YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The annual conference-wear post

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The annual conference-wear post https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:29:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Daria on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1462091 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 23:10:04 +0000 Daria 1462091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm very late to chime in so I don't have much to add besides that I quite like #6. :) I do sympathize - I attended a computer graphics conference last year, and shirt options my company chose were about as bad as yours. I also had to purchase bottoms to go with the tops, because nothing in my wardrobe was suitable/appropriate. Good luck - I'm sure you'll look your best no matter what you choose to wear! unfrumped on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1462011 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 20:35:29 +0000 unfrumped 1462011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love all the boots outfits best. I really like #1 a log as an outfit, go figure, so I'm torn between it for one of your black shirt days vs wear the tights with skirt and do the skinnies/boots for another black shirt day. But then you'd wear boots all 3 days. Pack both options (top 4 outfit options) if you're a mood dresser or take the temp of the gathering. celia on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461933 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:22:14 +0000 celia 1461933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had some ideas before reading Gaylene's answer, after that I was like 'You go girl!" :) The conference should definitely be in Toronto again. But I am sure that you will make some awesome presentations amiable on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461907 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:47:05 +0000 amiable 1461907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely have to wear something under the white shirt (I have a cream cami under it in the photos - it's very sheer).  Thanks for the reminder to pack a full-coverage undershirt! texstyle on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461888 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:22:11 +0000 texstyle 1461888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love all the advice so far and wonder, can you wear something under the white shirt? It's a little bit sheer in photos (if that matters) and you could change up the vibe with a cami or tank under it maybe. shiny on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461882 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:15:54 +0000 shiny 1461882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My vote is for #1, #6, and #7.  I like the white shirt - looks fresh! And I like the necklaces.  abc on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461870 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:40:11 +0000 abc 1461870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Gaylene got you sorted out for sure!  What great advice, down to every detail.   FWIW, I followed everything you said, I work in software too  Good luck and enjoy the conference. Jaime on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461570 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 02:54:50 +0000 Jaime 1461570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for satisfying my curiosity - you are quite amazing! Gaylene's advice sounds excellent.  amiable on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461562 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 02:29:55 +0000 amiable 1461562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene - Thank you!  You articulated exactly what I want to convey at this conference, that I'm competent and comfortable in an all-male environment, but also confident and friendly.   Gaylene on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461555 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 02:18:20 +0000 Gaylene 1461555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, first of all a disclaimer: I am all about image management at conference presentations, especially if you are a female in a male dominant environment. If you feel differently, then ignore everything below. My vote would be for the back shirt/denim skirt/opaque hose outfit for Day 1. To break up the somber vibe, I'd add a bandanna, or scarf, tied cowboy style in the company colors to draw attention to your face. You'll stand out in a mostly male environment, but in a "I'm a female who is comfortable working with the guys" kind of way. You establish your position as a member of the team without dressing like a guy. On Day 2, especially if you might be dealing with ornery customers, I'd adopt a more kick-ass look by pairing that black shirt with skinny jeans tucked into boots. Black shirts and boots convey power and control to a lot of males, especially when worn by a woman (Maybe leave the whip at home? ). I'd soften the vibe by wearing another scarf--this time in shades of blue and brown--to lighten the black around your face and bookend the bottom part of the outfit. The scarf also helps your audience recall you as the team player from Day 1. On Day 3, you surprise everyone by reinforcing your femaleness and versatility by wearing your white shirt with the necklace and black jeans. The necklace continues the theme, but with a twist. Your final outfit is neat and professional--but with echoes of the Day1 team player and the Day 2 kick-ass troubleshooter. The intent is for your audience to walk away with the image of a friendly, but very competent, female who is relaxed and at home in a male dominant environment. Anonymous on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461444 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 22:13:15 +0000 Anonymous 1461444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like 1 and 6 best ( the boots) and love the idea of a blue bandana to add some style and color. With your hair, new specs and wonderful smile, you will look fabulous. Sharon on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461421 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 20:57:02 +0000 Sharon 1461421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I vote #1, #4 and #7. I think the brown boots ground the outfit  and add a little colour in #1 and #7 and the boot cuts look great. And I love the bandanna idea. Olivegreen on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461359 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 18:47:13 +0000 Olivegreen 1461359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oooh, bandanas, right on trend and lots of color. Great idea! Neelie on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461235 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 12:38:43 +0000 Neelie 1461235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the idea of a bright bandana with the darker outfits, and even with the white shirt to bring in some colour! Traci on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461233 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 12:24:43 +0000 Traci 1461233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For the black top I like the skirt and boots look.  I love the necklace with the white top. I was at an event like this recently where all the presenters were wearing corporate gear in not so feminine shapes.  One of the ladies stood out in her pairings of the polo shirt with a nice, long cardigan, knee length pencil skirt, thick tights (I am in Wisconsin) and a pair of fun patent leather boots. I liked seeing her personality and femininity come out even within the constraints of a uniform of sorts.  Everything was in black, so there was nothing too flashy until you started really paying attention to her thoughtful choices. amiable on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461229 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 12:10:00 +0000 amiable 1461229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia - I'm a software developer, and serve the structural steel industry (buildings made out of I-beams).  My specific task within my company is to make my software play nicely with other software in the same industry.   This Spring, we have a new collaboration with AutoDesk (which is probably the only software in the industry that anyone outside of structural steel has heard of, because they're everywhere else too), and I'll be highlighting that integration in an AutoDesk seminar.  The second presentation will be part of our own seminar, highlighting some of our integrations with several companies.   In addition to that, I'll be leading meetings with eleven other companies and any customers that attend to see what the other company and we do together and who want the chance to have an ear from both sides of the equation together.  I expect the disgruntled customers to be well represented at those meetings :) I realize it's a very small niche that I'm in - did any of what I said make sense?  (Basically, I'm a computer programmer, and I'll be presenting my own work to customers and other companies). Summer on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461211 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:06:57 +0000 Summer 1461211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've done really well with this.  My favourite looks are:  1 - love the skirt with boots, 4&5 and 9&10.  I think the necklace adds a little personality to the shirts.  You look very polished and professional.  Jaime on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461144 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 03:24:46 +0000 Jaime 1461144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you did an excellent job with what you were given. I like #2 slightly more than #1 but if they want boots, you might as well give them boots. The blackness with the bootcuts doesn't bother me. I like the idea of a necklace with the white top. Feel free to ignore my nosiness but what are you presenting? I have no idea what your job is! amiable on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461122 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 02:16:34 +0000 amiable 1461122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just bought a blue bandana (keeping the western theme).  I may try it out and post more pics Rambling Ann on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461119 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 02:13:54 +0000 Rambling Ann 1461119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe a blue belt to break up the dark on the black days? Anonymous on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1461066 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 23:28:45 +0000 Anonymous 1461066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Only photo 1 is showing up amiable on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460977 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 18:35:55 +0000 amiable 1460977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ahh - Thanks for the suggestions - I hadn't thought of a long necklace over the black. I have to wear black for both presentations, alas (the code is black on Wednesday and Thursday, white on Friday.  I have no idea why.  But my presentations are Wednesday and Thursday, so black it will be). Yes Sue, it really should be in Toronto!  And with last year's clothes, Suz!  (I think they didn't like the cost of the nicer clothes, maybe?  But they wouldn't have had to get any but one lady "new" clothes...) I will plan on wearing #1, and #4-#5 (maybe with something to break up the black...) on the two black shirt days.  Is the white shirt okay with the skinnies in #7-8, or would it go better over the skirt or black bootcuts repeated?  (I can repeat the skirt and the bootcut, but the skinnies will be bagged out at the knees after one day). Also, my new specs are correct and adjusted to my head now, so I'll be sporting them as well! Olivegreen on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460975 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 18:31:36 +0000 Olivegreen 1460975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The boots and the clunky shoes balance the shirt, the more delicate footwear looks odd. I think you need to skew masculine in the styling here, and given the construction business, you could probably go tougher on the jewelry vibe, some heavy silver and leather? You will still probably be one of the few women there, so no need to skew girly, you will stand out. Love the hair, that is the best accessory and indicator of feminine individuality, in my book. Hope you have a great time away. merwoman on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460968 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 18:25:38 +0000 merwoman 1460968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ oh the conference that should have been taking place again in Toronto...except it's not :-( I prefer the jean skirt with the footwear/hose in 1 and 2.  For me, the sheer hose is not the best match with the casualness of the outfit. Also feel the same way about the necklace - your shirts (with logo) seem too casual to pair up with that beautiful necklace. I prefer the bootcuts as well. Your beautiful smile and sparkling eyes are your best accessories! Congratulations on two presentations! Suz on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460940 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 17:01:12 +0000 Suz 1460940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm...what was wrong with last year's design. Sheesh?! They got it (somewhat) right and then they had to get it wrong? However, you are stuck with what is. I like #1 and hope it will be comfy. I also like 4/5 but wonder if there is any chance that you could break up the black with a pair of green(ish) shoes. Unlikely, I know. But. Worth considering. WIll it be nearly sandal weather there?  The necklace works with the white shirt. I don't like it so much with the black one.  I do think your fab new hair adds a bit of pizzazz to this whole ordeal. You are going to look really pretty regardless. But I feel your pain on the new shirt design. Or lack thereof.  L'Abeille on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460938 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 16:55:13 +0000 L'Abeille 1460938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're right, that's a lot of blackness. Can you wear a bolo tie, outside the black shirt collar, to break up the darkness? Is the skirt black or indigo? Personally, I would wear black shirt, skirt, tie and boots for one presenting day, and white shirt, black jeans for the other, with black shirt, blue jeans for the listening day. But you can get away with less contrast than I can, especially with your hair as an accessory. Are you allowed any go-with other than jewelry? A vest or long skinny scarf? Also, I'd wear a leather belt in bright brown or cognac with the all-dark outfits, even with the skirt. rachylou on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460936 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 16:50:37 +0000 rachylou 1460936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ #1 and #4/5/6 - I really like the proportions. I don't love the shirt in white, but it may be *friendlier* because it's white. amiable on "The annual conference-wear post" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-annual-conference-wear-post#post-1460918 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 16:30:39 +0000 amiable 1460918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've done this several times now, but still find that your opinion is more valuable than my thoughts on conference wear :) This year's Spring convention shirts have arrived. They're wide and short, and entirely disappointing after <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-and-corporate-wear-opinions">last year's attire</a>.   The suggested dress code is the company shirt (two days black, Friday white), with "nice jeans" (blue or black), and cowboy boots are encouraged (it's a western them, in Nashville).  Jean skirts are permitted for us women. Here's my first pass at options.  Coming up with jeans that I feel comfortable in for presenting (I'll be presenting twice, on two different days), is weird... #1-#3 - Jean skirt option:  two with shoes (sheer black vs. opaque hose - sheer is baggy and I'll be picking up a replacement), one with boots (not cowboy, but as close as I have on hand). #4-#5 black bootcut jeans.  I think this is my best bet for professional looking jeans, but it's a lot of black - how can I mitigate that black-ness? #6 black shirt with skinny jeans and boots. #7 white shirt with skinny jeans and boots (one with necklace, one without). #9-#12 - both shirts, with and without a statement necklace in company colors.  Does the necklace improve anything? Suggestions?