https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:45:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30579 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:43:16 +0000 Alecia 30579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, is it possible to loose inches in your calves? I swear last year I measured and they were like 17 inches. That seems ridiculous. Anyway, I tried on one pair of boots this year and didn't have a problem getting them on. That's unheard of. Usually, I have to shop and shop and shop until I find one pair that will fit. Hopefully, I like it, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30531 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:01:49 +0000 shiny 30531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You don't have big calves! That is in your mind. Probably got stuck there with the trauma of your grandma's tape measure!!!</p> <p>Anyway, even if you *did* have big calves (which you don't), the calves are the strongest muscles in your whole body. So strong - large- calf muscles are a *good* thing to have, because it means you have lots of lean mass and can eat more calories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30530 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:00:48 +0000 Amanda 30530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alecia -- I haven't laughed so hard all week! Thanks for posting that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30528 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:56:42 +0000 Alecia 30528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My shoe size is 7 1/2 and my calf (if I'm doing this right) is 15 1/4. I don't think franco sarto boots always fit me though. So not sure about the theory. </p> <p>(Funny aside about my sewing kit measuring tape. I got it when my grandma passed away. She was a farmer. On one side it has inches. The other side reads, "Pocket tape for estimating live weight of cow. To estimate weight place tape around the cow's body directly back to fron to legs or heart girth. The tape reading will give the estimated weight in pounds. My calves don't register. Ha ha!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30525 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:51:30 +0000 Amanda 30525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the basic gray skirt and purple blouse is perfect! I would wear either the suede boots or the spectators pumps -- both make give the outfit a funky edge. I'm wondering if you have a cardigan to wear rather than a jacket? It might look more hip and less like a suit. Although I also have to say that I like the short-sleeve black jacket. And the way I imagine the black tweed jacket with that outfit, it would also be a great combination. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30513 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:30:10 +0000 shiny 30513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I like franco sarto because my calves are *scrawny* and thus hard to fit!!! </p> <p>Hmm, maybe FS scales the calf width depending on your shoe size. That would make perfect sense. I wear a size 6 and have a 13 inch calf. Most boots are way too loose on me in the calf (or too high and I can't bend my knee or the top of the boot rubs the back of my knee annoyingly). </p> <p>You've got me curious now... mind sharing your shoe size and calf measurement? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30505 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:17:06 +0000 Alecia 30505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love franco sarto. I've found both their shoes and boots extremely comfortable. Since I'm on my feet so much, I need comfort. I'm also grateful to franco sarto for those boots because they fit my calves, which are big and hard to fit. I want to check out Duo boots but need to land on what kind of boots I want next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30499 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:59:15 +0000 shiny 30499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alecia- those are franco sarto boots - the only brand of boots I own - love how they fit. I know you also have suede franco sarto boots, so I'm sure you already know how comfy and lightweight they are!</p> <p>Shoewear will probably largely depend on the weather that morning, I'm thinking. I do like the wine boots with the purple blouse, but I really want to use my black Furla bag since to me it screams "professional" and I can also pack pens and notebook etc in it, so black suede boots or the dark silver booties may make more sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30497 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:53:20 +0000 Alecia 30497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote for #2 as well with either the suede boots or the aerosole spectators. I think the boots make the look a little funkier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30494 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:46:32 +0000 marianne 30494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #2 as well. Or if it gets too cold for a short sleeve jacket, then jacket from #4. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the footwear options you posted. I kind of like the suede boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30486 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:21:26 +0000 shiny 30486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aerosoles. They are comfy but the heel height is 2-1/2 or 3 inches, which is higher than I like. They are not shoes I can walk in for long. I can stand in them just fine, just can't walk in them. They are fine for evenings out if we are driving somewhere and I just have to walk from car to restaurant and back or whatever. Not something I could wear for 8 hours in an office, or out dancing!</p> <p>But yeah I could wear them to this interview, no prob! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30441 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:09:48 +0000 Kristen 30441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#2 and the spectators. Sophisticated and hip, but not *too* hip. I like the short-sleeved jacket instead of the boxy one because it fits you and the purple blouse better, and it looks a little less interview--ish. Since it is an unofficial interview, you don't want to lean too far that direction. </p> <p>Those spectators are fabulous! I am coveting them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30439 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:48:25 +0000 shiny 30439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some possible options for the breakfast meeting - I threw them on very quickly, before getting dressed to hit the mall. I would obviously wear tights ....</p> <p>1) Here's the charcoal gray "sorta" pencil skirt with the purple blouse:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/sept%202008/?action=view&#038;current=oct08ylf022.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ylf022.jpg</a></p> <p>Note two shoe options: </p> <p>- the dark silver SW booties (I'd wear chargoal gray tights that match the skirt perfectly)<br /> - black suede boots (I would wear black tights) </p> <p>2) Same blouse and skirt, with black short sleeve jacket over it (not sure what the temp is going to be. </p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/sept%202008/?action=view&#038;current=oct08ylf020.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ylf020.jpg</a></p> <p>Note, two different shoe choices: </p> <p>- wine boots (I have hose in the same color)<br /> - grey spectators (would go with charcoal tights, I think)</p> <p>3) With aubergine AT boxy jacket:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/sept%202008/?action=view&#038;current=oct08ylf019.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ylf019.jpg</a></p> <p>Either/or shoes... </p> <p>4) Or with black tweed jacket ... I swear I took a shot of that, but it's disappeared! It's this jacket:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/Boston%20Emerging%20Trends%20Fashion%20Show/?action=view&#038;current=fashionshownight010.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ght010.jpg</a></p> <p>Hmm... that's just a start. I also bought some new items today I can play around with too... but what do you think of the skirt and which shoes would you learn towards? Boots vs booties vs spectators? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30420 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:49:20 +0000 Violet 30420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shiny. I agree with the others for the interview outfit. I think a skirt would be best if you don't have dress slacks. If you feel more comfortable in boot cut jeans at work, then go for it! I'm sure whatever you pick, you will look great. Good luck on the job front! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30414 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:55:25 +0000 Kristen 30414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to chime in with all the others and nix skinnies or any jeans for the non-official interview. Dress slacks or a skirt is more professional, and indicates that even for an unofficial discussion, you are taking it seriously. I think you have more leeway with the top; it doesn't have to be a suit, but a nice blouse/top or a sweater would work. The purple BR with vest and skirt sounds like it would be enough -- no jacket needed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30406 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:01:20 +0000 Kyle 30406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny:</p> <p>I would recommend steering clear of jeans for the "interview," even though you would look fab. Send your colleague a message that this meeting is important to you, and jeans (even fab jeans) don't quite convey that. You have so many great options for jackets and blouses, if you can pair those with a basic skirt or dressier pant, you'll be good to go. </p> <p>I think the skinnies are fine for the second event, but if you are more comfortable mentally with boot cuts, then go that route. Either will look great. Skinnies are fashion forward, and you are in a fashion forward biz. Go ahead and feel a little minx-y. You'll radiate confidence all the more. </p> <p>I wish you all the best moving into the consumer side. I'm sure it will be a different world. Marketing people are the superstars in the consumer world, as opposed to B2B, where we are sometimes an afterthought or necessary evil (at least in my experience). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30403 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:27:38 +0000 julijuli 30403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny -I also am in Seattle and have worked in high tech for ages. I really think that for the interview you should wear something like the pencil skirt outfit but maybe with a sweater instead of a jacket to give it a little edge. I also think it depends on where on the West Coast your Corp. HQ is. I am originally from the Bay Area and the vibe up here in Seattle is definitely more casual. I go to SF a lot and the look is more professional/dressed up there. </p> <p>I think for the corporate event you could wear the skinnies and just dress it up a bit more. I really don't think they would be considered provocative! You look great in them. But, if you would feel uncomfortable at all you should go with boot cuts because it is important that you feel good so you can be your best! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30394 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:12:18 +0000 Amanda 30394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny -- living in Seattle I know a lot of people in the high tech industry and it does seem like they wear jeans to everything (as do I now more and more!) -- however, maybe it's just a mental block for me too, but I wouldn't wear the skinny jeans to an interview. I really like the idea of the pencil skirt and boots. I also think the dark wash flares would work -- edgy and denim but a step up from "jeans." I think you're right that you want to look hip given the type of job but I definitely think a step up from what you would wear on the job is in order. The job might only require looking good from the waist up but when you go to breakfast the hiring manager will see the whole outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30390 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:18:48 +0000 Laura 30390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, yes! Pencil skirt and boots - perfect. Have you solved the jacket issue? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30385 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:35:12 +0000 Alecia 30385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the skirt idea is a winning one. Can you post a couple of your outfit ideas? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30384 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:34:18 +0000 shiny 30384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm.... I'm thinking something like Antje's recent outfit, with pencil skirt, boots, belted cardi... but I think I need a jacket to give it that interview spin... </p> <p>I wonder... what about the purple BR tie-neck blouse (great color for the camera) with the vest, with some sort of jacket (not sure here) and a skirt with boots? ..... </p> <p>Skirt options: I have a great dark charcoal grey nearly-pencil skirt. That would work beautifully with the purple blouse, but what jacket over? </p> <p>Hmmmmmmm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30383 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:29:22 +0000 shiny 30383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, that's the thing, Alecia - when I think about dressing for this job, it's all about waist up - what I wear waist down will make no diff whatsover! (The job involves being on video camera a lot - nobody would see what I'm wearing for bottoms). (Note to self: white strip my teeth before this meeting - they need a touch up, darn red wine and coffee!).</p> <p>When not on video, it would require meeting/mentoring young, genY up-and-comers and working with creative agencies and other creative types - so jeans with smart casual would be perfectly appropriate. I'd want to look like I "get it" and can run with the younger or creative crowd.... while also looking sophisticated and polished as suits a 40-something with 20 years of experience. Make sense? </p> <p>Basically, the new direction would land me in the consumer marketing space -the only market I *don't* have on my resume... which is why I'm doing backflips over this.... it's very, VERY hard to break into consumer if you are in B2B. I've wanted to go into consumer for ages, and I know I could do it. This could be my lucky break. (if not now, in the next year or so). </p> <p>In lieu of jeans for the interview, a skirt, blouse, jacket with boots might work .... just not feeling real keen on any of my dress slacks options at the moment. </p> <p>I have some nice tweed slacks for colder weather, but for fall, most of my options are just too loose and falling off of me, cuz of weight I have lost. I switched to jeans and haven't been focusing on dress slacks. </p> <p>For the meeting Nicole/work occasion, I've been going through my closet and I do have a jacket I'm leaning towards, one that I have yet to wear.... nearly wore it yesterday but then felt like going more casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30381 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:20:09 +0000 greenglove 30381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shiny,<br /> Wow, good luck with all the interviewing. I also have this thing about jeans at interviews. I am not sure if it is just not being with it or not. I don't know the industry that you are in but I am an artist/teacher and when I have a job interview I do not wear jeans, even though many times the person interviewing me does. Anything goes in my field but I think I always associated jeans with casual. Since YLF this has changed. I have an art opening and panel discussion to be in next month and I am considering jeans but feel kind of uncomfortable not being more dressed up. It is weird because dark jeans can look very sophisticated and polished but it is the bias against denim that gets in the way. I am probably just confusing the issue further but I do have the same question about the appropriateness of jeans on interviews. Maybe times have changed and jeans have made it into the appropriate category. Dress pants seem dated, I don't even know what they are anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30375 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:04:24 +0000 Alecia 30375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hestitate to post because I don't really know the industry. But I have a mental block on interviews in jeans. Sorry, Shiny. I just can't get over that. Of course, I work in politics and not high-tech and I've come to realize that I'm fairly old fashioned about a lot of stuff. (Ironic since I'm married to an avante garde musician, non? I went to his show last night at a noise festival. Seriously, it was people making noise.) </p> <p>Anyway, jeans thing aside, the rule of thumb I use is to dress for the job you want. So think about what the job your seeking and how you'd dress for it and dress that way, maybe notched up just a bit. </p> <p>And tell Nicole I miss her on the forums, too. It's wonderful to hear when people meet up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30372 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:52:28 +0000 Ana 30372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness! This is so important, I don't want to advise you wrong (this is totally out of my league). </p> <p>Maybe....hmm....I think if you feel comfortable wearing the skinny jeans to the interview, and you pair it with a really nice blouse and jacket, that would be fine. I was going to suggest the NL blouse you have, but the material might be too dressy for breakfast. Do you have something similar in funkiness and fun to the NL blouse that is more of a matte material? What about your bowtie jacket? Is that too dressy as well? I'm not really helping much, sorry. :(</p> <p>Hopefully Sihaya or Antje will wake up and see this because they live on the West Coast and also don't they work in industries similar to yours? (I have no idea).</p> <p>To work, could you wear a skirt and boots? Oh, what about that outfit you wore to go the Sports bar? The one with the dark jeans, the floral(?) blouse, and the tweed jacket? </p> <p>I'm SO excited you're meeting Nicole! Tell her I miss her on the forum (I need my daily laugh). And definitely report back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-work-occasions-coming-up#post-30352 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:51:06 +0000 shiny 30352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This coming week I have two special work occasions coming up, and I'm plotting out what to wear. As you know, I am a teleworker and only hit the office about twice a month. </p> <p>Being in high-tech, our dress code is pretty casual. Actually, VERY casual. Most people schlump around in jeans or khakis and look, well, like they just rolled out of bed. </p> <p>Smart casual has worked very well for me - jeans but taking it up a notch. </p> <p>However, these two work occasions are a bit different:</p> <p>1) Good news! My informational interview on friday has led to an invitation to meet the hiring manager (a major heavy hitter in our company) at a swank hotel downtown for breakfast, to "continue our conversation." She just happens to be in town next week for a conference. </p> <p>Now, the deal is, those who work in our HQ on the West Coast dress totally differently than those who work in our East Coast offices!!! Despite a "business casual" dress code, people dress very smartly - you do still see jeans but it is also not uncommon at all to see suits and ties. Before YLF, even in my best-dressed work clothes, I'd feel slightly frumpy in comparison when I traveled out there. </p> <p>Likely this manager will be in a suit - since she will be presenting later at the conference. </p> <p>This is technically not an "official" interview. The situation is such that it actually looks like the job WON'T be a good fit for me afterall: they need someone immediately, and someone on the west coast, or willing to basically live out there for weeks or months on end initially. I just can't do that at this time in my life. </p> <p>BUT..... the hiring manager invited me to breakfast anyway, because she anticipates hiring a lot of people over the year.... and was intrigued by my background.... </p> <p>So if not *this* particular job, perhaps one down the road when the timing is better for me too. (I told her that although my bosses are well aware I am ready to move in a different direction, I had committed to execute through end of year - if not a full 9 months more - and I did want to keep that commitment, but knew I'd kick myself forever if I didn't at least talk to her about the job opening). </p> <p>Sooooo.... what on earth to wear???? I don't even know if I have any dress slacks that fit me anymore, to mix and match, and make a suit. And, it's not an official interview anyway. </p> <p>Can I get away with the dark skinnies, a jacket, and a blouse? I'm thinking I might be able to get away with that.... but I'm on the fence. For this department, how you look (from the waist up at least) is highly, highly important. Looking completely stylish and trendy - with attention to detail from the waist up (jewelry, layering, etc) - would be a huge, huge plus in my favor for this job. A regulation interview suit would be completely wrong, I am thinking. </p> <p>Hmmm.... I need to strike a note of "business appropriate, 20 year veteran, but young and hip and with it enough to get a younger market, and with great taste and style. Someone you could trust whether you put her in front of a business or a creative agency. And---- someone who would look great on camera." </p> <p>(Now you know that last bit, for me, is one of my intimidation areas - but YLF has been wonderful in helping me get over that fear of cameras.... )</p> <p>2) Second challenge: We have a major company event going on. Big-wigs flying in. Will be a mob scene. I will just be one employee in a big crowd. I think smart casual formula with jeans will be fine - provided I go with jacket not sweater - just in case *somehow* I get to meet one of the big-wigs. </p> <p>ALSO - later on after this event - I'm meeting Nicole for the first time!! WOO-HOO!!! Looking forward to that - way more than the work event. ;-)</p> <p>The question here is: are the skinnies okay to wear to my office? I don't know why, but I seem to have this mental barrier wearing them to the office. Maybe because they are so form-fitting? </p> <p>Truth is, I feel like a little sexy minx in my skinnies... which gives me pause when I consider wearing them to the office!!! Although bizarrely, I *could* see me wearing them to the breakfast interview... hmmm... why is that? </p> <p>Would bootcuts or my dark wash flares (which are more like denim dress slacks) be better? Or is this just all in my head and I need to get over it? </p> <p>Please advise! I'm hoping to slip out to the mall today or tomorrow, but on the pants front, it's unlikely I will be able to find anything in time (considering need to hem). </p>