Business conference outfit question

Avon Charly

Hi, it's me again. My British friend is going to attend a corporate conference in Chicago, consulting industry. And she needs help deciding if her outfit is appropriate or not.

https://www.thomaspink.com/pro.....7100005B1X

https://www.paulsmith.com/us/w.....ool-blazer

https://www.massimodutti.com/u.....Id=1745897

https://www.agl.com/ad_en/shoe.....-8194.html

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4 years ago

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from

The Cat

Veteran

I suppose this will be OK. But if you and your friend are in doubt, replace the jeans by trousers. Suggest adding hosiery plus a scarf and/or jewellery.

4 years ago

Avon Charly

Active Member

The Cat, what kind of jewellery?

4 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It looks quite appropriate as far as I know — modern classic is a good safe bet. I’m not in that world but my husband is, and it’s become much more casual than it was over the last decade.

4 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Small pearls or dainty silver or gold jewellery is always a safe option and will look fine with the classic outfit.

4 years ago

madeline

Veteran

If she is going to Chicago in winter-remember it’s COLD. Colder than you can imagine. That said, the venues will be warm. So, a light layer like heat tech or cuddle duds under the trousers ( not jeans) and the button down shirt.
I agree with Cat, but what industry does she work with? Corporate culture will influence her choices, especially if she is consulting.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

It looks fine to me stylewise, but madeline makes a really good point about the winter weather!

4 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

My first thought was she needs to be prepared for cold, snow, and ice, although many times I've been in Chicago at Christmas and it's been relatively "warm" and dry. She'll need some good walking boots or booties. It's possible she'll be able to stay indoors most of the time, but if she ventures outdoors, she'll need them.

On past trips I noticed that in the downtown areas the business women were dressed much more conservatively than here in California. So the outfit you show would work well. It's been a few years--I spend most of my time in the suburbs now. I'm sure business wear has gotten more casual, but my CPA son still wears a regular business suit to work.

4 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I’m in a cold climate and I don’t recommend under layers. Way too hot for public indoor environments which tend to be overheated. Layers you can easily remove are the way to go. Perhaps a light scarf/pashmina that works with her outfit and can easily be tucked into her bag. Most corporate conferences will have you indoors at one venue for most of the day. If you are transiting to dinner, hotel etc, then bare ankles and loafers are not the best choice for Chicago winter - I’d go for a bootie.

4 years ago

Avon Charly

Active Member

madeline, it's another consulting company. The dress code is business casual.

4 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

The outfit looks incredibly conservative to me. Except maybe for wearing jeans not dress pants, although they look quite dressy jeans. I can see the “business” but less of the “casual”. Maybe the jeans are the casual.
I too worry her feet will get cold!

4 years ago

Avon Charly

Active Member

Jenni NZ, she is not wearing a suit though.

4 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

True, Avon Charly. But if she were, there really wouldn’t be any casual in it would there? Although I suppose some people can make a suit look casual, I just can’t think ATM.

4 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

I also suggest you invite your British friend to become a forum member herself.

By the way, where in the world do you yourself live? There's no info in your profile. Please consider to put some info into your profile. This is part of your personal presentation to other forum members and might make it easier for them to give more specific advice to you in later cases. You might find it interesting and inspirational to read other members' profiles.

4 years ago

Avon Charly

Active Member

The Cat, sure.

4 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, I too wonder why you are posting on behalf of someone else, and seem to be focused on outfits for business presentations . Are you a wardrobe consultant?

4 years ago

Anonymous

It looks fine for attending, but if she's presenting, a suit or dress would be more appropriate. I agree about not layering under, as it can be hot in buildings, and awkward to remove if needed...A big warm coat is a better solution. Booties also are much warmer than loafers!

4 years ago

Avon Charly

Active Member

lisa p, that's simply because she doesn't have an account here.

4 years ago

Anonymous

Easy to set one up ! As you know...

4 years ago

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