A casual conference conundrum - YouLookFab Forum

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A casual conference conundrum

Diana

Veteran

I am leaving on Sunday to go to a five-day scientific conference at an isolated college campus. I think the overall feel will be quite casual. I've not been to this particular conference before, but have attended others in the same series. Basically felt like Science Camp. =P Last time, I wore pretty casual outfits (jeans, mostly) but back then I was a student and was not worrying about such things.

Anyway, I am a little conflicted about what to wear. Should I do something like my last conference capsule (minus the first outfit which was for the YLF meetup), or should I go for more casual? I am not giving a talk this time (just a poster presentation) and the location/size is much more intimate than the Washington DC meeting so I think it will be overall more casual. However, this conference will be full of professors whom I would like one day soon to be my colleagues and who might have a say in getting me a faculty position.

I don't want to look either too overdressed or too underdressed. Is it overkill to bring two blazers? (I will probably only wear them indoors in the AC and maybe late at night, and will also have at least one cardigan as well). Would you wear BF jeans (with a blazer to spiff them up)?

I will definitely be bringing the BF jeans, by the way, since I am headed for a casual weekend away immediately after the meeting. But I'm not sure if I should wear them at the meeting! They are dark wash with no distressing. But should I play it safe and bring some regular straight legs too?

ETA: It will be likely hot and humid although probably not as bad as Boston. There will be AC in the lecture hall but I'm not sure about the rest of the venues.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Diana

JR

Veteran

I would play it safe and bring the straight legs. And no, I don't think two blazers is overkill. You always have to have backup in case of spills and other unforeseens. If one is slightly less casual than the other, even better, because it would allow you to shift style easily. You could also pack some accessories that would up the game a bit if you judge that your casual is too casual, if you catch my meaning. Shoes could help here, and maybe a button-down shirt or two. Versatile, neutral items that can be dressed up or down would be your friends in this kind of situation, it seems to me.

Diana

Veteran

Oh, forgot to add that I am not flying so am not going to be as anal as normal about packing super light, but I do still need to fit 7 days worth of clothes (including the conference stuff and the weekend stuff) into one small rolling suitcase.

JR: Normally I would just saw screw it and bring the straight leg jeans, but my other consideration is that all of my long jeans are really a bit too hot for the weather right now. It's probably OK in the ACed lecture hall but I'm not sure I want to deal with being too hot. Could just stick to skirts, I guess. I am going to bring my slouchy black crops too.

Anonymous

Whenever I'm not sure, I err on the side of being too dressy. It's so much better than the other way around!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I just looked at your blog and I love the navy sack dress! Your blazer(s) with the BFs will be a nice, casual addition, too. Is it too hot to take that cute cargo pants and denim jacket outfit I noticed on your blog photos? That looked great, too, Diana.

Diana

Veteran

Vicki, I'm planning on taking the black version of those taupe pants. If I bring the two blazers (I'm thinking white and cobalt) I'll leave the denim jacket at home. And I will definitely bring the navy sack dress! It goes with everything and can be dressed up or down.

Was also thinking about the dress in this post. I'd add a topper (something sheer a la the knit top in the second photo, or I could wear it with a blazer.

harmonica

Veteran

Why don't you just copy your last conference capsule? It is really, really gorgeous and you don't look too overdressed (according to my experiece with conferences and such). You look very approachable, put together and still all through Diana. And the outfits looks breezy too. Maybe add a scarf in case AC gets too chilly during lectures (i.e cover legs if wearing skirt/dress) But maybe boring to just copy?

2 blazers are not too many and as JR points out, better if one is dressier than the other

BF jeans and blazer would look great, but as you say might get too hot

catgirl

Veteran

You are taking your slouchy cropped pants, right?

rae

(website)

Veteran

How about smart casual? Jeans, but with a blazer thrown over. Your slouchy crops sound good to me, too. The BF jeans and a fitted blazer sound good to me, too. The blazers are a good idea in general, so that if you feel too much like the resident stuffed shirt, you can just take the jacket off.

Anonymous

I am so dull when it comes to creative business casual dressing that I don't think I have great ideas to contribute. But... Whatever you do, please take this (First outfit).
http://diana.lookfab.com/post/.....r-dressing

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I second 'smart casual'. Blazers are not overkill, IMHO, but they may be too hot...? I'd bring what makes you feel comfortable and professional. Vague, I know. :/

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh my goodness. I second Zapotee. That is such a striking outfit and so easy at the same time. Can you fit it in the suitcase?

I also LOVE the idea of the second dress you linked to with either the lacy topper or a blazer.

It seems as if too many jeans might be too hot or just not right. They also take up more room in a suitcase and are heavier. So if you can sub something else for those, you might end up with more options.

I do think two jackets is a good idea. It gives you much more variety. People notice our tops more than our bottoms. And if one of these jackets is bright, so much the better.

If the conference is super casual, the BF jeans should be fine along with a jacket.

Diana

Veteran

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like Smart Casual is probably the order of the day. I think I will bring the BF jeans (for the weekend for sure, and maybe one of the conference days as well, and maybe for one of the travel days) but no other jeans. I am definitely going to bring my black slouchy crops as well so those could be worn more than once if I decide I don't want to do jeans. The blue sack dress and the black dress. Two blazers - white which will be neutral and a bright blue one. One skirt. Plus tops of course.

Zap, I hadn't considered that outfit but it is a great idea! I think it may be actually ideal for the first day which includes a 3 hr bus ride followed by conference stuff in the evening.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

If your scientific conference is anything like the teacher's conferences I've been to, your last conference capsule is just perfect. Smart, pulled together, and very pretty on you! I don't have any creative suggestions, I only want to second what everybody else already have said:)

Isis

Veteran

Diana,

This sounds like it could be a Gordon conference? As you know, since you've been to them, these are actually quite different from any other conference in terms of apparel. "Science camp" is a great descriptor, and you want to be able to join any activites that pop up for networking (and for fun!)

I think jeans are actually a good bet unless it's hot, and then I would wear shorts or something very comfortable that you can be active in. (maybe you usually wear skirts instead of shorts) I would also bring gear for activities, depending on your location you will probably spend the afternoons swimming (so think about a coverup and a suit you feel comfortable in with work colleagues) and shoes that are good for hiking. Sometimes biking or kayaking in the afternoon is an option too.

Have fun!

Diana

Veteran

Isis, it is indeed a Gordon Conference. I am bringing some gear - workout clothes and my sneakers (which are actually trail runners), and something I can hike in, since my weekend plans might include a hike anyway depending on the weather.
I did think about a bathing suit but honestly I only have bikinis, which I'm not sure I want the scientists to see. =P I might bring it anyway, it's not like it takes up much room. In any case, this conference is not near the water (although there is probably a lake or two nearby).

Isis

Veteran

Definitely try to bring your suit and a coverup....you'll only have the bikini on in the water but that could be a main activity at this particular conference if it's hot and if there is a lake!

Makrame

Veteran

I figured that it must be one of the GRCs as I was reading your first post.

I would say amped-up casualness (as in, casual squared or cubed) is the usual vibe. Speakers wearing khaki pants or shorts, that type of thing, if I remember correctly. I think Isis has it nailed - I was thinking shorts or skirts plus comfortable tops that can be more casual or slightly more dressy. Jeans if the weather is cooler. I would probably bring the Nick and Zoe knit blazer from your other conference capsule since it has a mixture of dressy and casual mood to it. Actually, your entire previous capsule looks like it would work well.

Diana

Veteran

Thank you, Isis and Makrame. It's nice to know that I was not so off the mark about the dress code. I have not been to a GRC since 2008, I think, so I was not sure I was remembering correctly.

Isis, I will definitely bring the bikini then. Both of the dresses can work as a coverup, plus I will have some sort of shorts+top ensemble for the weekend anyway that I could wear over the bikini as well.

I was not planning on bringing the Nic+Zoe blazer just because I want to wear my two newish blazers that I bought and haven't had much chance to wear. They are both not too formal (the blue is a knit, and the white is cropped with a subtle ruffle trim) so I think they will work.