Help me create outfit for conferense

I'm giving a talk on an international conference on Arctic Cinema next week. I'm way behind on my paper due to crazy RL and my energy level is non-existent. In order to pump up some attitude and fun (crazy life needs a good dose of gallows humour), I started planning for what to wear.

Academics from the humanities are quite casual and almost anything goes. Usual dress code is smart casual to business casual. It's winter, dark, cold, occasional icy ground, unfortunately not any snow to brighten things up.

I want to look sharp, approachable and stand out from the sea of black, grey and white button-ups. I want it simple so that they listen to what I have to say (though not too carefully, because I'm aiming at survival level, not my usual good ;-)). And because I need simplicity in my life these days. The conference lasts only for two days. For me, the first day will just be listening to others and the second day, I'm on.

I think my blush dog silk blouse (#3) will keep my spirit up, so I tried it with different toppers. I could swap the black trousers for a black or charcoal pencil skirt. An a-line skirt is too much these days.

#1 Bright coral or black puffed sleeves
#2 White or preppy stripes
#3 Dog blouse
#4 Long, emerald cardi
#5 Graphic dress and cropped black cardi

Some thoughts:
Bright coral: too bright?
Black blazer: too streamlined and boring?
Emerald cardi: too casual?
Graphic dress: good for day one, but not for my presentation?

ETA: Is the white blazer shortening on me or seasonally confusing?

What do you think?

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9 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

I am not an expert at conference wear, but here is my (biased) opinion: graphic dress for presentation, then either coral or white outfit for conference. I don't think coral is too bright, it is merry and unexpected (I love color) and a white jacket always looks very chic to me.

VioletMyra

Active Member

My votes are: the coral blazer in pic 1, the white blazer in pic 2. if you need to choose one or the other I choose the coral.
Pic #5 shows a lovely ensemble for day 1 when you're in the audience.
Best wishes for an enjoyable and stress free conference.

UmmLila (Lisa)

I like the coral jacket for your presentation.

harmonica

Thank you, Sisi, ecteacher and UmmLila! Coral blazer seems to be a winner so far. Do you think it shortens me?

Mirjana

I also vote for coral blazer and white is always good solution, no mistake.

Oh, now I see I made a mistake. I meant graphic dress for day 1. I do not think that the coral jacket shortens you.

El Cee

Like Sisi -- I am a fan of the graphic dress and the outfit with the coral blazer (pic #1).

bj1111

GRAPHIC dress, coral blazer

Initially I preferred white but I think you need white elsewhere to make it cohesive.

Now, shoes?

Ps good luck with your presentation. Is it a panel or a presentation then small group workshop? Academic conf format in lit/arts confuses me.

RobinF

I love the dress. And the top looks nice in all of these, I actually like it with the stripes, I like the pattern mixing. But I also like the coral jacket. I don't think it is shortening at all. I love cardigans but think the green is probably too casual for this purpose.

Thanks for helping me out, Mirjana, Sisi, El Cee, bj111, RobinF! Graphic dress for day one and coral blazer for day two. If a dinner comes up, I'll wear my Marc by MJ short sleeved aline dress.

bj111: I know! This time it's a presentation followed by a panel. I see what you mean about adding more white to make the white blazer work. I have a white bag, but the blue one goes better with my Zara coat. I might just take a small red bag since all I need is a pen and my memory stick. Then I'll be wearing 4 super-happy pieces (dog blouse, coral blazer, Zara coat, red bag) in one outfit.

Shoes: black knee high boots with the dress and black low-heeled booties with coral blazer/dog blouse/black pants outfit.

Suz

(website)

Coral jacket for presentation for the win!!

I just attended an academic talk in the arts (English) yesterday and the presenter (who like you is Asian with dark hair) wore a fab red jacket and looked superb.

Love the graphic dress, too, and think this is an excellent conference capsule all round!

chewyspaghetti

I like the white blazer best. It looks so crisp.

carambola

I vote for the coral jacket for the presentation and graphic dress for the other day. Good luck with your talk!

Thanks again, carambola!

Help! I've been set to chair my session. Not so happy about it, but will probably go down smoothly.

Red is a great presentation color. I have a 25 yr old vest from Henri bendel when they were still a Dept store that I trot out for headshots and presentations when I need a bit extra zhuzh.

@Harmonica --are you thinking about expanding your presentation wardrobe after this conference?

Thank you, bj111! Do you have any suggestions for presentation pieces? I'm not really looking for something now, but fun, colourful and sharp pieces that make me happy is always on my list.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like all the jacket options best. Good luck.

Barbara Diane

Depending on your audience, if they aren't very style savvy, I would avoid the maximal combination. Don't want them to spend time wondering if you knew both your shirt and jacket had a pattern, lol.

@harmonica, could I ask where you are in your career--early pre tenure, mid immediate post tenure, senior looking for a Dept chair?

Do you have a signature piece /silhouette that makes you feel super happy and confident when you wear it and that people can identify with you?

Lately I've transitioned into one piece dressing...long/bracelet sleeve structured dress in a primary color then change up the look with different shoes and necklace. Or a sleeveless structured dress and jacket (leather, suit or dinner) and a necklace. This recipe might be too stuffy for your field and you may need to tweak--add a pattern, more pastel or super brights, less structure or more "arty/etsy-type" jewelry.

Ps you will be fabulous. You'll bring a good energy to the panel discussion.

Jaime

I like the coral top too, and really like the print on the blouse, that sort of reads like lace and then gives you a surprise at second glance.

Anonymous

The blush dog blouse and the coral blazer for your presentation. Do you have another top that you could wear with the striped jacket for Day 1?

motherofms

The coral and white blazers get my vote.

Karie

Yes to the coral blazer for the presentation with the white as a back-up. The dress looks good for day #1.

Thank you! As the "wrapping" is set, I just need to focus on the content of my talk.

Angie - I've taken notice of these options for other events
Barbara Diane - lol Exactly! No need to add distractions.
bjj - I'm an overdue PhD student with excessive teaching experience. I know my part of academia in and out. I'm confident in what I do (finally!) and my contribution to the field. However, I'll probably change my career path once the defense is over due to health and family issues.
Signature piece/silhouette - well, I love my coral blazer! A pencil skirt or structured dress + a blazer makes me feel happy, professional and confident. I also like the a-line shape of a mod dress, especially for dinner or day-to-night wear. The last few years I've added brights because it makes me smile, and I feel confident enough to stand out.
shevia - I really like that the pattern is sort of subdue from a distance and changes when you come closer
Joy - I'm struggling a bit with the striped blazer because of the preppy vibe. I'll leave it for now, but work around it another day.
motherofms, Karie - thanks!

Well it sounds like your conference capsule is sorted!

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