Good for talk on marine ecology in Amsterdam?

Laura

I am going to be traveling to Amsterdam for an information exchange on marine ecology at an informal conference, then I will be doing a little bit of sight seeing.

Since it is an informal get together, some people will be dressed super casually, in t-shirt and jeans but I wanted to look at least a little nicer, especially if I will be sightseeing and taking photos.

After some deliberation, I put this together. Do you think this outfit is okay?

1. Red black and brown, comfortable maxi dress
2. Bella fringe suede wedge boots

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11 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Gaylene

MsMaven

Veteran

Gorgeous dress but it seems too summery for the boots, but maybe that's just me.

Someone else will have to chime in on what is appropriate for
Amsterdam, i.e., formality, weather. I do love that dress, however.

11 years ago

Lucy

Veteran

I'm an academic, and I go to a few conferences a year. Not sure if it is the same kind of conference or not! ANd I can't answer for Amsterdam. But I think people often dress quite conservatively at the conferences I attend. I LOVE both of these pieces, but they are both quite strong. I'd tend to go woth one standout piece, so you don't feel out of place.

Mind you it's a great outfit so it would be super fun to wear!

11 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I second what Lucy said... people tend to dress much more conservatively for science conferences. This is particularly true for women in science. If your clothes are too wild, then it can be perceived that you don't take your work seriously. This is a great outfit for sightseeing or partying in Amsterdam. I would look for something a bit more staid for the presentation. You don't want people to be so focused on your attire that they don't focus on your presentation.

11 years ago

anne

Veteran

That post title intrigued me! I don't really know from first had experience, but having since similar questions asked before here on YLF I'd say Lucy and modgrl are on the right track.

11 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

Is the conference soon? Amsterdam can be rainy but still too warm for suede boots at this time of the year.

11 years ago

MuseumGal

Veteran

Laura, that is a stunning outfit. As another academic, I can promise you that if you choose to wear it, everyone will notice it/you. You might want to think about what your goals are for the conference and how you want to be perceived. Do you want to stand out as the gal in the orange striped dress?

11 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Aside from whether this is appropriate for a conference, I think you'll be cold in a sleeveless dress and suede is not practical for the rain you will encounter....for an informal conference, I would favor nice jeans, leather boots and a soft blazer for when it is cold.

11 years ago

Laura

Active Member

Hi everyone! I want to sincerely thank everyone for taking the time to respond. I should have mentioned one thing in the original post. The talk on marine ecology is happening in the field, meaning that we will be along the shores of the north sea and for part of it, we will be in a glass bottom boat. Unlike academic conferences in a hotel, conference hall or classroom, when in the field, especially for marine ecology, most people tend to be dressed casually. T-shirt and jeans are very common but I wanted to buck the trend and try a fun look

@MsMaven & Lucy - Thank you so much! I now feel more confident about this dress, especially in a casual setting.

@Bella - The conference is in July. I tend to be a boots girl that loves to wear boots year round. Amsterdam does get cool, especially out to sea so I am very comfortable in boots. Do you think these boots match the dress though?

11 years ago

Liz

Veteran

Love the outfit, but I'd recommend something more practical for the presentation -- especially since you're going to be on a seashore and climbing in and out of a boat. Suede shoes, fringe, and saltwater sound like a bad mix, as do maxi dresses and climbing in and out of boats. I'd go for a sturdy shoe / pants combo, and use the maxi for evening or sightseeing.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Boats can be really cold if there is a breeze and what ever outer layers you wear can be splashed with sea water, so honestly I'd go for a gear jacket and something under it that isn't going to whip around in the wind or blow upwards. Also rubber soled flat securely fastened shoes for stability. For a night out on the town, go wild! But I think you might be uncomfortable at the conference. If you want to go for a fun look, I'd maybe wear a bright waterproof jacket or something, but I'm wondering if you might want to save the exciting outfits for meeting up afterwards or going to dinner or something.

11 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, if you want to buck the trend and stand out, this outfit would certainly work. Sometimes it can be highly advantageous to wear something memorable, especially if your goal is to stand apart from the others in the group, but you have to be comfortable with taking the risk that others might have a negative reaction to your decision. I'd agree with the others that this outfit might not be very practical for the setting, but only you know what your goals are in attending the conference.

11 years ago

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