Pleione top and possible presentation outfits?

After putting together a travel capsule for a "summer" conference ( http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....el-capsule ), I realized that it would be nice to have some short-sleeved (not sleeveless) tops to wear under blazers so that the top layer could be removed, if needed, without worrying about revealing bra straps and such under sleeveless tops. As a result, I just got this short-sleeved Pleione blouse http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pl.....n=wishlist . I think I like it, although there is the issue of "grinning". I will try wearing a cami under to avoid "grinning" but I think the straps might show with the wide neckline. In any case, it seems to work well under jackets. What do you think?

I have also tried a few possible outfits with the blouse, thinking that I might use it for the presentation day (semi-conservatively dressed audience, many men will probably be wearing suits or sports jackets). I was initially planning on wearing a pinstripe button-down shirt with the navy jacket but it looked horrid in the photos so now I am leaning towards the first outfit (multi-color top and navy jacket). However, I could also go with the Pleione blouse. The red jacket looks good but with its exposed seams and knit fabrication it is probably too casual. The striped jacket may be too matchy-matchy or cutesy with this blouse. The navy jacket looks good but the color is a bit different from the dark navy of the blouse trim.

Thanks for looking and please disregard the wrinkling on the jackets (they need ironing)!

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14 years ago

sarah

Veteran

What a great top! I would wear a black cami under it to avoid the grinning. I actually like it all the ways you've styled it, especially with the striped jacket.

Perfect for summer conferences!

Suz

(website)

That's a really nice top. And I wonder if the "grinning" is actually as bad IRL as it appears in the photos. I suspect the flash is making it seem more obvious than it really is.

I think any one of those outfits could work very well for you, although I see your point about the red jacket perhaps seeming too casual.

Jenava

What kind of conference? I really love it with the jackets you've shown, particularly the striped and red jackets. I'm just not sure that it's the best choice if you're trying for business formal attire, or even business casual. I like the first top/jacket pairing you're shown better. It's a beautiful color combo. The polka dots just don't scream "business" to me.

Amy

#1 would be my choice for a conference. I think it's positively lovely and I like how you finished it off with those fab shoes. I like the other outfits too, but the first just seems more appropriate for the occasion.

Makrame

This is a scientific conference. Given the location (Miami) typically this would be a really casual affair (think men in shorts and t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts) but because this conference has a lot of physicians, the overall mood is a bit more conservative (so slacks and a white jacket or a suit are not entirely unexpected for men). I definitely do not need to go for business formal but a bit of dressiness is not going to hurt. Thanks for pointing out that polka dots are less formal; since I don't normally follow a dress code, this did not occur to me.

I do hope you keep it an wear it with the red and striped jackets, though, or on it's own. It is super cute! FWIW I'd put an untucked white cami under it, because I like my whites and creams to look very opaque (although if it's hidden under a jacket it's not such a big deal).

christieanne

I always think red is a good color for presentations - it screams confidence and kind of makes the audience pay attention. If it's too casual though then maybe bring for a different day with the new blouse?
Outfit #1 is well put together and professional if you want to stress that for presentation.

ManidipaM

I'd go with the last or the first, for the conference speaking. They both look FABULOUS.

In fact, I have to say I hadn't ever considered polka dots informal, so I was leaning towards the last one. It's a cleaner, stronger palette and pattern to my eye, while the print is certainly eye-catching, if that's the intention, but may prove a little too busy in real-life if you're moving about. You want focus on your face, not shirt, after all. Do you think the people you will meet there would be terribly knowledgeable about fashion or very conservative? If neither, then I think you needn't worry too much about wearing dots.

Anonymous

Yes! I like them all.

Isis

I like your new blouse!

For presentation day, I like the first option, with the multi-colored top. It's interesting yet professional. I like the last one, but it is a bit pattern-mixy and scientists are a conservative lot. Perfect for another day at the conference though....

Have fun in Miami!

Meghan R

Active Member

I'm with Isis. I like the first outfit for your presentation and the last outfit for general milling around at the conference. The proportions are great in all of these. One thought, however -- I'd worry about the strap issues of the polka dot top. At conferences, or any place where I can't control or am unfamiliar with the indoor temperature, I like to make sure that all of my layers are fine on their own. Sometimes it can get awfully warm in conference rooms!

Beth Ann

Firstly, let me say that I have an allergy to stuffy business conventions! I just want to way a fluffy floral dress, or perhaps leather, and stand up on the conference table reciting a poem about freedom. I want to set all the little men in suits free! Of course, I would then get an introduction to the security staff!

Now, assuming you don't want to get kicked out of the meeting, I'd wear #1, #2, or #5. I have the top in #1 and find it very versatile. Even though it's sleeveless, if offers good coverage on it's own, if you should want to take off the jacket when you're outside or in a restaurant. I love the power of the red jacket and the pattern mixing in #5. For the presentation, the pattern mixing might be distracting for some of you listeners, but I think it would gather just the right kind of attention for the rest of the convention.

Vix

Hi Makrame --

Given the dress conventions of the conference, for your presentation I'd pick #1 (multi-color top + navy jacket) for sure. Congrats on the opportunity, btw.

IMO the top's colors flatter you really well, so while it has some interest against the jacket it's helping do the job of framing your face. Which is where you want the attention to be when speaking!

I am getting a color-tone clash on my monitor with the new polka dot blouse and the striped jacket, but do like it with the red or blue (#2 or 3) for later in the conference.

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