Outfit advice for presenting at a conference

[PorkPieandPickle]

I’m looking for advice on an outfit for presenting at a large professional conference at the beginning of April. I usually work from home and if I go to my office it’s very casual. It’s about 15 years since I’ve worked in a ‘smart’ office!

I’m not massively keen on suits, I find separate top/bottom quite uncomfortable, and something I have to keep rearranging, and I want to feel comfortable on stage as well as confident. I’d prefer a longer dress with a jacket or a smart jumpsuit and jacket. Nothing too clingy though as I’m conscious of my belly: I’m a size 18.

I really want to impress and look ‘effortlessly, stylishly, smart’ if that is a style! Budget £100 ish but can go up to £150 for the right outfit! Ideally, I’d like it to work with brown or black boots so I don’t have to buy shoes too. I

I’m absolutely useless at choosing clothes like this so I would really appreciate some help!

I have this dress (I sized up). The background colour is dark navy if that makes a difference. It hangs really nicely.

www.weirdfish.co.uk/p/women/i/felicity-organic-cotton-printed-jersey-midi-dress-green-203643

There have been some excellent threads on this topic in the past 12-18 months if you do a search.

Some of the best advice is to really explore how you are presenting - seated, standing, part of a panel, in front of a massive screen, holding or wearing a mic, etc. - and then go from there.

Very different outfit requirements if you are seated on a low chair, or balancing on those terrible cocktail stools, or solo on stage and walking around!

I was coming along to say exactly the same as @PerformativeBewilderment as the best thing to wear really depends on the set up and whether you need to accommodate things like a lapel microphone. I generally prefer wearing trousers with pockets whenever I’m speaking in public as it’s safe for all eventualities.

If you don’t mind polyester, I thought this might be flattering:
https://www.very.co.uk/the-very-collection-curve-stretch-gingham-wrap-dress-multi/1601193978.prd

It’s both in terms of standing/seating! I will be standing for my 40 minute presentation, (and I tend to wander about the stage somewhat!) but seated for the 30 minute Q&A group panel. I’m unsure if it’s stools but seated on a stage would rule out anything short (plus I’m 50!) It’s not a lapel mike so I don’t need to worry about that thankfully.

I do like both of the dresses that have been posted, but unsure what type of jacket I would pair them with.

thank you for the prior post tip, I’ll have a look - I have never visited style and beauty board before!

If you don’t mind polyester, I thought this might be flattering:

Neckline too plunging for a professional occasion, I'd have thought.

40 minutes and it’s not a lapel/radio mic? Are you sure? Reason I ask is the radio pac needs something to clip onto so dresses and jumpsuits are tricky - you normally need a waistband.

Boden have 20% off right now. Worth looking for shirt dresses?

Agree - that dress is far too low cut.

OP I don’t think you need a jacket if you have a well cut dress. Personally I don’t think the two posted will cut it. I’d go for a dress with a collar, but it does depend on the industry as to how formal you need to be.

I disagree. It’s a lovely dress. She’s not a nun and it’s not overly revealing!

I will double check with them, but I did ask, and they said microphone on the lecturn… although that means I should not walk about I guess 😆

what does anyone think to this?

www.phase-eight.com/product/emily-burgundy-jumpsuit-10012680258.html

Jacket will make you too hot. Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in that you feel is also smart. I can guarantee (having attended lots of these) literally no one cares what you’re wearing. They’re there to hear what you have to say. Dress authentically and comfortably. Good luck.

In that outfit, I would worry about the practicalities of the last-minute emergency loo visit I always need before presenting.

Karen millen is usually my go to for smart workwear.

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-colour-block-fluid-tencel-woven-maxi-shirt-dress_bkk27939?colour=mono

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-structured-crepe-belted-forever-midi-dress_bkk26160?colour=black

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-military-mono-stripe-balloon-sleeve-maxi-dress_bkk22387?colour=mono

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-textured-tweed-tailored-pocket-front-short-sleeve-midi-dress_bkk27874?colour=olive

Gorgeous but who wants to strip off to have a wee at a work conference

That jumpsuit is lovely OP, but I agree with PP that they make me nervous - what if I need the loo and get tangled up in it / manage to drop the top half down the loo and wee on it (it happens!!)

Also, that jumpsuit looks like separates - if you like the monotone look, just find a shirt in the same colour as your best work trousers!

Oh gosh that is such a good point!

I really like the jumpsuit OP

I think this is perfect! If you are anxious of bladder then a long short dress and boots would work. I present at conferences and generally go for something like this

www.roman.co.uk/abstract-circle-print-midi-shirt-dress-14599934?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17796603965&gbraid=0AAAAACsLkkJymv27CVV11uyOv1exD5AGs&gclid=Cj0KCQiA49XMBhDRARIsAOOKJHZKzA0SIK5jTmRC2WQugijCexSpaT7XEfotqBuXdaJmtWKwW6BeeZYaAhtdEALw_wcB

I like this. No need for a jacket, wear a slip (John Lewis) under it if it’s too low and also to create a smooth silhouette

I really like the jumpsuit and it would work really well for a conference. Smart, comfortable, easy to sit, stand and walk in.

I’m am really tempted by this dress actually, and I have a Roman store nearby, I might see if they have it in so I can try it on.

Don’t do a jumpsuit. Stressful. Sweaty

Currently it looks like I am ordering about £600 worth of clothes to find one outfit 😆

but some amazing suggestions, I’m so glad I posted!