, Converse and UGG boots

I'm a size 18 and in my 20s.

When I've had to dress smart before, I've worn dark black skinny jeans with ballet pumps and a blouse - but I found ballet bumps made me feel really frumpy, and it's way too cold for those at the moment!

Knitted dress with tights and boots?
The M&S side stripe elastic waist trousers are pretty smart but comfy. Add a v neck long sleeved top and if you need to be more smart, a jacket. Otherwise a fine knit jumper or cardigan.

When I was at uni we were told jeans weren't acceptable for professional labs, not even black skinnies. It's worth investing in some formal clothes (e.g. black skinny trousers, a blouse and black ankle boots, or a dress, black tights and ankle boots) for things like this, or interviews etc. Wide leg trousers are nice but I had a long commute to uni and a lot of walking, so they wouldn't have been practical.

My 'uniform' when I was teaching was black linen mix trousers and a blouse (I actually had the same one in 5 different patterns).

When it is cold a pair of tights underneath was useful.

I’ve just spent three days at a conference for a magic circle law firm. Outfits varied but as a general comment:

• trainers and uggs were a no
• heeled boots worn a lot
• some ballet flats
• if you are standing to present heels will help you to stand on the balls of your feet (good) and not slouch (bad)
• black trousers are safe but other colours are ok
• a blazer (colour or tweed)
• white t
• patterned shirt
• midi dress with blazer

good luck!

Dark tailored trousers, nice blouse, boots. In this cold weather may need a layer which in uni could be a jumper/cardigan or. blazer.

What’s your budget OP? I think a dress would be worth your consideration l. Maybe something like this https://www.next.co.uk/g85218s3/d76195#d76195

if you are standing to present heels will help you to stand on the balls of your feet (good) and not slouch (bad)

I've done a lot of standing and presenting. I'd never wear heels. Really uncomfortable - flats all the way.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ST659578/T58435#T58430

These are just the sort of thing for a 'formal not too formal' affair.
I agree - definitely no to denim or even skinny anything. Fitted, yes. M& S have loads of things. Go for black / brown shoes or boots (depending on trousers).
Probably no to ballet flats in Dec in UK.

These trousers (above) are v comfy, look great with shirt, t shirt, blouse or my fave Uniqlo woolly cardigan in orange or green. Black looks great.

👍🤞

Smart trousers with a blouse and jacket and boots.

For the very few occasions when I need professional dress in the winter, I have a pair of light wool tailored trousers in charcoal I wear with a white blouse, soft coloured sweater and suede loafers.

In the summer, I'd wear cotton dress and low heeled sandals.

It's easier to keep it classic and comfy.

This. I'm a very good facilitator and object to advice that pretends posture is something significant. I assume men aren't advised to wear heels. FFS.

I wear whatever suits and I get excellent feedback every time.

Boots and dress is easy. Nice top, dark trousers and any smart shoes. Always dress a bit colder than typical because presenting makes you hotter than everyone else in the room.

Nice dress, tights, cardigan/jacket

John Lewis do a free 2 hour personal stylist appointment so you could use that to get ideas. There no obligation to buy so you could buy any suggestions elsewhere. Good luck!

Wide leg stretchy trousers (mine are M&S but Cider seem to have a good range according to tiktok) and just a plain, good quality t shirt with a chunky necklace - really makes a difference! Cardi or blazer over the top. Depends on what colour and how smart the trainers are, but with the right trousers you'd barely see them 🤷🏻‍♀️

As previously suggested, tights and boots are easy too

Start with your shoes, you'll need to buy some as you've said you haven't got anything suitable, so.......What style do you like and would wear again? Ballet flats, loafers, brogues, ankle boots, knee high boots, mid heel court, block heel etc etc? If you can make that decision then we can build an outfit around them.

I'd keep it simple, a knit dress with flat boots as someone mentioned, or a fine knit jumper and black trousers. Try and invest in something you will wear post graduation. And if you don't have a lot to spend, check vinted.

I often go wide leg blackberry trousers a smartish blouse or jumper and clean trainers. I make sure my make up and jewellery are on the smarter side too. Comfortable but smart. Depends on the blouse a bit but a shiner material...

I find this kind of thing tricky, I’m nearly 40 and I still hate dressing like a grown up! A dress with tights and flat boots might be your best bet. I wear black DMs for work and they seem to be okay for most things but I do have some smarter boots from Matalan if it’s something very formal. Tailored trousers are a pain, if you usually wear black skinny jeans and you really can’t get away with them, you could go for black Ponte leggings they do in Next with a blouse/shirt or a plain top/tshirt and blazer, again with flat boots or loafers. https://www.next.co.uk/style/ST377746/711545?dp=a&dndl=1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA67CrBhC1ARIsACKAa8SeQbE1BwJPjD7s7yK6KsMyIczSlp8tIqaV1DfZ1boCuThxxnN0ZjsaAlAREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#711545

Knitted dress and boots

I've got a knitted co-ord that looks like a dress but is a jumper and skirt, so I can wear them separately and adjust the fit to suit you?

As much as I like this look, and it would be fine to wear in my workplace, I would not wear it to an interview. When told to dress professionally (especially in an academic setting) I think it's best to err on the side of caution - black trousers or skirt in smart fabric, blouse or smart jumper and definitely no trainers (I know your pic was probably just to show the co-ord). Assuming OP isn't a fashion student, but I'm guessing she wouldn't have this problem if she was!

That's too casual for what OP needs

Wide legged trousers much more modern than skinnies, so will last you longer, which is good if you don’t wear them often. Then you can wear chunky loafers or boots or whatever. And then some sort of smartish top depending on your preference.

Absolutely not that leggings outfit.