Conference outfits (only female attending)

[Kellioo]

I don't know what to wear. All men who will be a mix of shirts and ties or shirts and chinos.

I'm a lower level than everyone else. I'm flattered to be invited but wondering why and have massive imposter syndrome anyway.

I want to look professional, confident and like I belong.

5ft 10in size 10 but some excess lbs so not feeling great.

Budget needs to be less than £100.

smart cross body is the solution

I don’t like wearing cross body bags to work as I am always conscious of them emphasising BOOBS

anyway the OP can decide 😁

Wide leg trousers - I have a nice pair from Stradivarius that were inexpensive but they are in all the shops atm! M&S, Next etc. Slimmer trousers would be good too if that’s what you feel more comfortable in.

Then a jacket or thick cardigan like these, you will def be able to find something similar on Vinted or eBay to save some pennies (if you have time!) - https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/sweaters-and-cardigans-cardigans/striped-cardigan-with-jewel-buttons67064024.html
https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/jackets-and-suit-jackets-jackets/tweed-jacket-with-metal-buttons67093269.html

You can just wear a t shirt or vest top underneath but make sure it’s one you feel comfortable in if you get too hot!

Then I would just wear Vejas but ballet flats are also v trendy just now so would be a good option.

I would wear black trousers, a cream coloured top, a nice necklace, black boots and a forest green blazer (these are all items I own, perhaps you have trousers and a top in your wardrobe already and could spend your budget on a nice blazer in a colour that suits you)?

Please don't wear this!

good luck at conference!

I only like wide leg trousers with trainers personally and I don’t think trainers /chunky boots would work here; so going to suggest (not v cool but timeless I think!) these slim pants on sale at cos. I have a pair and they fit really well and are v comfy. Would be lovely with a top or shirt you already have and ballet flats

https://www.cos.com/en_eur/women/womenswear/trousers/product.slim-fit-tailored-trousers-black.1210459001.html

Excellent advice. I would just add that i think the right relaxed blazer, esp if it doesn't crease, is never wrong to have with you.
The flat shoes thing is super important. Definitely no dress.

How big is the conference? I assume it can't be big if you know for a fact that you'll be the only woman there (or did you mean that you're the only woman from your office going)?

If it's a small event (less than 200 people) then smart trousers, flat shoes, work appropriate top would be fine. Also there won't be so much walking if it is small so the flat shoe thing is up to you.

Oooh thanks for all the replies, it's lovely to come back to.

Sorry I was scant on the initial info and then went to sleep! It's haulage, so v male dominated. It's an internal work conference. I have lots of good basic items, so the £100 would be a new top/shirt or whatever is suggested to complete an outfit.

Just need advice on the look to go for, I just want to look right and always feel a bit wrong.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

I did a quick Pinterest search and I think these kind of looks work - comfortable, easy to put together using basic stuff that you would wear again, not too formal but equally, not jeans.

2012 called....

women dont wear things like this to work anymore

My conference uniform is:

Wide leg tailored trousers
Pointed flats (that's what suits me but any comfortable stylish flats/loafers would work)
A jumper/top/blouse depending on season
Jacket/coat

Like others have said, a pair of wide leg trousers and a fine knit are my go-to pieces for work. M&S do some great trousers in a variety of lengths. I bought a pair for about £35 and have worn them all winter. GAP or M&S or Uniqlo for merino sweaters are excellent too. I wear either loafers or trainers or boots on my feet.

The benefit of being the only woman I'm attendance is you cannot be under or over dressed when compared to your female colleagues. So as long as you are neatly dressed and comfortable to sit in all day, job done.

I work in a building with 6 floors of law companies (we're the only non-legal company in the building) and I haven't seen a single female dressed like this! I've actually surprised at how casual they are for law firms.

I wear vertiginous heels to conferences because they make me feel confident, and they make my trousers look and fit much better.

But I live in Edinburgh, where magazines advise that visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes because of the cobbles and hills 🤣

Pinterest outfits are all very well, incredibly slim, young, great looking women in baggy shapeless clothes. If I dressed like that at 52 with short hair I'd look like I'd given up on life and cared not a jot for my appearance.

My go to is a black pair of trousers and a smart blouse/shirt. I've got a conference in a few weeks and that's what I'll be wearing.

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/black-blurred-floral-collared-shirt/p/873177909

This is the type I blouse I generally go for, teamed with black trousers. The blouse not tucked in for me.

@NotFastButFurious fair enough!! Clearly varies far beyond just industry to type of work and region too have fun op I love a good conference

Mine too. All blouses are made of artificial fibres now so you can get away with murder, cost wise. My absolute best blouse is from Dorothy Perkins, it makes me feel great and I got it in a charity shop. I'm brave and wear it tucked in.

Those look like Saturday morning shopping outfits to me @SecondUsername4me - or lunch with in-laws for the cardigan photo. Definitely not what I’d wear if I were speaking at, or even just attending a conference. I’d want to look as if I’d dressed with intention.

I guess it really does depend on the industry and culture.

@Kellioo what do you already have that you feel great in?

I'd go for a midi dress with jacket over, or trousers and top in a toning colour with a jacket in a contrast colour.

I agree about flats, and being prepared for the conference room being very cold or very warm.

Agree you don't want a big bag. You should be able to check in a bigger bag if you need it and just carry a small camera case -sized bag

Oxfam online have some lovely formal suits. If you can find something that's the right size you can get a really good quality suit and matching shoes for that price. eBay is good too

Agree, it does differ according to industry culture.

Glad I don't work anywhere I'd be expected to wear heels and skirts

And yes, those outfits do work for weekend lunches and shopping but thay doesn't mean they don't also work for sitting at a conference table for a full day talking about the bottom line or the new 2024/25 strategy.

I like the skirt you suggested. It does look awful with the top they have put with it, but with a tucked in shirt and jacket, or a fine knit fitted jumper (I'd go for a bright colour) it will look 1000 times better.