My first capsule: accidentally identified for me. - YouLookFab Forum

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My first capsule: accidentally identified for me.

Anonymous

Twice a year I travel to Toronto to work at the giftware industry's largest trade show. As all of you who work in sales and attend shows know, it means 10 hours days on your feet, lots of distance to cover walking , and unpredictable heat/airconditioning situations.

Even though I've been working at this show for a few years now, I have never quite managed to have outfits I'm happy with.

I'm leaving for the show on Saturday and have been fretting about what to wear- because I have to plan the outfits from the shoes up. Standing is not a choice, it's mandatory , so it's all about comfortable foot wear. I fare better at the winter show because my booties are great for standing and walking, but the summer one leaves me feeling unpolished and poorly dressed.

Even though the sneaker trend is huge, it doesn't quite look right in a semi-professional setting like this. So - in thinking about how I will plan and work out my wardrobe " YLF-styles" - my first capsule definitely needs to be a trade show one. A couple of pair of some sort of shoes that work for this, and then build from there so that I have the look I like complete with footwear that works.

I'm not a flats girl, and only buy a pair here and there when something like this comes up- and even then, they look like after thoughts bought to be comfortable in. I end up buying some pair of shoes the day before I travel, and am never quite thrilled with them.

Does anyone out there have these work-related wardrobe issues to deal with? Or am I just being hit over the head with the obviousness of wardrobe capsuling ? How do you dress in flat and supportive footwear and build a work look around it?

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from fathenry

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Is it too cool for sandals in the venue? Because my fall back would be supportive wedge sandals at a time like this (in summer). I can't wear flats, either. But do better with sandals that have straps (to keep them on me). And the slight lift of a wedge can take the sandal into more fashionable territory or at least adjust proportions.

Travel capsules like this are a real challenge. But you will figure it out!

doubleh

Veteran

I do attend trade shows occasionally and I totally know where you're coming from. The last one I did in October was the first post-YLF. I wore danskos, but depended on PPL to conceal most of the shoe. Granted, I didn't have the pointy toe, but a flat with pointy toe and a boot or wide-leg perfect pant length goes a long way. My second pair was nude oxfords with skirts and skinnier pants. Along the same lines as the sneaker trend, but slightly more polished. I think sandals are tricky, but not that they can't be done!

N-Marie

Veteran

I have a similar capsule- I travel to medical conferences year-round, where I spend a lot of time walking (often on concrete floors in the poster and exhibit halls). In my case, the dress code is fairly conservative (suits with jackets).

I find that most conference halls run very cold, so I can use the same capsule year-round with some slight modifications in colors and topper weights. For footwear, I choose a black (or other neutral) ankle boot with a moderate-height stacked heel and a refined toe shape, which allows me to wear the same pants I would wear for other business meetings (which I might otherwise wear with pumps, so a floor-grazing length). I am on a perpetual search for boots that fit that profile to keep my capsule fresh and I give newer pairs plenty of road-testing before I take them with me on a trip. You are brave to buy shoes right before going to a trade show- that would be an almost guaranteed sore-foot day for me!

I think you could possibly use the same set of pants + higher-heeled bootie but with lighter-weight tops in the warmer seasons? You could even have a bootie + pants capsule that is lighter-colored for spring/summer (light gray, white or tan) and one for fall/winter (black, charcoal).
My conservative conference travel capsule (4-5 days) looks like this:

- Black booties (+ extra pair worn during travel)
- Black and charcoal trousers (2-3 pairs, fairly nondescript but well-fitting)
- Enough tops for each days (button downs, silk tops, etc)
- 1-2 jackets/blazers (black and patterned gray) + less formal blazer for travel
- Jewelry that is interesting but not too "loud"

In a less formal environment, I could see going with an ankle-exposing pant with flats or a wedge heel in your summer/spring capsule and working from there. I personally find pants more versatile and less fussy than skirts but I'm sure that's not the case for everyone.

Mona

Veteran

Is it too late to order one of these? I know that SE's are available in The Bay. Angie has endordsed these pumps as comfortable walking shoes
If you are allowed to wear sandals the "Eliana" bootie is very comfy too but it is only available from US sites. I am not sure how long the shipping will take.

Sam Edelman Okala

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Vince Camuto 'Eliana' Bootie

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5

rachylou

Veteran

Boy, that's a good question...

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, I don't do trade shows but I do teach a course every few months that lasts a full week so I need to pack for 6 days and am on my feet most of the time as I like to circulate around the group.

I usually plan to take two pairs of shoes and wear the pair to travel that is most comfortable which is usually also the pair that takes up the most space. I also try to pick colors that work so that I can take a cardi and a jacket and they work with all of the outfits. I did a session in TO in June. I took a turquoise cardi and a black jacket. I also took three dresses - one textured white, one with white/turquoise/tan stripes, and one that was B&W with green. I also took two pairs of neutral pants, navy and a B&W print. I added the number of tops plus a few in a mix of neutral and color. I took a metallic boat shoe for the pants days and a pair of flats with metallic toes in neutral. I find it much easier to pack if the toppers and shoes I take work with everything and the colors all work together. One of the toppers is usually a color for with neutral outfits and one is a neutral for the colored outfits.

I also usually try to squeeze in a bit of shopping while I am out of town.

Have fun in TO. I found out my fiance's mom recently bought a condo there and it is furnished and empty so we may go for a mini-vacation and stay there.

P.S. I bought the Okalas last fall and have never worn them. I've tried them on two or three times and then put them back in the closet. I may have to list them in the exchange area. *sigh* they are pretty though.

Anonymous

I only wish I could wear the Okalas. Tried them on immediately after joining YLF and unfortunately the vamp cuts across the exact wrong part of my foot. Just not going to happen. Nine West has the same one - and similar issue there.

Mona, thanks for the Vince bootie suggestion too - I do like that shoe but am not really into ordering shoes on-line and fussing around with sending back returns. I'm hoping to find it here somewhere as I know quite a few of you have them and love them.

Thanks for the comments, ladies -always super appreciated!

Isis

Veteran

Lisap, I also found the Okalas uncomfortable. Heel was too wobbley AND they cut across the top of my foot.

The Munro Abby's, an Angie pick were super comfy for me. Much more stable and my foot was secure. They are a sandal, but fairly covered.

Munro 'Abby' Slingback Bootie (Women)

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Lisa, I second the idea of Munros, and in any style. Those Abby booties are so cute--I don't have that style, but I have several others from various years, including the loafer shown below (mine are black). Munros are really comfortable for all-day on-your-feet wear. (I work in retail, standing all day for an 8-hour shift, on hard floors.) I also like my Think! shoes; they actually have better arch support than Munros. I have one pair (shown below).
The other thing you can do is turn virtually any shoe into a comfort shoe by adding Superfeet inserts.
I agree with your method of building your capsule from the shoes up. I build my outfits that way every time I travel or go to work.

Think! 'Aida' Mule

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Munro 'Kimi' Loafer

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Sal

Veteran

That sounds a great idea Lisa. And you are going about it the right way. Look forward to seeing your results.

unfrumped

Veteran

I also think that in a professional type trade show, and in frigid A-C to boot, you could stick with your preferred footwear style and get away with refined booties in one of 2 color directions--black, with gray or black trousers, so a slam-dunk for availability, and then intentionally choose top and topper that look more summery but go with black--prints help bridge the black-gap, or brights; or, to avoid feeling that black boots are too wintry, and depending on your color palette, aim for something like nude booties or cognac, and pants that go with those--lighter grays, linen-look light creamy colors or such, and then again more summery jacket colors, linen blends.
I have been wearing loafers in summer--very comfortable, but the trick is in the trousers- I don't wear skinnies, but for loafers, I need a tapered or straight pant scrunched over loafer top and not a classic wider trouser. If you do ankle pants, you can also create business casual looks with those + flats. But, I'm heariing you're not a flats fan so am egging you on to find a kind of "summer bootie" look and not feel obliged to wear sandals, flats, pupmps.

Sal

Veteran

I re looked at your question.....I do wear flats and feel good in them with trousers. In a skirt or dress I definitely prefer a heel or small wedge.

A summer boot is a great idea....I have seen lots of fun but smart work appropriate ones around...especially with cut outs. I am eyeing some up myself as we are heading into spring here.

Aida

Veteran

If you're starting from the footwear, then I think it's important to know whether flats, heels, or a little wedge is going to be most comfortable for you. If I were going to stand (or walk) all day I'd actually go for heels, because flats simply don't have enough arch support and my feet are happiest in a moderate heel. Also, if you're going to be inside wouldn't you be able to wear your comfortable booties? Showing a little skin at the ankle and wearing lighter fabrications should net you enough summer feeling.

Anonymous

Funny about all the bootie suggestions - my fellow Notherners will maybe understand: I wear boots/booties all winter long - day after day in the snow.....and I am so happy NOT to wear them for as long as I can in the summer months: They are forever connected with fall and winter, which I am not quite ready to dive into yet! I know from a fashion standpoint they are now a 12 month item, but I like the break , personally. You're right Aida, a heel is easier than a true flat. The point really is - I need to build a capsule including a comfortable MID heeled wedge or cage bootie which I avoid because I always fear the frump at my age:)

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

That is so true Lisa. people here start wearing shorts when the temps get above 50F too. Open toe shoes are not an uncommon sight when the snow isn't completely melted yet. We are strange beings in the north.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Totally hear you on the "not wanting to wear booties" thing. It's because we have no choice for at least five to six months of the year. So we enjoy the option to wear something else when we can!

I love the idea of a cage sandal. Supportive, current, but fairly covered.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

If you are leaving this Saturday it does not look like you have time to shop for shoes really - and new untested shoes may be a nightmare in these conditions.
I quite understand a desire not willing to wear booties in summer after our long winters but this summer is so cold here in Ontario that it may be a very plausible option for you - especially if you have comfortable booties. I have seen quite few boots and booties on Toronto streets last Sunday and it supposed to be +28C but it felt much colder.
So for this time I would say - take your most comfortable pair of footwear (or 2) and build your capsule around them. Then after the show start to build your summer trade show capsule from the footwear up. I think this is the most realistic and practical approach in your situation.
If you want to pull out your footwear options and present them here I am sure the ladies would be more than happy to help you to build the clothing part for them for this weekend.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I get the need for happy feet. Please pack the body glide too. TRULY, it will save your feet.

The Munro sandals get my top vote. Or their loafers. Truly - in a/c- booties are an excellent solution. Men wear shoes and socks. Why can't we.

Anonymous

Thanks, Angie. Bodyglide already in the kit I don't feel hemmed in by any restrictions here other than my own comfort. And in my little mind, comfort and style rarely co-exist the way I want it to. But that's what I'm here for - to learn!!

Will look into these wonderful Munro's when I'm back and see if they are available in Canada - it certainly looks like a great line! I have lots to take with me this weekend, but the goal for this time next year (and for the next show in January) is to have the perfect group with all the right components purchased and tested ahead of time instead of 4 hours before my flight

Anonymous

When really what I'd rather be wearing is this.

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Runcarla

Veteran

Started working in TO 3 weeks ago and have been posting about shoe shopping ever since! High heels just aren't working for my 12 hour days! Pointy toe mini-wedges and flats, and a new pair of loafers are doing the trick.

FWIW, I'm seeing a LOT of sandals from flat thongs to caged wedges. The most stylish to my eye are the thick ankle strap with thick toe strap versions. If not sandals, ballet flats with some sort of over the toe buckle ornamentation are EVERYWHERE. It has been very warm.

I would suggest using at least 2 different shoes, well 'known' to you over the course of your day, and switching them out to give your feet and legs some variety and rest. Then Body Shop Peppermint foot scrub in the pm!

fathenry

Veteran

I really think that conference wear is seasonless. I always stick with the tried and true: black pants and jacket, colorful blouse, large tote bag. Nice earrings and a watch. I always wear comfortable black almond toe booties with a very low heel and socks. Fashion really comes second to comfort for me in that arena. I would not recommend a sandal, personally. The AC is always set on high, there are not any windows so season isn't much of a factor. I just remove my jacket or card when I step outside. Better to be comfortable all day. Then change out of work wear after work at the end of the day into a second outfit if you feel like it. My packing list goes something like this.
Day 1- black pants, colorful non wrinkly blouse, black jacket, tote, booties.
Day 2- same pants, different blouse, Dark cardi, same shoes.
Day 3 -colorful blouse, black skirt or gray pants, either, black booties or knee high rubber sole black boots and black opaque tights. Same jacket as day 1.
For evening: pair of jeans, comfy sandals, dressy tank, same cardi, replace tote with small clutch. Change out the tank on day 2. Wear this whole outfit home on the plane with tank 3 and the booties.
Yoga pants, Hoodie, flip flops to wear in your room, presentable enough to wear to the gym or the pool in the evening.