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Need major career fashion help!

Amy

Long time lurker here, and I could use some big advice! I have a career defining set of meetings upcoming, and I need help on what to wear. Two days, business casual, in Beverly Hills. Need to project authority, but approachability at the same time. Could wear upscale denim, a suit would not be appropriate.

I'm 5'3, hourglass curvy and a little fluffy in the middle, and a very busty 32F. Just turned 40, so would like to be age apropos, but not fuddy duddy.

To complicate matters, in these meetings, I typically find myself on the need to persuade side of an argument. But, my personality is quite feminine, and I like to be nice. And, did I mention that this career defining?

Any outfit inspiration would be much appreciated!

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Mellllls

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow. Can you spell S T R E S S ?

No wonder you want some help. And I am sure the forum can get you sorted!

I always consider the weather first. Will you be able to wear a jacket/ topper? And what about footwear? Will you be on your feet a lot or not?

always trying

Veteran

Only thing comes to mind, classy, understated, and confidant. So different things will be different for different people, and you will have to sort out what is best for you.

Makrame

Veteran

I was thinking about this older thread. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....muto-skirt
And another outfit here.http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-this-top

Some bold color + fairly classic cuts.

ClaraT

Veteran

Here is a good place to start:
http://youlookfab.com/2010/04/.....interview/

I think you could get better help here if you have a more defined starting point. As Suz noted, weather and footwear are great first-step considerations ('cause if you have stunning heels and then you have to walk, or if you have a killer dress and then it's cold: you will not be happy/relaxed/confident etc.)

If 'upscale denim' is appropriate, maybe dark-wash trousers (no whiskering) + a blouse + a jacket would work. I'm not personally a huge blazer-lover, but they add instant polish and authority (meaning you can change from in-charge to more persuasive by removing a layer).

Amy

A few more details, I'm the only female professional. Any other females that are around for the dinners and such will be more Hollywood vixen-ish, and probably in their 20's, lol! Weather will be warm, maybe hot, but I'll be inside for meetings for the most part. I'll need sensible yet stylish shoes, wedges maybe? High heels and nerves are not a good combo for me!

I'm going for a sophisticated casual, if there is such a combo, but I'm a Texas girl, so I don't mind a little personality and flair.

Anonymous

Does MaryK's style resonate with you? Her colorful outfits of a pencil skirt, top, jacket, belt, and fab bag and heels always exude authority but approachability too.

rachylou

Veteran

You're not in movies are you? What's your industry?

Diana

Veteran

I'm thinking Suz, MaryK, and Shannon's outfits might be just what you need.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I was thinking wrap top & pants or skirt if you don't need to dress formally. Have a look at Thistle's posts as well she rocks a wrap dress/top.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's a great thought from Caro, as a wrap will suit your hourglass shape and you can get one that is as dressy or informal as you need.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Dark denim is appropriate, eh? Is it a creative field? Corporate? Tech? I ask because I feel like your dress should in some way reflect your industry - it will subliminally say that you know what you are talking about.

Amy

I don't personally work in the movie industry, but work with a lot of people who do and they will be at the meeting. I'm in finance, but I would say fashion forward would be more acceptable at this meeting rather than conservative. It's a stretch for me because I need to impress, but not in the normal business manner!

Thanks for all the suggestions so far, this process is really helping me focus on the overall goal rather than me just running out and buying stuff with out a plan. Overall, I think that I need a sophisticated casual with a tiny bit of an LA edge.

Adelfa

Veteran

I think wear a jacket if you possibly can. I have a friend who's extremely high up in a Fortune 500 tech company, and she always wears a jacket when she wants to get taken seriously *even though the guys she's working with never do*. She feels she needs to as a woman and believe me, this friend is not conservative or a dresser-upper.

I adore wrap dresses but the last thing I would want in the context you're describing is to worry about my neckline shifting or my skirt flapping open.

Since it's casual, you don't have to go all traditional with what you wear with the jacket. You could wear the dark non-distressed/non-whiskered denim that was suggested. You could wear a variety of tops and not just a button-up shirt. You could wear a dress in a nice print. Make sure that whatever you wear on top is completely safe if you lean way over.

If you wear wedges, make them quite refined like the Calvin Klein Saxton ones Angie just featured. No rope or cork soles, no platform under the front of the foot, not serious enough.

I'm excited for you, that you have this opportunity to move forward in your career!

kkards

Veteran

sorry i'm late to the party. what about a great pair of jeans (white, dark colored, or black), with a blazer and shirt. you could wear a heel (even a low heel) to finish it off, and make it polished.
or what about something like angie's draped top and tailored trouser look? its polished, professional and yet has a casual, i'm confident and sure of myself vibe.
http://youlookfab.com/2013/06/.....-trousers/

T-Rex

Veteran

Personally, this is what I would do.

Start with a great jacket. Almost anything you wear with it will feel more dressed up, professional, and authoritative. I would choose a neutral color, but little details like a bit of texture in the fabric, piping, or interesting buttons can be used to soften it up.

Definitely go for shoes you can walk in with confidence. If you buy new ones for this meeting, be sure to wear them a few times on different surfaces to make sure they are comfortable and that you feel stable in them.

Make sure your purse and/or tote/laptop case/briefcase works with the image you want to present. Personally, I prefer structured bags when I want to look professional. I don't care about designers or labels, so I can't give advice on whether or not any of that matters in your situation.

If you have that great jacket to project authority, you can go softer and trendier with the blouse or dress you wear underneath. You can also introduce color and interest with your accessories. If you have lunch or dinner with these folks, you could project approachability by removing your jacket at mealtime. Wearing your jacket during the actual business meeting will indicate that you "mean business".

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ok, if you will be around industry people, I think go with your best pair of dark denim jeans with a blazer. Maybe a shell or collared shirt underneath. I feel like that crowd is more casual than others, and one of my bosses definitely felt that certain clients were uncomfortable around anything resembling suit pants. Just my 2-cents.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I am quite sure your personality can carry being professional and courteous. So the key here for me would to create an outfit that makes me feel powerful. You *are* in finance and so I would look like you know what value for money is. Personally, I would wear my best ass-kicking shoes, my most flattering dark denims, and a top and jacket that resonate casual, classy and stylish.

Personally, I would go to Barneys and get ready to spend money on such an outfit, but I don't know what your budget is.

tarzy

Veteran

I second IK's suggestion of Barneys, Rodeo Drive, etc.

Here's my (somewhat jaded) .2 cent opinion -

Even though you'll be dealing with industry people, you're the money. Leave the creative outfits to the talent. Whenever I see female agents, lawyers, network or studio execs, etc. who work in the industry, they look like they own the bank. Designer shoes and handbags. Gorgeous fabrics, expertly tailored, black and neutrals. If you wear jeans, they should look like $300 jeans. And pair them with a fabulous blouse. I'd bring a jacket. You can always take it off.

This town is all about image and perception. Male directors, screenwriters and rock stars can look like they slept on the sidewalk, but females - especially those in power positions - need to look like they own the block.

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. So we're talking finance, but in a movies context. I'd want to smell like money, look like power, and be in the swing of things. That does to me say a fashion forward blazer well-fitted at the shoulders, strong colourful solids grounded by a neutral solid, heels. I'm thinking pants or pencil skirt. And a blow out.

I don't think I'd do a wrap top, but maybe I'd do a cowl neck. It would be safer to stay away from pattern, esp. floral and watercolour tops. Graphic pattern, like Angie's check in the link above is good, tho.

Amy

Wanted to thank everyone for their feedback, and give you a quick update. So, based on your feedback I decided that this event was worth an investment, and I scheduled an appointment with a Nordstrom personal shopper. (Loved the Barney's idea, but unfortunately ours just closed.) I decided to let the SA do her thing and worry about the prices later. I loved what she put together! She gave me some the of the same advice, focus on shoes and a bag, and the clothes will be elevated. Luckily, I already have a Marc Jacobs taupe bag that was a gift for my 40th birthday. So, we settled on 2 Joie tops (which were fortunately on sale), a pair of Rag and Bone skinny jeans (that cover my muffin!), and a pair of Kate Spade pants in taupe with a black tuxedo stripe on the sides. I have casual jackets that will work over the blouses if I want to wear into the meetings. Most of the colors that she picked for me are rich neutrals, a lot of taupe, navy and some black.

But, the piece de resistance are the shoes, identical to these, but in taupe rather than cream:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ji.....rsonalized

I die. They are beautiful. I'm wearing them the rest of the week so that I don't look like a dolt walking in them. So far so good!

I've never ever spent this much in one day (or maybe even year) on clothing. But, I really feel like I will get a ton of mileage out of just the few pieces, especially since they all pair well together. I think I'm finally getting over my bargain hunting madness and will try to focus on quality over quantity going forward. My background in finance and budgeting sometimes becomes a negative as I have a hard time spending on myself even when it is needed.

So, in a nutshell, thanks for giving me permission to splurge, I really feel so relieved and am greatly looking forward to my upcoming meetings!

Makrame

Veteran

That sounds like a great experience and a well thought-out collection of workhorse items! Good luck with the meetings!

rachylou

Veteran

Fabulous shoes. I can imagine them with everything you described. How great!

T-Rex

Veteran

Oh, yeah. Those are some great shoes.

Mellllls

Veteran

Great pieces. So glad this worked out for you.