Can a navy trouser suit be made to look vaguely cool or lost cause?

[OneDayIWillLearn]

I have to present at a work conference in November and need to be dressed smart/ professional, but I really I don’t want to look or feel dowdy and middle aged. I’m 41 and a size 14-16.

I almost never wear this kind of thing (my job is usually a mix of manual outdoor work which I dress accordingly for and smart casual for meetings). My go-to style is more Boden sweatshirts, bird print or bright check shirts, bright coloured or patterned trainers. I’ve got a navy Boden puffer with rainbow sleeves that I love and a corduroy pinafore dress. But obviously none of this kind of thing is appropriate!!

I did a personal shopping session at John Lewis last year and came out with a navy Whistles jacket and tapered Hobbs trousers which the stylist suggested I could wear as a trouser suit - and I really liked them at the time (I’ll paste links below). However I can’t work out how I can wear these so I feel like me and non-frumpy but also look professional enough!

Would a brightly coloured top/ big Prue Leith style necklace/ some kind of colourful shoe do the trick do you think? Or just look silly and inappropriate?

If the navy trouser suit is a lost cause then I’m open to any other suggestions of a look which is professional/ smart enough for a conference without being a complete frump-out for a curvy woman in her 40s??

https://www.whistles.com/product/180826.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22797692313&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22797692313&utm_content=188306982451&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22797692313&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8dtRJNtX3Bd71nfHwY0KHmdl2&clickref=1110luWCHym&app_clickref=1110luWCHym&utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=easyfundraising

www.hobbs.com/product/linda-tapered-trousers/0224-8618-9845L00-DEEP-PINE-GREEN.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22300217733&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22300217733&utm_content=171138532490&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22300217733&gbraid=0AAAAADC5o-LsMUVlVhTWQYDLLClnUXEcW&gclid=CjwKCAjwi4PHBhA-EiwAnjTHuZJtc339G0G4eD8YrFfCJVhmOLkqMiKF2S620iG1CILE3FeUlsS9ghoC7asQAvD_BwE

I attend and present at lots of senior level conferences and my go to is a navy suit. I pair it with a plain shell or well constructed t-shirt in neutral or a color that looks good against my face. If it’s more casual I will wear white leather trainers, if not then pointy toe leather flats. Keep jewelry minimal (it’s distracting and noisy on stage) and match details like your jewelry to your belt buckle (always include a belt if you have belt loops). Put more effort in making your hair and makeup (if you wear it) look professional, clean and polished because if you are being projected on a screen they will zoom in on your face. Don’t use this as an opportunity to try something new - Pru looks amazing because that’s her personal style and personality. You’ll look and feel uncomfortable if you’re borrowing a style that isn’t authentic to you. All the best on your presentation!

Type in navy into Pinterest suit women for tonnes of ideas on how to look stylish with what you've got. In my industry, (cool) trainers would be fine, but you know what your industry standard is. Personally I'd keep the jacket (now you've confirmed it's not pale blue) and trousers, and pair with a heavy weight cotton T (cos) either white or navy and white striped. Or a good silky shirt, probably with a pussy bow if you don't mind spending more money. If trainers don't work, then loafers. I think a black top would also look v chic.

Avoid bright colours or patterns unless that's very much your personality and everything else ties in to that 'look' (your make-up, hair style, even glasses and jewellery).

Thanks for all the feedback and ideas people, this has been really useful and given me lots of ideas to play around with.

Also I had no idea Kate Middleton was a navy trouser suit person, but that was good for inspiration!

I’ve given up on the idea of the Prue Leith necklace too, don’t worry (but thanks as I was literally on the verge of buying one before posting 😂).

Lots of lovely suggestions for lots of different people.
I think what stands out to me - wear something that is your own style - whether that is plain or colourful (latter sounds more likely!? ). Then own it - you're at the conference because you are amazing at what you do and you're at the forefront keeping up with knowledge and chatting to friends about something you are one of the best at! I know that if I wore a silk shirt I might look great but I'd be worrying about spilling something on it all the time. If I was wearing a fine knit (Boden do nice colourful ones - or their knitted blazers - theres one at the moment which is multicoloured and sounds right up your st!) or a colourful shirt I'd be ok. Same with shoes. I couldn't wear a slingback or pointy shoe without thinking id fall over but I wear docs with suits all the time.
The point is - own what you are with confidence. What I wear would be thought of as unprofessional by some people on here. I don't care - I am quite literally one of the only people who can do my job and I am one of the best at it. Who cares if they don't like my style? They arnt wearing it!!