https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 13:31:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907892 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:16:43 +0000 DonnaF 907892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats!&nbsp; Another vote for #1 -- so it's unanimous for poster time.&nbsp; Makes it easy, right?<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907881 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:02:12 +0000 Jenava 907881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ #1, hands down. &nbsp;I think go with the dress...can you layer a blazer over it? &nbsp;and dark jeans the rest of the conference. &nbsp;Love that tuxedo top with the black straight trousers!! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907855 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:26:56 +0000 Diana 907855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like #1 for the poster!&nbsp; I think with this kind of thing you <i>don't</i> want to look too formal/business/medical because as I think you know the academics and the clinical people kind of look suspiciously at each other, and you don't want the people you are trying to impress (the academics) to think you're batting for the other team, KWIM? Anyway, I like outfit #1 because it's professional while being not overtly businessy or too slick.&nbsp; Plus it's fun!<br /><br />When I gave a talk at a (much smaller) conference, the one I was in DC for last year actually, I wore the outfit below.&nbsp; Blazer to make it a bit more dressy, but printed skirt and funky blouse to make it not suit-like.&nbsp; It was really hot, if you remember, that week.<br /><br />ETA: I think dark jeans or more smart casual (so maybe like a printed a-line or something as opposed to say a really strict black pencil) skirts would be a good bet for the rest of the conference.&nbsp; No idea about the welcome reception - for most of the conferences I've been to people just wear what they'd normally wear to the rest of the meeting.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907843 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:17:48 +0000 bj1111 907843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #1, think tucked, not untucked. More polished. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907840 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:14:55 +0000 Rambling Ann 907840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Merewether nailed most of my favorite eats. On a per diem budget, don't hesitate to eat from the taco carts! Red Iguana!! Reason enough to make a 200 mile drive. The other budget-friendly place I like for breakfast is "The Other Place," a Greek restaurant that does American breakfast. Go figure&nbsp;And when I'm in town, we always eat at Canellas, at 200 E and 500 S by the library. It's our neighborhood Italian place.<br /><br />Go see the flowers at Temple Square. It should be about peaking right now. &nbsp;I have not been to City Creek mall, the new new thing in Salt Lake. It's on the agenda for next Friday when I'm up there. Supposed to be fancy shopping, high end retailers and the Nordstrom and Macys.&nbsp;<br /><br />Shoes: the convention center = standing on concrete for the entire time of your poster. Even if they have the area carpeted (and the Salt Palace has the ugliest carpet on the planet in the main areas), it's still carpet on concrete. And that ambling pace when you look at other posters...that's worse than speed walking the same amount of time. &nbsp;Those places have the worst temperature control so layers for indoors.&nbsp;<br /><br />I would be so happy if your weather forecast is right, but be prepared for wind, rain and slushy snow just in case. If it snows it will disappear quickly. Spring wind is cold no matter the direction. Average temperatures for Utah are just that, averages, with a wide distribution around them. It could be 32 or 80 on any given day, and then change to the other in 24 hours.<br /><br />Bring sunglasses if you plan to do any walking at all. Keep a couple bucks in your pocket if inclined for the homeless folks so you aren't fumbling with your purse. SLC has more than its share of panhandlers, especially now that the weather is warming up. It's not necessary, but sometimes they can get a bit aggressive, do as works for you.<br /><br />You don't have to dress for dinner anywhere except a handful of spendy places and here at the tail end of&nbsp;ski season, it can get super casual from people who come off the mountain and barely get a shower and&nbsp;a clean fleece on. If you have a credit card, you're good.&nbsp;<br /><br />(True story: our first year here we went to the ballet, dressed like we would in Houston, as in black tie. We were shocked to see people in sweatshirts. This town dresses for church, but that's about it. The good news is that for the price of bleacher seats in Houston we could get down in orchestra, and the ballet is quite good.)<br /><br />If you are going the academic path, I don't think it matters if you dress to your regular level of comfort, except at the poster. In fact, some of the biosciences academics I've know are unreasonably suspicious and wary of the overdressed (in comparison to themselves). Maybe it's because it makes them look like slobs. What you don't want is for them to confuse you with the medical people with all their preconceptions. That divide is unfathomable but real. If you are going to try to go toward a corporate/medical career, then dress a little better. As a post-doc, no one expects you to have any money or time, so it isn't hard to look polished.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Congrats on getting a poster presentation. Good luck in telling your science story and enjoy your trip. Hope you get to come back for some recreating in our national parks someday. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907812 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:39:45 +0000 Tanya 907812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Merewether, thank you so much for all the great info! &nbsp;I really&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;it. &nbsp;I will print your post and take it with me. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907801 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:27:40 +0000 Anonymous 907801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lurker, foodie,&nbsp;and local booster&nbsp;here in downtown Salt Lake City....&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; &nbsp;Spring weather is changeable and in a week you will no doubt experience a bit of everything. April is wet by our standards&nbsp;and a raincoat or jacket would be prudent. &nbsp;Salt Lake is not a dressy city although northern downtown will have many sedately garbed worker bees.<br /><br />What to do: Temple Square is looking particularly lovely right now and even if you are not interested in matters theological, a tour is a good way to learn about LDS (Mormon) church. SItes in greater Temple Square area which are more history than religion are Church History Museum and Beehive House (Brigham Young's home). Family History &nbsp;Library is amazing but if you want to do genealogy&nbsp;come prepared with whatever data you already have.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; To stretch your legs after sitting in too many presentations you can walk a few blocks up Main or State Street to the State Capitol. Nice views out over the valley and tours of the bldg on the hour 9-4 M-F. Another close-by place for walk is City Creek Canyon extending NE from the Church Office Bldg.<br />&nbsp; A STEM type would probably like the new Natural History Museum of Utah and the adjoining Red Butte Gardens. About 3 miles due east of downtown. Doable by UTA public <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.rideuta.com">transit&nbsp;</a>but needs a bit of timing. Bus routes 228 or 455 go within a block&nbsp;or take Red Line of TRAX (light rail) to University, get off at Ft Douglas and walk a mile SE. &nbsp;<br />BTW, buses and TRAX are&nbsp;&nbsp;free within downtown, hop on and off at will; bus drivers generally helpful to newbies. &nbsp;Today is opening of TRAX line to airport.<br /><br /><br />&nbsp; Eating:&nbsp;<br />At conferences getting a quick bite between sessions is often the issue. &nbsp;Close to Salt Palace try food court at City Creek Center (new shopping area just east of Salt Palace&nbsp;Convention Center). Local vendors Red Iguana, Mykonos and Bocata all better than the usual fast food. &nbsp;Nice outside seating area. &nbsp;&nbsp;Harmons grocery store (State St and 100 South) has long hours, acceptable prepared&nbsp;food&nbsp;and a nicer&nbsp;than average seating area on the mezzanine. &nbsp;Conference goers often overlook food at Temple Square-- two small cafeterias in historic Joseph Smith Building and Lion House (west wing of Beehive House)...no caffeine there obviously. &nbsp;The area with the highest concentration of&nbsp;lunch spots is 300 South (AKA Broadway) between State and Main. &nbsp;<br /><br />Nice places for coffee/pastry or a light lunch: Eva's Bakery &nbsp;155 S. Main; Carlucci bakery&nbsp;314 W 300 South; Rose Establishment, 235 S 400 West; Beehive Tearoom (opens &nbsp;11am) 12 West 300 South; Les Madeleines, 216 E 500 South (one block south of Library TRAX stop).<br /><br />Our favorites of the more serious&nbsp;restaurants: Copper Onion 111 E 300 South;&nbsp;Martine 22 E 100 S. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />HIstoric restaurant: Lamb's Grill &nbsp;169 S Main (visitors often get a kick out of the time warp of this place)<br />Brew pubs likely to be very busy during a big conference. I'd vote for Red Rock over Squatters for food. &nbsp;For an ethnic restaurant our favorite: Himalayan Kitchen 360 S State.<br />&nbsp;see <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/c/54/Salt-Lake-City-restaurants.html">Urbanspoon</a> for reviews and links to restaurants https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907759 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:43:13 +0000 Sona 907759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Outift one is stellar. those proportions work very well on you.I would keep that in mind if you do a similar suit look. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907722 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:46:29 +0000 Angie 907722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am humbled to have inspired outfit #1. Lots of wisdom from the ladies already. Just chiming in to say that I know you'll make the best impression at the conference :)<br /><br />And another vote for your fab wrap dresses!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907717 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:43:31 +0000 Liz A. 907717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have never seen anyone look remotely stylish at the conferences I've attended. &nbsp;I would say smart casual is perfect for the regular days. &nbsp;For the poster presentation, you will want to be extremely comfortable, so you are not distracted by your clothing. &nbsp;I like #1 as an outfit, but for a presentation, I would definitely go with #4, maybe even spice it up with a colored pump. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907710 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:39:55 +0000 Tanya 907710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for the replies so far! &nbsp;I am glad that are most votes for outfit #1, as it is my favorite too.<br /><br />Gaylene and Suz, I do wear my wrap dress with a cami, otherwise there is too much cleavage. &nbsp;I also safety pin the skirt so it does not accidentally open. &nbsp;I like the idea of pencil skirt/dressy top too. &nbsp;Hmm, I will think about this and post some possibilities later in the week.&nbsp;<br /><br />The weather: highs are going be in high 60s/low 70s, at night the temperature is expected to drop to about 50 degrees. &nbsp;<br /><br />Isis, that is great point about comfortable shoes. Those are a must, as my hotel is a couple of blocks walk from the conference center to begin with and there will be a lot of walking back and forth. &nbsp;People would probably dress up a little for the reception a it is in the evening and called a "cocktail party", but how much I have no clue. &nbsp;And I will try to go to that restaurant if possible.<br /><br />He he Sveta and Greek Goddess, dressing for the future job in this case would not be a wise strategy, as that job might be a (hard) science professor/PI, and most female ones that I have ever seen ( my field is extremely male-dominated)&nbsp;look very sloppy. You know, the whole academic "my work is so important and I do not have time to waist on&nbsp;such frivolous things like ironed clothes etc.".<br /><br />About pencil skirts, while I love them and would wear one to the reception, I wouldn't wear one to the conference sessions. &nbsp;It is too feminine and restricting. &nbsp;<br /><br />Thanks again, lots of wisdom here!<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907688 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:18:34 +0000 Greek Goddess 907688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Sveta, dress for the job you want in the future. I think outfit number one works very well. I much prefer the darker pants, the lighter ones make you look ''all legs''. Maybe you could pack a nice pencil skirt that would go with the top and trousers in look number one? How about a nice patterned shirt to make a change, a nice black and white pattern would look good with the other mix and match clothes. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907683 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:11:27 +0000 Sveta 907683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I prefer #1, it looks most interesting while in the same time completely appropriate. Longer blazer really balances out the skinny trousers.<br />As for business casual or smart casual dressing - from what you describe either should work. I would pack both dark wash jeans and trousers and see on the spot. If you want to meet future job contacts there I would go more with the field you want to get into rather than where you are now. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907677 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:07:51 +0000 sarah 907677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya, any of these would be very appropriate for a poster presentation, but I like #1 the best from a style point of view. Otherwise, I echo what Isis said. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907673 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:02:58 +0000 Isis 907673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like #1 for your poster!<br /><br />For the rest of the conference, I personally would go with smart casual, but that is me.&nbsp; I think you should go with either business casual or smart casual, choosing what you feel most comfortable in.<br /><br />At my meetings&nbsp; no one dresses up for the welcome reception (it's after an opening talk and doesn't last long)....if yours is the same, I would wear something like #1 rather than a dress.<br /><br />Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in (including several blocks in case you get an in promptu invite to dinner/lunch several blocks away).&nbsp; I usually walk miles every meeting.<br /><br />SLC has wonderful food, especially all kinds of international food.&nbsp; For eating,&nbsp; I've liked Squatter's Pub, which is downtown, but I can't remember other downtown places.&nbsp; If you have a car, Silver Fork Lodge is a wonderful place in the mountains for breakfast/lunch.&nbsp; Most of all, have fun at your meeting!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907634 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:34:50 +0000 Suz 907634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the first outfit would work extremely well for the poster presentation, Tanya. I like the bit of extra style, and the outfit also conveys a touch of humour (IMO) because a tux shirt is playfully formal, if you know what I mean. Also, I'll bet the pants are comfortable and will pack well without creasing.&nbsp;<br /><br />I like Gaylene's suggestion for a dressy outfit, but your wrap dress would also work nicely if you are not concerned about any gaps. Or maybe you wear a camisole with yours.&nbsp;<br /><br />What will the weather be like? Even if you will be indoors most of the time, I would be looking to see what the temperatures will be, because that might influence what you will feel most comfortable in. I think for the other days you can stand to go a bit more relaxed than for the presentation itself, but in general, yes, business casual makes sense.&nbsp;<br /><br />You are going to look wonderful!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907620 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:19:25 +0000 Gaylene 907620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My vote is for the first outfit because the outfit is memorable in a good way; you are likely to attract the audience's attention because you look like a young, polished professional who has interpreted the dress code accurately but with a hint of style. That image could go over quite well, especially with the non-North Americans in the audience. </p> <p>The tucked shirt versions look very conservative which would be fine for the rest of the conference activities but lack the visual interest that you might want when you are in front of an audience. Wearing the regular shirts untucked could also be seen as veering towards a bit too informal when you are in front of professional audience. The tuxedo shirt, however, looks like it is supposed to be worn untucked. </p> <p>For the rest of the conference, I'd stay with business casual but with option of wearing a pair of polished, dark wash jeans if that seems more appropriate for some events. SLC veers towards a more casual dress code, so it might be nice to have a jeans/crisp shirt/soft jacket option handy.</p> <p>I tend to avoid wrap dresses for professional events because of potential gapage issues; actually, my favorite "dressy" option is usually a straight skirt with heels that I wear with a silk top and a bit of bling. It's easy to pack, versatile because I can wear the items with other pieces, and allows me to vary my "dressy" look by swapping out tops or wearing a dressy pant instead of the skirt. And, if something gets spilled on my dressy top, I'm not stuck for the rest of the conference (speaking now from personal experience!) I'd avoid white jeans for the same reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wtwpack-for-upcoming-academic-conference#post-907559 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:03:38 +0000 Tanya 907559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will be attending the biggest and most important academic conference in my field in a week. &nbsp;It will take place in Salt Lake City, UT, and last for a week. &nbsp;I will need outfits for five conference days, including one for a day on which I will be presenting a poster, and an evening outfit for the welcome reception on the opening evening. &nbsp;The conference is in a mixed field: lots of STEM people but lots of medical&nbsp;professionals as well.<br /><br />There is no official dress code, but in my experience you can see people in everything from super casual (jeans, tee, sneakers) to suits. &nbsp;Scientists tend to dress down but medical people usually dress nicer. &nbsp;Also, it is international and a lot of people from Europe and other places outside of USA&nbsp;tend to dress more formal . &nbsp;I am trying to achieve the golden middle - I want to look polished and competent. &nbsp;While I am not on the job market yet, in about 1.5 years I will probably be looking and I want to leave good impression on the important people I might meet. &nbsp;So for once I actually do not want to challenge the&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;norm (not that there is one for conferences). &nbsp;I do not want to wear anything too feminine, flashy or unusual (for this crowd). &nbsp;Full suits would be too formal for someone in my position (I am a postdoc) so I am thinking of wearing a blouse/button up shirt, blazer and pants/polished jeans.<br />I would like to ask for you help in figuring out the following:<br /><br />A. &nbsp;The most important outfit is the one for the day of my poster presentation and I am hoping to figure it out in this post, as I would like to use the pieces from it&nbsp;to mix and match for other outfits. &nbsp;I have come up with 4 options and I definitely need this to be&nbsp;business&nbsp;casual:<br /><ol><li>The most fashion forward, and shameless copy of Angie's recent outfit, with dressier shoes: J Crew tuxedo shirt, charcoal pinstripe blazer, skinny black pants and low pointy wedges<br /></li><li>&nbsp;More casual with same pants and shoes, this one with blue shirt and charcoal ponte blazer<br /></li><li>The most conservative option, basically a mismatched Theory suit (black blazer and grey pants) with white shirt and classic black pumps</li><li>Same outfit made slightly less boring with patterned grey/white &nbsp;shirt. &nbsp;Do you prefer the shirt untucked as in 3 or tucked as here?</li></ol>Which one is your favorite? &nbsp;Feel free to suggest different outfits from these pieces or even other ones - I own a bunch of blazers, pants and shirts.<br /><br />B. For the rest of the conference outfits ( I need four more), would you &nbsp;go for business casual like above or smart casual with same items on the top but with polished jeans such as dark trouser jeans, white jeans etc.?<br /><br />C. &nbsp;I am completely clueless&nbsp;what would be most&nbsp;appropriate outfit for the welcome reception. &nbsp;What do you think of &nbsp;the classic DVF wrap dress? ( mine is navy with tiny white pattern).<br /><br />D. Finally, does anyone have good&nbsp;recommendations&nbsp;for places to see/eat in in SLC? &nbsp;I have never been to the city/UT before and would like to make most of it in the rare free periods.<br /><br />I would like to thank you very much&nbsp;in advance for your hep this. &nbsp;Conference dressing is the most&nbsp;stressful&nbsp;and difficult for me as I am never happy no matter what I choose.