Possible conference pieces - YouLookFab Forum

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Possible conference pieces

Tanya

Veteran

So I went through my wardrobe and pulled out a bunch of shirts and pants that may work for the understated look and am badly disappointed after seeing the photos. All the pants look too tight and have those annoying whiskers ( I am yet to find a pair of pants that don't do that) and most of the shirts are too feminine or colorful or something else. I so wish I could afford entire 5 new outfits now, but I can't.

Please excuse the wrinkles, black bra under white shirts and other similar things. I haven't necessarily combined the right shirts with the right pants, this is just more to show what I have.

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....onference/

1. blue SS wrap shirt & wide-leg khakis
2. white shirt with pintucks & grey wide-leg khakis
3. lilac shirt & navy pants
4. berry shirt & charcoal pinstripe pants
5. blue striped shirt & silver wide-leg pants
6. white ruched LS shirt & black pinstripe pants
7. white wrap SS shirt with black stripes & black pants
8. pink SS shirt & brown pinstripe pants
9. teal sleeveless shirt, white SS jacket & brown pants

There are also these pieces you've seen before: purple wrap shirt, grey Theory pants and camel ( with cream stripes) Theory pants.

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN2897.jpg

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3053.jpg

I also have plain LS shirts in white, pale blue and lilac, and plain cardigans in white and black. I'm not sure if it's OK to wear a LS shirt when it's 90 degrees outside, maybe if I rolled the sleeves above the elbows. Oh, and I do have a plain black Theory pantsuit ( Max C pants and Gabe B jacket) that I bought for future job interviews and haven't worn so far, but that would probably be too formal for this since I won't be presenting anything.

I'd greatly appreciate if you think that any of these pieces are (even if barely) passable. And suggested combos are more than welcome! Thank you a lot in advance!

Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Antje

Veteran

Oh Tanya, you have tons to work with! My favorites (for the occasion at hand) are:
- tops from 6 (white) and 8 (red)
- pants from 4 and both pairs of Theory pants.

How about the white shirt from 6 with the pants from 4 for one outfit, and the red shirt from 8 with one of the Theory pants (probably the camel ones) for another?

But lots of other combos would work, too. Personally, I'd avoid tops in pastel colors (e.g. the lilac top, or even light blue) for this; it looks more feminine than I think you want.

Definitely take a cardi. I'm a conference in San Francisco right now, and while it's hot and sunny outside, I was cold inside all day even with a 3/4 sleeve cardi. I hate excessive air-conditioning, but it seems to be the norm at conferences...

Don't fret, this is a great set of pieces to put outfits together.

Lannie

I think all of these items would work just fine. I think these are all very nice and appropriate pieces, actually. I own the H&M SS wrap shirt in white (but it looks much nicer on you) and I've worn it with dress pants for a job interview before (student job interviews don't exactly demand a suit). My favourites are the berry and teal shirts, but it really depends on whether you want to wear bolder colours or not. The only combos I'd avoid are black pants with white tops- it's kind of waiter/caterer-esque. I'd say go with SS tops and bring a sweater of some kind... unless you have a 3/4 sleeve blazer? 3/4 length tops would also possibly work, depending on the weather and the AC inside.
ETA: I like the idea of your light blue top with your dark grey pants, and the purple top I think looks super with the lighter grey ones. The berry colour would work with either shade of grey, or black if you like... even cream/tan colours could with it.

marianne

I think all of them would work - people won't be that discerning. I would go with tops 2, 4, 5, 8, 9. You look smashing in wrap tops, but very feminine, so if that's a concern... Only #4 pants look to me more fitted than you probably would like to, but it might be just the photo.

Re: l/s shirts - I think they would work in the heat, since you'll be mostly in a/c environment and for me the sleeve length doesn't make as much difference as material itself.

I agree with Antje, you have plenty of options. Please don't stress out about it too much and good luck with the conference!

Nicole

Veteran

It seems to me that you are concerned with your peer's opinion on your figure, not your clothes themselves. Would you say that's an accurate assessment?

You have a very hourglassy, VERY attractive figure, and wanting to tone it down for certain events is understandable. So, if masking your curves is you goal, then I'd say pants 1 (khaki) 2. Dk Grey, 5 Light Grey and 6. Black are the loosest and do not show off your curvy hips.

Wrap tops are going to make your waist look tiny and your boobs look big. So skip the wrap tops if you are going for less curves. I thought the LS White blouse in #2 was very understated. And the Blue one in #6 was also. I'm sure the conference will be air conditioned, so wearing a LS shirt isn't going to look weird--and you'll probably be more comfortable too.

Just out of curiosity, what does your BF think about this situation?

Becky

Veteran

Agree with the comments about avoiding wrap tops and extra-fitted pants, since we're looking to focus on professional and downplay your attractive physical attributes. The only pants I would definitely avoid are #4, since they so wonderfully showcase your curvy hips!

I liked tops #4, 5, and 8 best for the occasion, and I would also avoid pastels, as Ana suggested earlier. How about pairing top #4 or #8 with the light gray pants? I also like both outfits you had already posted; I think the one with the purple top looks the more professional of the two. I realize I just contradicted myself by recommending you avoid wrap tops and then suggesting the purple wrap top, but it showcases your bust less blatantly than some of the other wrap tops. The outfit with the camel pants and brown floral top is less understated, so if that is the look you're going for, that might not be your first choice.

Ola

I quite like outfits #1 and #8 as they are. The silver-grey Theory trousers you posted are great also. Also the caramel Theory pants - perhaps with a black top for a nice simple combo? I recall seeing a pic of shiny in a similar look and it looked fab. Outfit #7 would be good I think if you have a cami with a bit more coverage underneath.

I didn't care for the white top/black pants combos and couldn't figure out why, but I think Lannie has hit the nail on the head - too waiter-esque and perhaps look a bit too formal. But I think you will be fine working with these pieces, and after the first day you can adjust depending on how other people look and what kind of a "vibe" you get.

I'd definitely bring a cardi with you - but then again I'm one of those people who is always cold whether I'm at the office or in a grocery store.

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you so very much ladies!

I agree with you on avoiding wrap shirts and super fitted pants- I didn't realize how fitted some of them are till I took the photos!

Colors for the other shirts are confusing: if stronger ones are too bold and pastels too feminine, should I just stick to white and black?

Nicole, you are sort of right, I actually do not even want my peers to have an opinion on my figure, basically I do not want them to notice it all! What I want to have a polished appearance, clean and simple, like I just grabbed two simple items and put them on without much thought.

As for my BF's opinion on this whole thing, it's kind of toned down, trying not to hurt my feelings. He does think that I in general worry to much about everything, including this, and that I also think about clothes in general a bit too much - but than again he knows that it is kind of an outlet for me from daily stress so he's fine with that. On the other people's comments I mentioned earlier, he thinks that the ones that came from females are due to their own insecurities and the one that came from my boss more due to his desire to imply that all of my time should be spent working as opposed to really having anything to do with clothes. He claims that men in general do not notice clothes unless it's too much of something: too sloppy, too feminine, too provocative or too trendy. On the other hand he does agree that my style makes me stick out from my peers like a sore thumb, but he's reluctant to say that I should tone it down a bit because he likes me the way I am and wants me to be happy ( if it was a female friend of his in this situation he would tell her to tone it down). As for the conference, he says that simple pants and button-downs are the way to go- polished for meeting prospective employers but not sticking out. But than he says than even in those I can stick out if they are fitted a lot. So, I can't conclude much from him which is why I ask you wonderful ladies here.

Becky, I would never wear that brown floral top to the conference, I just reposted that for the pants to see if they would work.

Hmm, I'm really tempted now to run to the closest BR and get pair of relaxed fit charcoal pants and two plainest SS button-downs in white and dove grey and keep repeating them through the 5 days, although that would be very boring.

Antje

Veteran

You've got a wonderful supportive boyfriend! And for the practical advice this forum is just priceless.
Regarding the colors, I personally think a strong color is great (e.g. the red short sleeve shirt I like), but I'd keep the cut extremely simple and clean. That way you exude confidence but keep away the trendy or frilly connection.
But I also really like a crisp white shirt for such occasions; again in very clean lines. It looks so polished and keeps the focus on YOU not the outfit, which is what you want for this occasion.
You will give out some vibe no matter what. My advice would be to err on the side of confidence (strong color) rather than more subdued femininity (pastel), but keep it very very clean. Does that make sense?
(And yes, it will feel very boring and probably a bit severe to you. But hey, four days from now you can get back to your wonderful creative stylish outfits :-))

shiny

Veteran

You already got great advice... I am looking at the album just now. I see you included your specs? I had to laugh at that; my DH has perfect vision but wears glasses when he attends conferences!

Can I ask what you will do with your hair? Wearing it back in a low ponytail may give off a different vibe too. Try it!

As for the clothes choices, I started by going through them one-by-one, but here's a suggestion.

item 1: These pants work; they will fit right in with the other nondescript, GAP-loving, khaki-wearing people. These pants are good for first day of the conference, when you are most unsure what everyone else is wearing. But wear them with a different top, perhaps the red top in #8? Or a black top.

Then just take day #1 of the conference to see what everyone else is wearing, see what is appropriate.

If everyone is boring and khaki-wearing and dressed down, note that you could possibly wear the same pants more than once, so you may not need to buy new ones! Personally, I wouldn't invest in any additional loose-fitting pants if that's not what you really like! Just wear them more than once, with different tops.

The theory pants in grey and camel are lovely. I am hoping after day 1 you will feel confident enough to wear those two, complete with the tops you have paired them with in your photos.

Otherwise, shirt #5 gets my vote. Very professional and understated and strikes the right note I think you're going for. Just wear them with the grey theory pants though!

But see what happens on day 1. That's my recommendation. It's kinda like when I was a kid - my mom always advised us to dress conservatively on day one of school, check out the lay of the land and THEN we'd go back-to-school shopping once we saw what the other kids were wearing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A super effort Tanya. Good for you. And BF sounds like dear sweet thing. I’m so glad he is supportive in this way.

My word you lot are good. Such constructive feedback. Everyone makes a strong case despite subtle differences in opinion. I’m impressed. (Well put Antje – that’s precisely what I mean).

My opinion remains the same. Step up the sophistication. So with that in mind:

o No wrap tops
o No pastels
o No tight striped pants
o No frivolous details
o Theory pants are superb (both styles)
o Best tops: white shirt (2), teal shirt (9), red shirt (8); light blue striped shirt (5)- I know it’s a pastel
o You need a cream jacket to pull the lot together and a black shirt is the missing ingredient

Tie your hair into a neat low back pony tail. Carry a plain neutral tote and throw in the signature neutral wedges. A little bit of gloss, your specs, perfect posture and a confident attitude. Knock ‘em dead darling.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh Shiny! We posted together. See we were on the same wavelength without knowing about it.

judy

Veteran

Tanya, I couldn't help but notice that what's great about the thumbnail photos (seeing a whole bunch of little ones on a page) is that you can imagine what that person (in this case you) looks like from far away...as if you were spotted across the room by your fellow scientists...does your figure show up too much?...are you distracted by a certain color or accessory in the photo?...like that. In a situation where you want them to notice your brain, not your figure, (which is fabulous!) viewing thumbnails can be helpful. Angie's got such a simple easy to follow formula here (of course!)...and you've got all the right stuff to pull it off...especially the brain!

Tanya

Veteran

Wow, thank you all so much for the amazing advice!

I will wear my hair in a low ponytail as advised. And Shiny, I actually need the
glasses for the conference, I can not see very well at long distance, so I would not be able to follow any presentation. But I do not wear them on the daily purpose. without them. I've included them since Angie asked on another thread of they were fab or not, I honestly have no clue, so I've put the photos so she can judge. I'm curious for the verdict. They are by a brand I am not familiar with, Les Copains.

I was going to do exactly as you suggested Shiny, check out what people are wearing the first day and decide on the rest based on that. I think I'll wear the khakis and white shirt #2 on that day. I have a big tan leather bag, not a tote, but it would work regardless.

Now, the top #8 is actually not red but deep pink. Does that somehow change the fact that it has been approved? I thought that deep pink is a more feminine color than light blue which most of the men will be wearing.

Angie, on the subject of cream jacket and black top, I have several versions in each category, but nothing that would work for this in my opinion, very frustrating. But let me try anyway.

Cream jackets (photos from old already posted outfits):

1. Nice LS corduroy one. I don't think that the material is appropriate for 90 degree weather in July, not even indoors .

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN2743.jpg

2. Canvas 3/4 sleeves. It would have been great, except that the sleeve cuff shrank in the wash, and bruised my skin and broke my capillaries last time I wore it. Any quick fix ideas?

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3013.jpg

3. White SS. Too casual/short/tight in my opinion.

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3042.jpg

4. Cream cardigan - could I get away with it instead of jacket? And the blue LS shirt underneath is another option. Is it too pastel?

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3077.jpg

Black tops ( I have a lot of them but most are of going-out type). Please excuse my bare feet:

1. Black LS shirt, but with sheer stripes, probably not OK.

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....5819227071

2. Black polo in fine knit, probably too short. Does layering it over black cami
help or it looks messy?

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3079.jpg

3. Black knit button-down top - same length issues.

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3080.jpg

If none of jackets/tops work, I might hit the mall tomorrow. What would you recommend to look for, for cream jacket in terms of sleeve length and material, and for black top should it be woven (button-down) or knit?

Thank you so much and sorry to bother you with more questions.

naf

It's so great to see a stylish woman scientist and kind of sad that you have to think about how other might question your competence based on how stylishly you dress.

Here are my 2 cents based on what I do when I have to meet strangers whom I am looking to impress. Usual setting is an interview or to present at a conference, and I want to project the image that I am the expert.

- remove all distractions for myself which for me means clothes that fit a little loose and have room for me to grow into through the long day, no heels and no hair ornaments
- remove distractions for others which again for me means modest clothing, no dangly earrings or flashy necklaces
- Well organized handbag with clean lines. Make sure you have easy access to your business cards
- always carry a jacket/cardigan, so I am not cold
When I get cold, I hunch and fold my arms, cross my legs and do other things that diminish my physical presence and make me look demure. I think it's important to project a big and confident physical presence.
- One accessory to express myself. Stud earrings, cool glasses or a watch. I love to wear a largish, expensive looking watch
- good posture which has been mentioned several times. This for me means I can't wear heels.

hope this helps and wish you all the best.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are well on your way, Tanya. What a magnanimous effort. Thank you.

Okay. Your reasoning for not selecting the black tops and cream jackets that you own are spot on. Do not bring them. The cream cardigan is perfect and the dark pink top is still great. You’re after a cream blazer. Professional and streamlined. Nothing casual so watch the fabric. Remember you’re matching them with dress pants. Bring the pants when you shop at the mall tomorrow. Three quarter sleeves is fine and so is long. Knits tend to be clingy so stick to a woven button down black shirt. Brown bag sounds great.

I’m sure your evening outfits are sorted. You have Tanya style license there!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, BR has some great light colored blazers right now on sale. So does AT, I think.

I don't really have anything else to add other than I think you will look great and make a fantastic impression. Everyone's advice on here is spot on. Good luck--can't wait to see the "finished product."

Tanya

Veteran

Thanks Angie and Ana! I'll go the local mall tomorrow, hopefully I'll find something. BR, AT and ATL are going to be first on my list.

As for the evening outfits, although most have some kind of reception at the end people go there straight from the talks and nobody changes the clothes. The only real one is going to be the dinner at Wednesday evening. I'm thinking of black pants (tropical wool) from #7 and a DVF wrap top : purple with black print over black cami. I am sick of taking photos right now so I'll post that later. But I'll make the final decision after I've seen how people dress in general.

An enormous thank you and big hug from me to all of you!

Dani

Veteran

Tanya, sorry I've been off the board lately, but I just wanted to applaud your effort and I think you will look great! Everyone had such great suggestions! Good luck finding a blazer tomorrow

Tanya

Veteran

So I went to the mall yesterday to look for the black shirt and cream blazer.

Finding the shirt was easy, here's the one I got, I think it looks OK:

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3083.jpg

The blazer was a nuisance, everything was too big/short sleeved/made of linen/safari style etc. I settled for this BR one, which is fine other than it's probably a whole size too big. It is 2, but they were out of 0's and I was desperate. I am planning to take it on later through the body, the shoulders look OK to me. I hope that you thinks it' s probably still fine to wear it as is since the conference starts this afternoon! Thanks:

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3084.jpg

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wonderful! I know the white BR jacket well. It's beautifully made.

You have done it. No more conference wardrobe thoughts! Pack your bags and off you go. Show ‘em that dynamite comes in small pretty packages!

Tanya

Veteran

Thanks Angie! I am so relieved!

Now need to pack the bags though, the conference venue is 15 min walk from my apartment

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hooray, good luck Tanya!

Nicole

Veteran

Nice choices Tanya! I must say that I don't think that white jacket is too big. It sounds like you will have a need for a looser fitting jacket in your career--and that piece is classic and will never go out of style. I'm afraid if you take it in, it will be another figure revealing piece that you don't feel comfortable wearing for work events. (like this conference).

I have items that I only wear to work. They are more conservative than how I want to look outside work. On the same token, I have items that I would never in a million years wear to work. Too much cleavage, too form fitting, too sexy...etc.

Perhaps you are just so used to seeing yourself in form fitting clothes, that seeing yourself in something a little looser doesn't feel comfortable to your eye.

Dani

Veteran

Tanya, I think the blazer fits fine and I wouldn't have it altered. The black shirt looks great on you! Good luck at your conference!

Tanya

Veteran

Thanks ladies! Nicole, I think you are right, I can save that jacket exclusively for such business occasions.

I have just come back from the first day of the conference, I wore the wide-leg khakis and blue-striped shirt. The attire was very diverse: most of female attendees wore very casual attire: jeans/capris and teeshirts. There were a few suits and suit-like outfits. There were also a couple of skimpy sundresses. The outfit I noticed the most was on a young and very attractive lady who is already very accomplished in the field, she wore skintight denim pencil skirt, black sleeveless tank top I (like cami but with thicker straps) and gold embroidered very high stilleto slides which showcased her hot pink pedicure. She looked very confident in her skin, and I wish I had half of her confidence ( not that I'd wear her outfit for this occasion though).

I think what you ladies helped me pick out will work just fine for middle-of-the-road take. Thank you once again very much!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Glad the conference is going well so far! I enjoyed your "attire" update, very interesting.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fantastic, Tanya. Thanks for the informative update.

Now that you’ve seen what others are wearing, are you going to tweak our recommendations? It’s no problem if you do. YOU have to feel confident and comfortable in your skin at this conference.

Anonymous

I just want to chime in here and congratulate you on your efforts paying off. You look GREAT in your new blazer. It's perfect. I think you will get many miles out of it.

Tanya

Veteran

I am not sure I'm going to tweak much, I like this approach. The only think I might do later is to maybe wear a wrap shirt in white/black or maybe purple if I'm really feeling bold.

Ant tomorrow it's supposed to rain all day long, so I'll probably wear my black trench and dark pants, so that any possible mud stains won't show.

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