Conference wear - Do these work?

If I have learned anything from YLF and my own experience (like realizing the night before nothing fits and making a mad dash to the mall), it's that I need about a week to get myself together for a conference. There are several things to I would like you to keep in mind while looking at the pics.

1 - I'm going to be doing some networking/job hunting while here, so I want to look appropriate for that.

2 - The society doing this conference is VERY laid back. Many people wear jeans and shorts every day. i'm trying to straddle looking nice but not overdone.

3 - I'm going to be in southern California. I'm use to humid heat, but not dry heat. Any tips?

Without further ado, here are my clothes.

Pics 1-3: Traveling clothes - I'm not checking anything, so everything needs to fit in my bookbag and my carry-on suitcase. Which 2 of the 3 works? I like them all, but trying to pack conservatively. Is the green and red together too Christmas-y?

Pic 4-7: What I'll wear to meetings, I'm hosting a workshop or business meeting every day, and something about being in a skirt or dress makes me feel more confident when I present. It's silly, but if it works, I'm using it. I also have a black knit pencil I can bring.

Also, which bag should I carry? It's not suppose to rain while I'm there. The burgundy one is Perlina and the other one is Michael Kors. I like carrying totes at these things because it leaves my hands free.

I'm also bring a pair black flats to wear as well. I'll be on my feet all day, so heels are out. I'm not including my free-time outfits because I feel pretty confident in that department.

Thanks!

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12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look as if you're already all set, Kristin!

I prefer #1 as the travel option. I feel as if it lets the red shoes take centre stage a bit and also brings attention to the subtle pattern of the pants. The other colours (on my monitor) are fighting a bit for attention. I also think the cut of the T is a bit more sophisticated.

Love #4! I would go with the red bag with all your workday outfits. You look great in the fuchsia!

Anonymous

Kristin, you're doing your homework! Nice outfits. For dry heat, the only difference is, it feels better than humid heat. Remember to bring your lip balm and moisturizer and you'll be fine. I love that you are presenting in a skirt. You're outfits look great to me, especially that striped top! If you are only bringing one bag, I'd bring the brown MK. It seems a little more versatile to me since it's a neutral. (Although red is apparently a neutral too, lol!) Have fun and good luck on the networking/job front.

missvee

Ditto Suz re travel outfit.
Of your conference outfits my faves are 4,5, and 7.
And I love the burgundy tote too.
You have a great capsule here. Hope you enjoy your time in California.

I think you look great! I prefer 1 for the travel outfit too.

nancylee

I vote for #1 and #2 for travel and #4 for the workshop. I like the burgundy tote, but will it go with every outfit?

I might sneak the black pencil skirt into the suitcase if you have room...just in case!

It's obvious that you have given this a lot of thought and put together appropriate outfits that look great. My favorite of the travel outfits is 1, followed by 2. Will you need a scarf or jacket for warmth on the plane?
4 and 7 are my favorite meeting outfits. To my eye, 5 and 6 need a little something...maybe a belt or bangle?
Both totes look good. How does the burgundy one look with your red shoes?
You will probably feel more comfortable in dry heat and want to move to Southern California ASAP

amiable

Way to go preparation! You conference outfits look great, as do your travel outfits. I'll be the outlier and say that I prefer #2 and #3 for travel - but don't take my opinion is worth anything - the others have MUCH more expertise

And I like the red tote too!

lyn*

#1 is my favorite travel outfit (the top looks SO comfy) and i think #4 is my favorite conference outfit! You look like you will stand out from the crowd in a positive way

Good luck!

Kristin L

Thanks everyone! I haven't quite finished figuring out accessories yet, so I figured I'd show the outfits first and go from there.

@suz - Good call. I never realized until I joined YLF that I could pull off fuchsia.

@claire - I have a serious addiction to lip balm, so that won't be a problem. I probably should find some travel size body lotion, though. they never seem to have enough in the hotel rooms.

@nancylee - I think I should have room for the skirt. My free-time/dinner with friends clothes will be more mix-and-match.

@Joy - I have a burgundy pashmina I can carry. I'll try the black jacket and see how that looks with the travel outfits. That way I can save on packing too!

@lyn* - Thanks! Both are the AT Loft linen tops. they are comfy, but you have to wear a cami underneath because they can be a bit scratchy and see though.

hedgiehog

You've done really well preparing for your trip. I like all three travel outfits and really like the option of red shoes. I don't think the red/green is too Christmasy because the crops break them up. I think my favourite conference look is #4. I have that same top and I really like it. As far as bags, I think the red will give a nice pop of colour and will go with everything you have posted here. Have fun and good luck.

lyn67

All 3 travell outfits are great to my eyes. I preffer the first and second one, but the 3rd one, also good, not too Xmassy. Love the 4-7 for the meetings, too! Esp nr 4! I would bring the red bag!

Makrame

These look great! I like the burgundy tote. How does that dress perform in the sit-down test? (I am always paranoid about the skirt/dress length for work events so that's just my phobias talking. )

@Makrame - I've worn the skirts and dresses before and they all pass the sit-down test. Good call on that!

@hegiehog - Aren't those linen tops fab? I love the way they drape.

I think I keep 1 and 2 for travel outfits and the 3rd for a time off one. Plus I can pair it with the petwer sandals. I like wearing closed tow shoes on planes to help keep my feet warm!

unfrumped

#4 seems a great blend of professional but approachable for more casual colleagues. And a jacket over dress adds polish but not stuffy like a suit would be.
I sometimes go to conferences at "resorts" where I don't want to look like black dress pants office wear but don't want to wear khaki shorts, either, and I'll do something like still wear polished silhouettes, but wear a pattern that's more laid-back than I do at work, more rustic fabrics, or vacation-vibe casual jewelry (stones, shells, beads) , so I think you are on the right track.

@unfrumped - i'm trying to do the opposite. Most people in my department wear jeans and nicer tee. If I wear a denim skirt into the building, everyone comments and asks why I'm so dressed up. I'm wanting to put an image out that I'm professional, but not fussy.

froggiebecky

I think all your outfits look great!
However, if I were packing for this, I might re-think the shoes. Conferences (especially at hotels) tend to be over air-conditioned, and if being cold is a possibility for you, I'd swap them out for some closed-toed footwear. If you're trying to stick to one carry-on, you may not have room for a 3rd pair of shoes. Do you think the red shoes will go go with the conference outfits if you decide to swap out mid-week? But I'd definitely bring the sandals for the social functions--they're very cute!

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