What to wear for a class presentation

Pick the outfit that lets you stop thinking about clothes. A plain shirt or top, tidy trousers or a skirt that sits right, and shoes that feel good standing up. Presentations are about what you say. The outfit's job is to be invisible.

The rule: neat, plain, comfortable

• Neat means ironed or steamed, with no loose threads.
• Plain means one or two calm colors, no big prints or slogans that pull eyes away from your slides.
• Comfortable means you can stand, point and move without tugging at anything.

Follow your school dress code first. If the presentation has its own dress guidance, follow that instead.

Handle the heat and the nerves

Nerves can make you warm. Pick a breathable fabric, like cotton, and skip anything thick. If the room is cold, bring a light layer you can take off. A top that shows sweat marks easily, such as light grey in heat, is worth skipping on a nervous day.

Try the full outfit once

Put it on the day before and stand up, sit down and raise your arms. If anything rides up, gapes or pinches, swap it now, not in the corridor. This is the same idea as the 30-wear test, only faster: can you really wear it comfortably?

One exception

If the topic or event calls for formal wear, such as a mock hearing, follow that. Borrow before you buy. A one-time outfit is a poor use of money, and the guide to secondhand clothing covers borrowing and thrift options.

What to bring with you

Pack water, a spare pen and a copy of your notes. If you use a clicker or a cable, check it the day before. Being ready with the small things lets you relax about the clothes.

Skip this term

Buying a special presentation outfit. A clean version of what you already wear is almost always enough.