Powerful 2024

Greenjeans

Hi everyone, I hope you've enjoyed a beautiful entry into 2024.

Would you be wiling to share ideas with me about what to wear to a professional event with an eclectic/arty vibe? My go-to for past events (more arty than the one coming up) has been to wear a midi dress and boots. This event is different. More high profile. I want to feel powerful perhaps a bit neutral but not corporate. I feel drawn to wearing a tuxedo/suit for this event but don't feel that'd suit my body type (hourglass).

Ideas? This is a new venture, new business for me and I'm a little lost about where to start.

3 months ago

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from judy

Suz

(website)

Veteran

First of all, congratulations on the upcoming event!

What is your artistic field? And what is your preferred style?

Will you be speaking to others (i.e. presening), mingling, and/or dining? Is it an opening, a launch, a showing? Each might call for a different kind of look.

I personally love the idea of a tuxedo style suit -- but that would work for my personal style well. (Not that I own one, LOL). But it depends on how dressy the environment is. In my own arts world (the literary) the just-right outfit tends to be one that incorporates a lot of juxtaposition. A tough element (like a leather jacket or denim jacket or jeans) with a cool/ interesting element (maybe a skirt in an unusual cut or fabric) plus some interesting accessories. It's rare that I'd need a truly dressy outfit. But if I were in film, I can imagine it might be different.

3 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

When I worked - in a conservative gov’t environment - the ‘power’ outfit incorporated a blazer jacket. Usually a jacket over skirt, but later a jacket over dress. You could get away with interesting colours if the cut/silouhette was conservative and you could wear something more trend driven or eclectic if the colours were onservative/neutral.

3 months ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I would think about what silhouette makes you feel the most fab and powerful, and then try to do that slightly on the “ conservative “ or professional end of the spectrum— often via fabric, something really good quality, more weighty ( as opposed to too-floaty silk or poor- quality polyester ), and then, akin to what Carla said, balancing color vs cut, to be individual but not too out there. So, is there a dress style that works great for you as an hourglass? Or a skirt and fitted jacket? ( I’m so not an hourglass, so I’m not good at options!) But think what feels great but can be translated into different levels of dressiness, professionalism.
Also, I’d think ahead to shoes as well— what type of footwear helps your “ message”- are you easy to fit/ very shoe- tolerant so it’s easy to find shoes after outfit is decided , or do you have to dress from the feet up?!

3 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the idea of a pants suit! And not necessarily a tuxedo.

That said, if skirts and dresses are more your thing, Green Jeans - focus on a dressier and more refined version with off-kilter footwear. Aren't you a Fluevog gal? I may have remembered incorrectly

3 months ago

Greenjeans

Veteran

Thanks for this beautiful and generous feedback, Suz, Runcarla, unfrumped and Angie.

I am a visual artist who is opening a yoga studio. (Not fitness yoga but healing/therapeutic yoga.) The event is an open house including other businesses in my building. We are an eclectic, creative bunch.

I tried the COS jacket below in two sizes. On paper it's perfect! Alas, it's severe (I feel severe in it) and perhaps too structured for my personality. Color-wise, I'm gravitating toward cream, white or orange. White shirtdress? I'm drawn to the embroidered one below. Is it twee?

Dang it! I had my hopes set on the black jacket working out. Now, must rush. I own the black dress below (Scotch & Soda). It is still good and I can wear in a pinch but would love something new.

P. S. Suz, it makes sense you're connected to the literary arts. Your posts are a dream to read!

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2 months ago

ChristelJ

Veteran

What a wonderful and exciting venture. I see why you would not want to feel severe. Personally, I love the embroidered dress and don't think it's twee at all. I also think lighter colors would be ideal for that healing vibe. But what matters is how you feel in the outfit.

2 months ago

Star

Veteran

I also like the idea of lighter colours for that healing vibe. Wishing you every success with your new studio!

2 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Greenjeans, you are THE Greenjeans -- we met in Boston years ago! I wasn't sure it was you. Ok, now I get it.

And how I wish I could come to your opening and your studio! I was hit by a car while on my bike this summer and am still healing...

Anyway, I love the idea of creams, orange (or maybe chocolate browns) and greens for you if your hair is still red? I can see the challenges of dressing for something like this. Too severe is not right for the situation. You want to appear welcoming. But also have a little flair or drama. Hmmm. Ok. I am going to put on my thinking cap.

2 months ago

Anonymous

Sounds like a fun dressing challenge I'd think a tuxedo style would work, with a short or peplum type jacket, but that dress is good too. Or something simple like a sheath style dress, but creative accessories.

2 months ago

Roberta

Veteran

The Sundance dress is fabulous! I am also an hourglass (maybe more of a rectangle these days) and I love the idea of a well fitted suit. I have a dark blue jumpsuit that reads like a tuxedo - side stripes - but is less structured. That would be my choice these days. And fabulous shoes of course!

2 months ago

rachylou

Veteran

I really like the white dress!

2 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So...if you want a less structured, easier jacket and trouser look in cream or olive or maybe a burgundy...how about checking out Aritzia? They have a variety of jacket types that might feel more relaxed but still professional.

https://www.aritzia.com/en/clo.....-for-women

2 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

And, it turns out we did not meet, right? I am confusing you with Greenglove! Oh well. Off for some corrective tea.

2 months ago

Sal

Veteran

I think in terms of dressiness you have scope from business casual to arty to professional. I love the idea of something with flow - in a colour you love.

If I had to pull from my current wardrobe I think I would choose this combo. It’s a bit arty but also polished.

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2 months ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the studio! May you end up helping many who need it

I agree that lighter colours may seem more healing - blue & green in particular are fairly restorative colours, but I like the embroidered dress you linked to. So long as you don't wear it with pigtails & Mary Janes, I think you'll be fine re: 'too twee' lol

I can see how some suits might feel too restrictive/ severe - could you maybe do a cropped jacket with more wide leg, flowy trousers instead? Waist definition is important for hourglass figures, so if not a cropped blazer then I'd recommend a belt of some sort.

Good luck!

2 months ago

judy

Veteran

I was thinking of your query from the other point of view...those who will come to your open house. If I were a guest and considering participating in your healing yoga...are you the one teaching, or are you an owner?...of course your warmth would probably be first on my radar. In other words, no corporate or gorgeous outfit required, just something that lets YOU shine. Even something as simple as a nice sweater and trousers (is it winter where you are? or a summer version if not). Simple hair, minimal jewelry. A big smile. But maybe you are an owner looking for investors...? and maybe you'd need that jacket over it in that case :).
Your business sounds very intriguing and best of luck.

2 months ago

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