I am a senior manager in a large Western Sydney Council and have some interesting challenges with the variety of work situations I find myself in, particularly coming into summer.

Originally, coming from England, my plus size work wear style tended to be tailored with jackets and court shoes, but I have needed to change my style because of Australia being a lot hotter; I have put on weight over the years, and in this job I spend some time outside as a project sponsor looking at the progress of capital projects. It may be difficult to be stylish on a building site in Hi-Viz clothing and steel toe capped boots, but I did specifically ask for blue boots!

I went to a charity shoe sale where Shoes of Prey had given thousands of shoes to charity to be sold at $50 a pair. The shoes are all beautiful designs and a large variety of sizes up to size 49 (size 13+). I bought 6 pairs which will feature in my blogs!

I have just returned from the NSW Local Government Conference in Wollongong.

The conference program gave the following advice about dress standards are:
Sunday evening - President's Welcome Reception - Dress code - smart casual
Monday and Tuesday Conference - Business Casual
Monday evening – free evening - casual
Tuesday - Conference Gala Dinner - Dress code - After Five

I took a small bag with clothes because I also have to carry a laptop, ipad and conference papers. I find that jersey plus size basics are good for packing and pulling out of the case unwrinkled, together with soft jackets or shirts over the top, and good accessories and shoes!

Of course, it is also important to understand your body shape and what suits you. I am either an inverted triangle, or an apple shape, and am lucky to be quite tall with long legs.

So for the President’s Welcome Reception on Sunday evening I wore the black Aztec over a black jersey camisole and skinny leg black pants. There is a lot of standing around networking at this event, so gorgeous and comfortable shoes are a must.

Monday during the day I wore the long navy pants, camisole and shirt, with my new nude shoes. I am so glad that navy is back in fashion.

Monday evening was a free evening so I wore my new candy stripe shoes with the black shoulder less jersey top and skinny leg black trousers for an informal dinner with our Councillors and colleagues.

Tuesday my business casual outfit was the beautiful stripy shirt with white pants. I received many complimentary comments.

Tuesday evening was the conference dinner which is terribly glamourous and I was dying to wear my beautiful red ‘Dorothy’ shoes, again with a red jersey dress and black net jacket with a clutch bag and my onyx jewellery.

I received many complimentary comments from women conference goers, and questions about my clothes and shoes.

Mission accomplished.