https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:49:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145894 Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:59:44 +0000 rose 2145894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ll watch for you on the news! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145873 Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:53:29 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2145873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just following along, excited for this opportunity! I agree that you have a good fall-back option with the dress, gray blazer, nude shoes and black/camel bag. And definitely your aviators. I like the Cat's suggestion of a navy-based capsule for long term. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145781 Fri, 25 Sep 2020 01:51:09 +0000 Carla 2145781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah! &nbsp;Shoes are really important. &nbsp;Especially if you have any dealings with engineers. &nbsp;You know the joke about the extroverted engineer? &nbsp;Looks at&nbsp;<i>your&nbsp;</i>shoes instead of their own! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145752 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:25:17 +0000 Suz 2145752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I'm with Jenn -- the shoes are the ticket. Whatever footwear you get will show you the way. Can't wait to see what you get!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145734 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:05:38 +0000 Jenn 2145734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really think the shoes are the key here. &nbsp; Get the shoes right, and the rest of the outfit will fall into place.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is one area where men have it so much easier! Their default dressy shoes are a lot more practical than even the most sensible pumps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145726 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:32:22 +0000 Sal 2145726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Probably in the weekend I think - I may call today to one shop. We have just dropped our restrictions again here after a tightening through August again as Covid arrived back in NZ. It has been a while since I did more than very casual shopping in person.</p> <p>I love all the ideas and will definitely get a pic for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145690 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:36:41 +0000 Angie 2145690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY! Milk it :)</p> <p>*rubs hands with excitement*&nbsp;</p> <p>When are you going shopping?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145629 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 10:42:49 +0000 lyn67 2145629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woe, exciting, hope you will show us wyw!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145624 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:49:58 +0000 The Cat 2145624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, how about buying fabulous NAVY work pants instead of black? (You tend to look better in blue than in black. ) A NAVY PANTSUIT might be very useful also in the future. Or wear navy pants with your grey blazer.</p> <p>Choose a patterned blouse/shirt with some blush (and perhaps navy) in the pattern, and wear your blush shoes which look perfect for spring and add a subtle playful and feminine touch. If you prefer to wear a solid top, you could either choose a blush one or add a scarf with some blush (and perhaps navy) in the print, to echo your shoes. Or you could buy a pair of fab navy shoes, e.g. low slingbacks, perhaps with a touch of white/blush/camel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145591 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 02:10:55 +0000 Sal 2145591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - the boundaries are so blurred now that it is really tricky.&nbsp; And my thoughts are changing.....</p> <p>My take (from talking to others) is that men will mostly be in suits, or dress trousers and blazers.&nbsp; Their may be people from rural businesses in polo/chino as well possibly.&nbsp; I think women will run the full range too.</p> <p>A skirt suit would feel overkill for me - a trouser suit, dress and blazer, blazer and pants, even a slightly more arty look would work.&nbsp; I am open to any of the above.&nbsp; New dress pants or work appropriate shoes or both would both be really useful additions to the wardrobe so I lean that way.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>To be honest, I have had very few reasons to feel excited about dressing up in 2020 so am seizing on this opportunity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145580 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:05:27 +0000 Angie 2145580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal,</b> do you mean more of a business casual or business formal look? May I suggest adding a playful touch. And YES! Go shop for something fab. You will use the items again and again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145578 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 23:28:29 +0000 Sal 2145578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It has been an interesting thread - I think there is scope to improve my fallback outfit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I do want to feel really confident on the day and am prepared to shop for the day.&nbsp; I am short of a smart work proper capsule and as my role has changed (to be more outward facing rather than behind the scenes) it will be important to have a couple more go to looks.</p> <p>Phoebe- I need to do a try on for sure....right now, I don't know!</p> <p>Fashintern - I agree and thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145538 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:31:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2145538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love those blush oxfords and think they'd be delicious with the grey blazer. What to wear to fill in the space in between? Maybe the new pants, or the black dress. Go ahead and get noticed, just a little--you're there to network. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145533 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:18:19 +0000 Anonymous 2145533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interested by the camel slingbacks idea. In theory, you're combining neutrals which should work to create an understated, elegant but not overly formal outfit but would the ratio of black to grey and camel actually work?</p> <p>Intrigued </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance/page/2#post-2145481 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:48:00 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2145481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know there have been frequent conversations here, over the years, about finance being a sector in which you should dress on the conservative side. Are you specifically in finance? If so, in your shoes, I wouldn’t wear sneakers. (See what I did there? )</p> <p>“Competent and assertive”, at this high level, and with media present (I’m certain you’ll have media present). For me, that means something tried and true, that I feel like a million bucks in. I like that dark dress, with the grey blazer, and light-colored, elegant accessories that light up your face. Your best cream or blush or nude or silver or pale gold.</p> <p>I don’t know where you stand on makeup, but let’s be honest, men are visual creatures, like birds, and I’ve always noticed a little extra mascara and soft lip color can go a long way in getting better manners out of a guy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145471 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:12:57 +0000 Bijou 2145471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal the best advice I have been given in these situations is to wear what makes you feel good. Personally I am more confident when over dressed rather than underdressed. You are likely to arrive and will need to just network with a stranger, so feeling comfortable and confident is key. I usually gravitate to someone who looks a bit lost and strike up a conversation.</p> <p>I like your back up outfit a lot. What about shoes to bookend your hair? A nude to light cognac pump? I often wear coloured shoes with an all black suit to lighten things up and find my coloured pumps as versatile as my black shoes. In finds are two shoes that fall back on regularly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145458 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 11:50:28 +0000 Liesbeth 2145458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your 'backup' option and would have suggested this myself. The shoes read formal enough for me (but then again I have never ever been in a situation that required black pumps). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145457 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 09:18:25 +0000 Jessikams 2145457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I attend quite a lot of this type of event and almost always opt for neutral or dark separates, to look professional but in a sort of “vague” way as Rachy puts it! Not making a huge style statement. I think sturdy shoes, as you may get dragged into a field or something for some crazy photo opportunity— you don’t want to be sinking into mud in heels or anything that would make the men think “women and their silly shoes!” Enjoy this opportunity, hope you get lots of useful contacts or info out of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145433 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 23:35:19 +0000 Jenni NZ 2145433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh very good!<br /> I agree about wardrobes sometimes being not quite right. I had a rare outing a couple of weeks ago, a dinner for our retiring practice nurse ( 10 women- the limit allowed at the time- at a restaurant). I wore the third dress I tried on from my wardrobe!<br /> Good luck to find new pants. Pants are hard xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145431 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 23:29:54 +0000 Sal 2145431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni both the bag and dress are black (the bag also has camel on it).&nbsp; The camel reads as similar to the shoes although the shoes are a warm blush.</p> <p>It is interesting how you think you are set for any occasion and then something comes along and you realise your wardrobe is not quite there.&nbsp; I could probably wear some of my other business casual pieces but I do want to feel really confident and "nail it".&nbsp; I definitely need some new work pants in the next couple of months so I think now could be the time (and I have a quiet weekend so I do have time to look).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145420 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 22:48:38 +0000 Jenni NZ 2145420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the back-up option because I actually think the loafers go really well with that blazer, the buttons on the blazer seem to echo the heel and sole and laces of the shoes.<br /> But is that a black dress and navy bag? Not quite sure I would do that myself, but also aware that one puts the bag down most of the time, and it is a really nice bag. I do mix black and navy though so not sure why I am objecting!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145414 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 21:58:55 +0000 Sal 2145414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all!&nbsp; I will try on a couple of options tonight but I think I will look at some boutiques for some great new tailored pants which I need anyway.</p> <p>I would also be interested in a new low heel pump or slingback shoe that works well with skirts and dresses and pants.&nbsp; At the moment I only really like my heels with pants or longer midi skirts - anything just below the knee at the moment would feel better with a lower heel.</p> <p>I think I do have a backup option that would be suitable - see finds below.&nbsp; I would take the tassles off the shoes with the dress.&nbsp; I think this would be better with camel slingbacks though..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145378 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:58:12 +0000 Angie 2145378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How exciting,<b> Sal</b>! Congrats! Impressive!</p> <p>Like <b>Jane</b>, I'm thinking of your bandage dress with the duck egg blue blazer and light shoes. Aviators too!&nbsp;</p> <p>And like <b>Brooklyn </b>and <b>Suz,</b> I'm thinking RELAXED suit with polka dot camisole and brand new white sneakers.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145370 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:28:53 +0000 avicennia 2145370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was curious to see what you’d decided Sal, so I checked back on the post. I strongly agree with PaulaF. On this occasion it’s much wiser to be overdressed and lean conservative. The grey blazer’s double row of buttons is funky and fun. I would leave the fun at that and have the rest of the outfit, dress, bag and shoes trend conservative. I’d definitely steer away from fashion sneakers — the only reason Kamala Harris gets away with them because she is the star of the show. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145365 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:42:37 +0000 Helena 2145365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the black dress a.e light gray blazer ... Maybe a good excuse to by new flat black shoes!? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145323 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:57:35 +0000 PaulaF 2145323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This may be old skool of me, but when in doubt I would always err on the dressier, more conservative side. The “sin” of being underdressed or inappropriately dressed is always worse than that of being overdressed, especially if powerful people and/or potential opportunities are present...even in semi-rural locations. :)</p> <p>If you wore a dark suit look, you could always take the blazer off when you get there to relax how formal you look.</p> <p>Good luck and let us know what choices you end up making! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145322 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:42:56 +0000 Carla 2145322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about that mustard Boden jacket? &nbsp;Over your black culottes* and white t shirt? Lady-like mid or low heeled black pumps and your beautiful black bag? &nbsp;Maybe tie that great scarf (yellow, blush, black and white) onto the handles of your bag. &nbsp;</p> <p>* I’m not sure if these are still in your closet vs edited out</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145312 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 12:28:53 +0000 RobinF 2145312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh love the idea of a Kamala Harris look! And agree with Suz that if sneakers feel a little too casual then loafers instead. I do really like your blazers, they will work with a lot of options.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145292 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:22:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 2145292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh! Exciting! I think black dress, Witchery blazer, and blush shoes. They look more up-to-date than your black pumps I feel.<br /> Sock it to those men </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wsiw-business-lunch-with-the-minister-of-finance#post-2145286 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 07:54:26 +0000 Minaminu 2145286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on the invite! I think the grey blazer and black dress would be perfect. I love Rachylou suggestions for the shoes, Or maybe a pair of nude pumps in kitten heel. </p>