New here: What should I wear?

Hello,

I am brand new, coming out of lurkerdom to get some feedback on what I should wear for an upcoming event. I have seen you be so generous with your comments and thoughts that I am hoping you will give me your reactions.

I have been asked to speak at a national meeting of a professional group that is not my profession. I work in geeky/math-y profession and they are more creative profession.

Since I'm too new to upload photos, I am posting from photobucket. Hope it works!

Option 1:
I like this skirt but I'm never sure about so much black up top and don't know if this is too wintery (presentation is in southwest).
http://i1283.photobucket.com/a.....ae9b03.jpg

Option 2:
Same skirt, different top and cardigan. I have a belted option here
http://i1283.photobucket.com/a.....014e2d.jpg

and a non-belted
http://i1283.photobucket.com/a.....4a201a.jpg

Option 3:
I like having the blue on top (and I'm shy so I cut my head, but this blue brings out my blue eyes too). This one probably needs some more accessorizing.
http://i1283.photobucket.com/a.....f0afed.jpg

Thank you for taking the time to click through the links!

12 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

Welcome Dicey!
These are great outfits, and look fabulous on you...but my feeling is that for a national meeting, when you are a presenter you may need a bit more polish to your ensemble.
What have you got in the way of jackets?

moira

I agree with merwoman. I think a bit more polish would be good.
You may find yourself under hot lights so perhaps a jacket with a sleeveless shell or knit sweater underneath.
I think either skirt would be great, depending on what jackets you have.
I would not wear a scarf as it may be something that you end up fiddling with. Perhaps a somewhat bold statement necklace would work and also show some creativity for the crowd you are addressing. An interesting broach would serve the same purpose if you don't like necklaces.

rachylou

I prefer solid colors for presentations. You're just easier to see that way. I think I like the first one for that reason, and also it has the embellishment of the scarf. The outfit with the blue top (fab blue!) is very plain, the skirt a little casual. And while I like the V-neck on you, I also don't like the V for presentations. I think it draws the eye in the wrong direction.

Ok! So what sort of creatives are we talking here?

dicey

Active Member

I am so happy to log back in and see replies! I think you are right that I need to step it up on the formality. My jacket situation is sad as they always seem too wide with arms too short. Let me see what I can come up with.

Rachylou, I like your general rules for presenting. Thank you! I don't want to be too specific but the creating involves writing. If anyone sees a conference speaker in one of these skirts, come introduce yourself!

Jenava

(website)

Welcome! So glad you've come out of lurkdome. (-:

I like the last option. What is the fabric of the skirt? If it's wool then I'd go with that. I think the v is not so low, and you boobage (so to speak) is not so prominent that you need worry about sending any sort of wrong message. I do think the black tights and shoes need attention. Can you do sheer black hose and a lower vamp shoe? What about adding a belt to #3 and maybe a nice silk scarf knotted at the throat? This might help echo the black shoes/tights and make it look more balanced with the black on the bottom. Or better yet, nude fishnets or no hose and a non-black shoe (grey, perhaps) with some silver jewelry such as a long silver chain?

I also agree that ideally you'd have some sort of jacket, but I don't think it's a deal breaker.

Suz

Welcome, Dicey!

You look great in both your skirts. I prefer the one you like for the presentation and agree if you change up the hose and accessories (and maybe rustle up a jacket) you will have a great outfit! For the sleeves of the jacket, don't forget if they feel too short you could always scrunch them up (for now) until you find an all round great fitting jacket. With your build you might find that Theory jackets will work well for you (if you are able to purchase one now).

That is another question we didn't ask yet - WHEN is this conference to be? That might affect what you wear as well. If you are travelling to a warmer climate, you might be right to worry about a lot of black and opaque hose will feel too heavy when you are there.

Beth Ann

Lovely outfits! #1 and #2 are my favorites. Now, I agree about the fiddle factor with scarves, although creative types (I'm a singer, speaking from experience here) LOVE scarves, and fiddling with them, too. Of course, this doesn't help anyone pay attention to your presentation (lol). I also agree that a jacket would be best, although I think the print in our top in #1 is great, and, with a black jacket and this skirt, would be amazing.

Suz's point about the timing of the conference is key for the legwear and shoes, particularly.

Welcome, Dicey! Glad you meet you!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The ladies have you sorted, so I'm just popping in to say welcome and hi

Elly

Hi dicey!

I'm in the southwest, but it really depends on where you are speaking. Phoenix is due to get up in the 70s today, so you want to be comfortable so you don't overheat. However, locals will probably have their "winter" clothes on, so you definitely don't want to look like you are on vacation. Other places in the southwest are actually having snow. I like that you have planned something you can wear with or without tights. I would make sure your black shoes look ok without the hose as well-- for that reason it may be a good idea to wear some black in your outfit to tie the shoes in should it be too warm to wear them. I really like option number 2-- it looks both stylish/styled and professional, where the other options seem a little overly plain/casual or overtly "artsy". Plus, scarves that can fall forward might need to be adjusted during a presentation, and many speakers play with open sweaters trying to keep them in place if they move around a bit. I think the small amount of pattern that shows up in option two functions more like jewelry or a scarf than a full on patterned number for a presentation.

Thanks for the welcomes! I am having fun with the various suggestions from all of you.

I had never explored micro fishnets but looking through the archives here has convinced me I might try them.

The conference is in two weeks, and it looks like they usually have highs around 70 and low around 50.

Given that it looks like I may be doing some more presenting this spring, trying to fill this jacket hole may make sense and a quick search of Theory presents some nice possibilities.

unfrumped

I echo Moira's suggestion of a shell under a nice jacket. For a talk or other situation iin which you think you are most likely to keep the jacket ON the whole time, a sleeveless top gives a great fit with no sleeve bunching and neckline-pulling, and there is a huge selection for color, pattern, fabric and where the neckline falls.

I'm not suggesting you can't take off your jacket--it's more the idea that I finally figured out how flattering-ly a sleeveless top fits under a jacket whether or not the weather calls for sleeveless items, and so I made it a point to have several outfits that work that way when the jacket look is the "star" and carries the outfit. Whereas before used to try to make jackets work with a host of tops and wondered why I didn't always get the polished look I was aiming for.

harmonica

You've got great advice already, and I'm supporting them. Just wanted to say that you look great in all outfits!

Category