Cocktail dress? Help!

[Helpneedadress]

I have been asked to speak a business conference in 2 weeks’ time. This is not my usual world and I have rarely been in a situation of needing smart clothes before. I have something to wear for the actual talk but to my horror the dress code for the evening dinner is ‘cocktail dress’.
I have a week to find something and no time to go to shops. My big issue is my shape. I have a slim back and enormous breasts (30HH- think two football sized). I have slim hips so am a size 10 for trousers but only if they button up under my belly which is getting bigger as menopause progresses.
Dresses are usually impossible- I am happy with a jumpsuit or top and trousers- best option is something size 12 with buttons down the front that I can open over a camisole- size 14 and I am swamped on the bottom half.

The other women at this conference will be looking corporate and smart and that is the look I want. I am terrible with clothes and have no idea. I will spend about £300 if needed but really need some help. Thank you so so much!

Do you have time to use a personal shopper?

No suggestions sorry but am a similar shape so feel your pain! Following for inspiration!!

Unfortunately not- they have been brilliant in the past for this kind of thing.

I wish I could help OP but I’m a bit crap at this. Do you know any of the women going? What will they wear

Sezane jumpsuit

Cos suit

I'd look for a jumpsuit or suit in velvet or satin/silk, a dressier fabric like that. Or satin blouse and trousers in the same colour could work.

Thank you- I hadn’t seen those in my trawl of online jumpsuits. Not sure if black velvet might be too formal for a conference dinner? Although not sure- it isn’t really my world! The type of conferences I usually go to are much less formal.

What are you wearing for the talk?

If it’s in the UK I guarantee most people will not be changing between day and evening. Why waste time going back to your room to faff around when you could be networking and schmoozing new contacts?

The evening dress code surely just discourages mildly drunk attendees from rolling up in sweaty t shirts and shorts if they haven’t dressed smartly for the day. Cocktails are usually a post-work event - smart work attire should be fine.

Separates are fine. Go for slim black cropped trousers with flat shoes - ballet pumps or a slipper style loafer, and a dressy top that suits you.

I like this

i have a similar boobage issue; one thing I find great, and there are a few about at the moment, are dresses with a zip at the neckline. You can create as much of a v neck as is most flattering. The one I have isn't on sale any more but these are the sort of thing.

https://uk.saintandsofia.com/products/esme-zip-up-mini-dress-navy?variant=51626262790527&country=GB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17336351208&gbraid=0AAAAACmVln2CUjbqAEyV4Y7DEdvnVDFvt&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6oLqxtyVjQMVAJtQBh34nwUGEAQYDCABEgL3K_D_BwE

mintvelvet.com/products/navy-zip-front-jersey-dress?channable=0504cf696400353630373630343633363839323772&variant=56076046368927&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22340061527&utm_content=175797509945&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22340061527&gbraid=0AAAAAD2_tb4EqPd_wo1f2qzBCN3Ie5cPs&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6oLqxtyVjQMVAJtQBh34nwUGEAQYCCABEgIAEPD_BwE

https://www.meandem.com/textured-jersey-short-dress-intense-orange?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20183612314&gbraid=0AAAAADtaHALvgH-vN3fdoR8xc5WSILcFt&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6oLqxtyVjQMVAJtQBh34nwUGEAQYESABEgJ1wPD_BwE

I had this dilemma only last week! I realised nobody really notices what you are wearing..dont stress about it or spend ££