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Conference wear

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to a medical conference in New York City in two weeks.
I haven't been to a conference in years, thus no need for professional wear. I haven't had a chance to plan wardrobe because of other much more pressing matters in my life.
Today, I tried on my black pencil skirt, too small. I have a really cool pair of black Burberry wool pants with an interesting asymmetric buttoned fabric panel. They were too small, then too big and now too small again.
My Isabel Marant blazer, it's navy with red piping and gold buttons. It's a smidge too small, but probably passable.
I have a russet red-brown Donegal tweed (real deal purchased in Donegal Ireland, hand loomed fabric), it's longer with three buttons, but possibly a smidge too big. I think it'd work better than the Isabel Marant.
Neither of my Brooks Brothers no-iron shirts fit.
The conference is only two days. Most of the conference is sitting in semi dark rooms watching presentations. I'm on call this weekend, so will only have next weekend to go shopping, in stores. I don't want to spend a lot of money for something of limited use for me. Plus I may have to pay for my own hotel.
So should I try Express, Banana Republic?
Help

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

Tanya

Veteran

I vote go to Express for cheap, fairly trendy and pretty well made for the price suiting. They currently have BOGO 50 % off everything so I would use this to stock up on a cheap suit or two.
http://www.express.com/clothin...../cat760006

BR stuff is nicer but a bit more classic.

Anonymous

If it were me, I'd probably head to H&M and BR, and maybe Ann Taylor. Lots of business attire for not much cash.

unfrumped

Veteran

Oh, I feel your pain. I do wear lots of business casual, but seldom require matching topper, so have complained before about how I get caught short on keeping together one or more "ensembles" that look sharp for a conference, or make a travel capsule of several outfits in a row, that I'm really happy about.

Any of those are good store options--our AT closed but the mall still has GAP, BR, Express, Limited all in a row. Also Talbots has good sales, so there might be a top or buttonfront that works. So I'd just plan to cruise through a few of those on one day. Take your target jacket in case you can build around it. Some of the blazers may read too corporate to be of later use and so be too much invested for this isolated event, but if there's enough time to snoop a bit, you could look at the utility jackets and less stuffy items that might work with some of your own items later.
I would almost always need pants hemmed before I could wear them, but you might have heel heights that work--also, the craze for ankle pants can work in your favor for no-hemming, even in fall temps if indoors.

Anonymous

PS: If you get a chance to shop at Century 21 while you're in NYC, I'd love to hear about it! I've always wanted to go there, but have yet to make it.

kkards

Veteran

did the uniqlo open? i would try there…

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I lived in NYC from 2007-2008. Century 21 is crazy, won't have time. Anyways it's probably not the same given how fashion retailing has changed with all the sample sale websites.
Uniqlo opened in Bellevue this weekend. I'm not going anywhere near there for a while. There was a two hour waiting at the opening.

Anonymous

Oh, that's good to know, thanks. I see you can shop there online now, so I'll scratch that off my travel list!

Diana

Veteran

If you don't want to spend much, I'd go for H&M first personally. Not the best quality but looks nice. i feel like express stuff tends to look too bombshell/sexy due to some combo of the cuts and stretchy fabrics they like, but I think that's also partly to do with my body type so you might have better luck....

BR would prob work for me but again that's just because I already know the Martin pants fit me.... But I think it might be a bit expensive for a one-off thing.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think Express is a good option, their pants are really good for the price and you can pick up some interesting plaid ones - they have loads now. Your conference does not sound like a very formal affair so I think that patterned pants should be fine.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like it won't be a super formal conference. I'd try Express or maybe even Loft, and I might go with ponte for pants due to the comfort/ stretch and packability. If you could find a pair that work with the Donegal jacket you'd be in terrific shape. And maybe a stretch tube skirt/ pencil skirt? Again, I'm thinking of easy packing plus versatility. A skirt like that can go more formal for evening if you like.

BR is also a good bet but maybe pricey if not on sale. I'd think in terms of a really tiny capsule.

And have fun! I hope there's some opportunity for walking/ eating/ theatre-going.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I was thinking what Suz said. A pair of pants and maybe a nice-looking tube skirt could work. You might find something at the Rack, though it is so hit or miss.

You might call your consignment shop, too, and ask if she has anything she thinks could suit you for the purpose.

Do you have a dress that you could wear one of the blazers over?

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

Unless you are looking for a job, I would spend as close to zero as is manageable. Two days, you could wear the same jacket and no one would remember next year. If they even noticed this year. Spend the money on something fun to wear on your evening in NYC.It'll be dark. You'll take off your jacket. You are adorable without fancy clothes. have fun with what you've got.

K.M.

Veteran

Is a jacket expected in your field? I'm an academic and in my field (humanities) most people wear suits to conferences, but not everyone. I used to, but in the last five years or so decided to dress like myself and as long as I'm put together I don't think I've offended anyone! But I second what Rambling Ann said--I would wear a suit if I were on the job market. (Or hoping to make similar professional connections.)

Helen11

Veteran

No shopping help, but I sympathise with trying to get conference wear together on short notice. For me, it takes out some of the fun of the travelling. And probably no one else takes as much notice of clothes as fabbers do! Have a good trip : )

JamC

Veteran

I was going to write what Rambling Ann and K.M. said. Unless you are looking for a job or know you have a "business lunch or dinner", I would wear something business casual. You are there to learn, not to impress. I also think medical conferences have gotten more relaxed in the past ten years. I would wear point pants or simple skirt, and a nice blouse but not a business like button up. Probably a silk print that I love and wear often! You could get by with the same bottom both days and just change the top. Of course, a dress could also work as long as it isn't too short when you sit. I would bring a topper as those conferences tend to be cold with air conditioning. A blazer, cardigan, leather jacket or trench could work. And then I would bring my favorite jean outfit for dinner! I would definitely "shop my closet" and would not buy clothes you will not need again for 5 or 10 years.

Anonymous

I would also try to shop my closet for a small, really tight capsule. If that is not possible, then I would second the ponte pants. I am hesitant to second the tube skirt because that would necessitate a second pair of shoes and I try to travel with minimal shoes. They take up so much room!!!

Diana

Veteran

Another thought: do you have a similar sized friend you could borrow something from? I'd totally lend you something if we lived near each other....

Traci

Veteran

The last medical conference I was at, the only people wearing jackets were salespeople manning the booths on the exhibition floor, and not even all of them were dressed up. I ditto the others that said shop you closet. As long as you're neat and comfortable, you'll be fine and you don't want to spend wardrobe dollars on throw away clothes that you don't love.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Can't shop my closet as I said above, any conference appropriate wear doesn't fit.
No one close to my size nearby.
I have Veteran's Day (Armistice Day) off this week. Maybe I can find something then. I think I have an Express coupon somewhere. Though I think H&M is my best bet.
This conference is in NYC, and it has concurrent doctor's conference that attracts people from all over the world. There is mixing between the two groups. Also the people that lead the conference were my clinical instructors, so I want to make a good impression, or at least the impression that I'm doing well.
I don't feel right wearing ponte pants or a tube skirt. I wish I could find some nice wool pants. Burberry pants

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Dang, that's tough when your most occasion-appropriate items ar currently not fitting (I know the feeling). If I were nearby you could totally borrow one of the pairs of tailored pants I keep for just this kind of thing.

Do you think you could find either a pair of fairly classic trousers or a blazer that you could pair with some of your existing wardrobe for conference-ready looks? It seems to me that you could get away with wearing a trendier top or bottom as long as the other half of the outfit is more classic/professional.

Does Zara work for you? I saw some interesting items there (jackets and pants) that seem like they could be worn in such a setting, but I wonder about their sizing. I find their sizing challenging for pants and skirts, but i think I find pant sizing more difficult than you do in general.

I even wonder if culottes might be an option? Possibly easier to incorporate into a funkier outfit when you're off duty too?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Get two bottoms and wear dressy tops. Do you have a coat that you are happy with?

Staysfit

Veteran

I just returned from a week long medical conference. The attire was very casual. In fact most people wore jeans and smart casual. I'm not sure if you can get away with that given your specialty? The only people in ties, and skirts were the presenters. If you are presenting anything you may need to wear a skirt. Otherwise, remember that the conference rooms are freezing cold!! I wore lots of layers and was still freezing cold. Ugh! (Luckily I remembered a long warm cardigan sweater).

unfrumped

Veteran

I do always wear toppers of some sort for professional conferences where I am just an attendee, but feel I have a lot of leeway and do not feel the need to have anything suit-like at all.
I like being warm, and I like the polish of a 3rd piece, and maybe the "armor" as well! So a flattering cardigan, or knit blazer, or maybe the right longer trendy vest (not for me as not warm enough ! ), field jacket, safari jacket, maybe even Sporty Luxe type items, and not matchy.
I guess for cooler weather and some of the current styles, if I had the right pants and the right "big sweater" ( or basically a top that had some properties of being "complete" by itself, IYKWIM) , then that could be a good option, as then could add necklace or scarf depending on any neckline issues, and handbag or tote and shoes and it's all good.

elpgal

Veteran

I suspect you'd be bored at Express but you can easily find something to wear. Try Limited too. Nice stuff but very non-adventurous. I picked up some Columnist pants and a poly shirt to wear to a conference next week.

Sal

Veteran

Hard these scenarios, and I have been in a similar situation.
It sounds like it will be cool inside or may be. It also sounds as though you don't "have" to dress corporate but you want to look good because of contacts you have.

You could work around the blazers you have (navy and tweed) and add one or two bottoms that work with existing shoes.

On the other hand, maybe you bite the bullet and get a couple of new pieces that work brilliantly now and into the future. A black day dress with tights and some of your great boots? I know I have seen Dashielle in a few looks of the type I mean?

Good luck - it is tricky shopping under pressure.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Your Pendleton jacket? Or maybe the white coat is a no ...

unfrumped

Veteran

I keep chiming in without being able to help much, I guess. but I think at the heart of it, you want to look and feel good, sort of what I think of for me as "relaxed, polished confidence", and the good thing is that this type of conference does not have a strict dress code, so, somewhat different from a wedding, say, where there are all kinds of issues--dress color, formality, venue, color expectations,dressy shoes, wraps, etc, for this you can feel free to be open to several kinds of "silhouette" options and pick the best item or outfit direction that gives you the right feel depending on what's turning up in a few stores.

I'd almost say it's kind of like dressing for a class reunion, except I would not mean to overinflate the occasion. What I mean is, it's more about finding something that works for you, that looks natural on you, and the reunion analogy is that one is aiming to look good and generally fit in, rather than stew over, "what do they mean by dress code of ____ ?" (insert various non-standard and confusing dress codes) rather than having to have some exact "conference attire".

rebekahphoto

Veteran

your tweed jacket sounds nice. Do you have time to hit Nordys? they have some Burberry trousers on sale. or maybe the Rack? H&M probably would have some basics that would work at a lower price. something to wear with some of your great boots

For my conferences I always take a blazer/jacket, black dress, or skirt/dressy top that can double duty for the cocktail hour & some interesting accessories. ( I'm in the creative field, so leather jackets are fine & a bit more creative dressing is the norm) No suits, but Id rather be a bit dressed up than look too casual

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think I also suggested ponte and tube skirt because bottoms can be so tricky to fit (for me, anyway) and anything stretchy has a bit of an advantage that way. Also, in my case, with tailored wool or wool blend clothing I almost always have to hem (and you might not have time for that.) But you are taller than me and so this might not be an issue for you. And I can understand why you'd prefer something more tailored if you are seeing your former supervisors. There's that need to "present" well.

So...is there a brand or a cut that has been reliable (size wise) in the past for you? If so, that would be my first bet. Even though you'd be sizing up from before, the overall proportions would probably be similar. I have also seen some nice looking stuff at Zara (on the website) but their sizing is so hit and miss -- not reliable. I ordered some culottes from them and they were much larger than expected. I don't know if that indicates an increase in the overall sizing or not. But I have to say they are pretty nice and I'm probably going to try them in another size. They're long, too, though...(on 5'4" me, anyway....) That might be too trendy, but then again, with a conservative top/ jacket or topper they could work really well. Not sure about NYC but culottes are BIG in Toronto this year as business wear.

My thinking on situations like this is that you want to look classy, not cheap. So I'm thinking ONE fast fashion piece combined with something higher end from your own closet that will still work, whether that be a blouse, a jacket, or another type of item-- maybe just awesome footwear and bag and/ or other accessories. I'm also wondering about your friendly consignment shop.

Glad you have a day off to do some serious investigating and I wish you good luck and good cheer.

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