Choosing blazer and shoes for conference talk..

Bright blazer or striped blazer?
Gladiators or ballerinas?

I'm preparing my outfit for a talk on an academic conference (humanities). I'm an invited speaker and they covered my overseas flight and everything. Hence, I feel a bit of pressure to deliver the goods, but also feel quite confident because I know I'm the expert on this.

Dressing code would be somewhere between smart casual and business casual. I want to stand out in a coherent and professional way, yet effortless. Might be demanding too much.

Bright blazer: I love it. It's vibrant, fun and tailored. BUT is it too much with the floral skirt?

Striped jersey blazer: more casual, very comfy and picks up the black and white/cream in the skirt. Pattern mixing too much?

Gladiators: a bit of RATE edge. Comfy and always winners. Shows the toes (is that not so good)?

Ballerinas: classics, safe, comfy. But a bit boring?

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8 years ago

Word Lily

Veteran

Hm. I think I like the bright blazer, and the ballerina shoes. I think the mix of colors adds plenty of interest, while the classic shapes/pieces keeps you firmly in the professional, should-be-listened-to category.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

I too was instantly drawn to the bright blazer and ballerina flats. I think the bright blazer acts much like the over used red men us to command authority. Wishing you a Fabulous time, sounds like your confidence is right where it needs to be!

harmonica

Thank you, Word Lily and TraceyLiz!

Great pointing out the power and versatility of classic pieces. Yesterday I wore a charcoal pencil, tee, sneaks and moto. Can't live without a pencil skirt!

Ankita

Active Member

I like both combinations but I'm drawn more to the bright blazer. Agree with everyone on the ballet flats.
Red always makes one look bright and lively... love the colors in the outfit.
Your confidence is remarkable and I hope you really enjoy the trip and the talk!

celia

I am on team bright blazer and ballerinas also

unfrumped

I like the more conservative shoes with the assertive skirt print. And agree that the stripes are more pattern than needed.
The bright blazer is fun but polished. If you have a solid top that'd be good too, as I think the skirt pattern and multiple colors are enough visual interest without more, but the top shading is neutral so that can work.
Hope you are going to have some time for fun as well as work!

Maneera

Bright blazer and ballet flats. That outfit screams Confident, Feminine yet Professional. It's a lovely outfit for a speaker.....I would be more likely to pay attention to someone who is dressed so smartly! Best of Luck!

Suz

I have nothing to add except congratulations!!

Oh -- and when is the trip and where? Because the colours/ outfit might need to be a bit different depending on climate?

Thank you, everyone for the confidence boost!

Bright coral blazer and ballerinas it is.

I do have a sleeveless silk blouse with faux wrapping. It will be add a neutral solid cream colour and soft textural interest. I'll try it on later. Might be more sophisticated and subtle than the black/white top.

It's tomorrow after lunch! I'm in Champaign-Urbana now. Sunny, about 24 degrees Celsius, but inside cooler with aircondition. A top and topper will be fine.

rachylou

Same, red topper and ballerinas. I like the other too, but for a talk, you want people to be able to tell where the voice is coming from.

Hahahaha... I love rachylou's point... the red blazer will make sure all eyes are on you!

hahaha

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