How to Look Professional Yet Relaxed: A Style Guide for Public Speaking
I recently posted a question from a social media post: “What is your biggest style concern when it comes to public speaking?”
One response I received was about how to look professional but still relaxed and aligned with my topic.
The response’s keywords immediately caught my attention because they addressed two key concepts: professionalism and a relaxed approach. The term “relaxed glamour,” coined by the women-owned brand Mint Velvet, reminded me of this.
I want to highlight Mint Velvet as it embodies a unique style philosophy. As noted on their website:
“Co-founders (and good friends) Liz, Lisa, and Jane came up with the idea for Mint Velvet in 2009, over cups of fresh mint tea at Liz’s kitchen table. After years of struggling to find what they wanted on the high street, they wanted luxurious, effortless pieces they could just slip on, nodding to the trends in a relaxed way: the concept of Relaxed Glamour was born.”
Given the themes of professionalism and relaxation, I wanted to check out this brand for inspiration for today’s looks.
I chose pieces from Mint Velvet to embody a relaxed glamour aesthetic for a speaking event set in a South Florida resort aimed at a high-level retreat.
I found a soft blue linen outfit that I believe is perfect for the atmosphere. (I would need to see the pants in person, as they might be slightly sheer.) Let’s imagine they are not sheer; they are a loose-fitting, wide-leg style, ideal for warm weather.
The sleeveless top features nautical seashell buttons and scalloped trim that capture the essence of beach vibes exceptionally well. I paired it with a silver cuff and slides to elevate the casual look, opting for a wider heel since outdoor venues often have uneven surfaces.
Overall, this outfit feels elegant and professional while conveying a laid-back vibe. The light materials, serene colors, and playful details create an effortless charm, steering clear of anything too structured.
Notice how I aligned the look to a tropical location by the water while maintaining a polished presence.
For the second look, I chose a simple, very casual black jersey high-neck maxi dress and paired it with a bright green boucle jacket to elevate the simple dress and give it a fresh vibe. For extra flair, I selected zebra print kitten heels. The jacket and shoes add glamour to this otherwise casual jersey dress.
In conclusion, it’s fascinating to see how simple clothing can transfo
rm into stylish ensembles that perfectly reflect your aesthetic.
By carefully selecting key pieces that elevate a basic outfit, you can achieve the ideal blend of professionalism and relaxation for any occasion.
Want to learn more about creating your signature style for your spring events?
I invite you to book a no-pressure, no-sales call with me to connect and see if working together could be a good fit.
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