I know it's kind of silly to ask what to wear for a conference. After all, the top is dictated. Still, I'd like your input on the bottom half, proportions, and how to deal with the potentially frigid A/C.
Most of the populace will be men in polos and khakis. (Or button-up shirts over their khakis). Even the people selling things tend to dress fairly casual. Some booths will have "attention-getting" dress (see pic #1 - the sales force of a company that will be there). I don't want to look like them, but a little sass is okay (or something easy-to-remember visually).
Also, this is the one time of the year that my co-workers and I work face-to-face, so my manager and the other's entire visual and personal opinions of me are formed at this conference. So I want to look competent and professional.
So here's some ideas. I'm guessing that the black long pants are fine, right? What do you think of the white? And the black skinnies? Are skinnies professional? Are the gray frumpy? It's a three-day conference, so I need three options. I also have some navy chinos that problably could work, and I'm working on a pair of pleated charcoal tapered pants that if I get finished would work too...
I'll probably take along a black cardigan (or maybe my moto!), and/or a blazer too....
So yeah - which of these work? What else should I try? I'll be posting later with "evening" ideas - there's two social evening functions where the work-shirt won't be required (though most people still wear theirs to id their company. I'm thinking that I'll have my conference nametag, so I can wear something else, right?)
ETA:
The pants options: Black wide-leg (#2), white jeans (#3), gray wide-leg (#4), black skinnies (#5).
The shoe options: Black booties, black peep-toe pumps, black/white saddle shoes. I'm not sure what others I have that would be comfy enough for the 12-16 hours on your feet days.
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20 Comments
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I was thinking, why not go with a skirt? Since you are going casual on top, a knee length skirt could add a bit of professionalism for people that you want to leave an impression on. You could pair it with a jacket if you want and ballet flats or low heels and simple accessories or not! Just an idea!
JuneBug replied 11 years ago
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I probably prefer #5 of these because the shoes and skinnies give a little sass. Add a moto jacket and you've got even more sass. What color is your moto?
texstyle replied 11 years ago
I'm not an oxford fan at all so I have a pretty hard time with those and the white pants. But that aside, the white pants seem good as well. The gray are a bit blah with the simple polo on top but I would add a necklace or bracelet - or maybe both to liven things up on top for all outfits.
Or maybe also a scarf?
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Great idea Junebug - I'll try to post a skirt pic or two. Skirts are particularly difficult for me to wear (and I'm worried about freezing).
amiable replied 11 years ago
Thanks Tex. The moto is a classic black, cropped. I'll add a pic later (hmm.. probably tomorrow). I'll look through my scaves and jewelry at the same time - thanks for the suggestions!
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I like 3 and 5! I am an oxford gal and this that is fab fab fab! Also the idea of a skirt to set yourself distinctly in the memory is a good one as it seems pants will be the vast majority.
Sarah A replied 11 years ago
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Wow, what a top! I like #3 best. To me, the proportions are off with the skinnies.
Liz A. replied 11 years ago
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I love #3 and #4. The black pants actually seem a little long for flat shoes (which I think you are and will be wearing) to me. The idea of a skirt is great!
rachylou replied 11 years ago
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I like 3 and 5. The grey trousers seem a bit big for you...I second the idea of a skirt. :)
hedgiehog replied 11 years ago
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Rachy - I was surprised in the photo that the black pants were long with those shoes (2" heels!). I think I may have to hem them, since I can't wear shoes any taller than that and live through a day on my feet.
amiable replied 11 years ago
Liz, the proportions with the skinnies seem wrong to me too. I have a shorter pair of black wide-legs that I'll have to try - they may be the better choice.
#3 is in the mix! Thanks for your approval on it - I like the oxfords with it too :)
Thanks all for suggesting skirts. I have one in mind that might be appropriate. I'll try it on, and you can tell me how to keep from freezing if I wear it. I'm planning to wear thermal underwear under the pants, but I can't do that with a skirt, and even fleece tights are a big chillier than pants with long underwear.... -
I like the skinnies the best with the top and your body.
Sona replied 11 years ago
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I like #5- the long leg line shown off your fab legs.
N-Marie replied 11 years ago
And it's been forever since I've been online so I must have missed the new haircut and glasses but I LOVE, LOVE both of them!! -
pil replied 11 years ago
2, 4 and 5 are nice although the pants in 2 look a bit long? The white jeans look great but seem a tad casual to me. Is it too warm there for any of your boots?
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No, it won't be too warm for boots, but I'm thinking the boots might be too casual... (Or not comfy enough for all day on my feet...)
amiable replied 11 years ago
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I am wondering how the poor women in those "attention getting outfits" fare for warmth. Brrrrrr!!!
Suz replied 11 years ago
Notice they do not put the guys in such get-ups. Sheesh.
I am a fan of #3. And -- call me odd -- I quite like the drape of the grey pants, too. But then I've been trying on and wearing BF jeans for the past few days!
I wish there was something you could do with the top, but I suspect not. Fortunately, the colour looks good on you. And your hair is fabulous!! (Well, I would say that, wouldn't I?)
You know, I remember a year ago when you were trying to get ready for this conference. You have made such huge changes since then!!
Also, I sympathize. I, too, work away from my colleagues and only meet up with them once a year. I am lucky in that I don't have to wear a uniform, but in a way, that's unlucky, too, because I have to figure out how to look both professional and fitness minded (I work in the fitness industry.) Thank goodness I have not yet had to descend to the level of those "attention getters." -
pil replied 11 years ago
Ah, elusive comfort. I couldn't recall what comments you have made about the comfort of your boots.
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Who wants that kind of attention in that setting. Sheesh is the word.
Ingunn replied 11 years ago
I like all the pants, but I think maybe the white ones are too casual? They look fab, though. I also like the slouchiness of the grey ones. -
Thanks Suz and Marie for the comments on my hair - I just chopped it last night and haven't even styled it yet. I'm thinking I didn't totally botch it if it looks okay as I rolled out of bed with it :)
amiable replied 11 years ago
(And I just got an email saying that we're required to wear "Chinos" on our bottom half. Trying not to rant. So #3 is out. Boo :( And probably everything else too. My only pair of Chinos are navy, faded and have a fraying hem! )
And Suz, you have a good memory! That was actually only six months ago to a smaller conference that I attended with just one co-worker. The drapey gray pants got worn to that one, I think. My style has changed a lot since then - thanks to you all!
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I'm with you Ingunn - so glad my company doesn't use sex to sell their product.
amiable replied 11 years ago
Just got email in response to my asking "Chino's really? Not dress slacks or these white jeans?" that my judgement was good and if I wanted to wear the white jeans, or dress slacks or a conservative skirt, that was fine.
No rant necessary. :)
Thanks for your help! I'll post skirt pics as soon as I get some time in the light to take them.
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(I'm leaning against the white jeans now though. If I'm going to bend the rules, I should probably bend them toward more "business" than "casual" ....)
amiable replied 11 years ago
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Can you find a nice pair of chinos? Gap is having a 30% off sale ;)
Liz A. replied 11 years ago
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Wow, that was only 6 months ago! You have really come a long way!!!
Suz replied 11 years ago
Well, I guess it's time to buy a pair of chinos. Seems like the moment!