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'd go for a soft knitted blazer. Whistles or Boden probably have some.
Whistles Textured Ponte Stretch Blazer in Black | Lyst UK

Thanks for posting. I've fallen in love with and ordered the jumpsuit 🤣

I know you are worried about trousers but for work I’m currently living in these trousers in black and blue https://thehalara.co.uk/products/Halara-Flex-High-Waisted-Plicated-Side-Pocket-Work-Flare-Pants-24-555?variant=3762048&locale=uk&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=ukcpcshopping&utm_campaign=22929217344&utm_content=&utm_term=3762048&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22929217344&gbraid=0AAAAAB_7KRGcqTzMEUSfHhvjycJ8U_87c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhtvMBhDBARIsAL26pjEEKo-MM_XxRrTmFRgMzsTuEUYIOnJzr-qhNs7g0OJTCiKmmR2Y404aAoWXEALw_wcB with a half tucked in silk shirt or jumper, smart trainers and a funky belt (M&S has great animal print ones at the moment). They are forgiving, comfortable and I feel relatively put together.

They haven't got my size.

Well I ordered the jumpsuit. It looks perfect for type of work events I go to which are on the conservative dress side. I much prefer colour to usual black or navy most wear and find burgundy a good compromise as a bit different but not too stand out.

Whatever you do, ensure you have tested the outfit sitting down and standing up. Ensure all and any buttons are securely attached. Ensure undergarments are a safe nude colour. Take spare safety pins.
Follow this advice and you may not accidentally flash an MP and have to style it out for 45 excruciating minutes until you are released i speak from experience

@FamingolosForDays ,

I agree about testing the outfit sitting down and standing up as I had a knee-length dress that would creep upwards when I sat down.
Thank goodness it was winter and I had thick tights on.

Take spare safety pins.

I find that however loose a fit a shirt is, if the buttons aren't placed just right, it often gapes where your bra is. So yes, a strategic safety pin can be required.

I've just had this (amongst others) delivered. It's really flattering on and the sale is excellent.

https://www.theshirtcompany.com/collections/lucky-last-sale/products/allegra-navy-everyday-midi-shirt-dress-with-obi-belt

Absolutely- on stage or on a panel - trousers with a soft waist and smart structured shirt/blouse - and flat shoes-

OP your jumpsuit is nicer than almost every alternative that was posted. Trust your instincts. The green and black patterned dresses in particular are too casual and look like cheap fabrics, please don’t switch from lovely jumpsuit to these!

I also have a set of curved safety pins which are great for avoiding gaping - meant to be used for quilting.

Or you could buy the size that fits across the chest - and have the rest of the dress altered …

This is a bit of an odd take - why would the only options be to rent or buy second hand? She could also just buy something in budget! Based on the OP’s choice of jumpsuit, I doubt Studio Nicholson is the look she’s after, but you never know.

Agree with PP that some of the brighter colours/patterns look cheap.

I have ordered a selection of the dresses people have posted and I have also ordered the jumpsuit because even if it’s impractical for the conference I love it - so surely I will find some occasion for it! I will try and remember to update when they arrive and I choose.

I want to thank you all for such amazing advice, what an awesome area of mumsnet this is! I would definitely come back to this board in the future (if I have occasion to leave the house again for work 😂)

Yay!! Thank you too.

I speak at conferences also. Have a shampoo blow dry at the hairdressers the day before.....you will l feel so confident. Same for gel manicure.
Me and em dresses :fabulous.

white shirt and black trousers or black dress a work dress from somewhere like marks and spencer’s good luck with your presentation

Why do you need a jacket? It sounds like an indoor event?

white shirt and black trousers - and get mistaken for waiting staff

When is the conference? If you have time, have a look at clothes what fit you well (those you keep going back to) and go for something similar.
I have recently gone into the rabbit hole of kibbe body types and colour seasons and finally figured out what works for me (what I use on a stage has to be simple, low contrast, a bit of structure but not too much, etc).
In the end, it was the stuff I naturally gravitated towards but didn't have the words to explain.
Chat gpt can help a lot with that, you don't need to spend a lot of money.
Sorry if it's not helpful, but what works for one person will completely obliterate another one on stage.

To put your mike pack in.

I present frequently and, personally, favour a jumpsuit as it always looks put together and there's no risk of flashing leg when getting on and off stage. I have a couple of trusty ones that aren't difficult to get in and out of.

Otherwise it might be wise to go for something with pockets or a belt as you may need somewhere for a mic pack to go. I move around stage and talk with my hands too much to use a hand mic!

Well I have to get there and back from the hotel, only a short walk, but I would imagine early April will still not be short sleeves outside weather! And also, I find these places are often a bit chilly for only thin or short sleeves, and a cardigan would be too casual? Lots of people wear suit jackets indoors at this sort of thing don’t they?

Agree with all of this! A blow dry is a must for me.
Also love Me&Em but like the OP’s jumpsuit as well!