Seeking outfit advice for an important meeting. Wardrobe holes?

I will soon face a situation my wardrobe may not be prepared for : a meeting with high-ranking participants. It's time to check if I can compose at least one business formal outfit!
I don't want this outfit to attract particular attention, but I need it to feel great enough to boost my confidence.

I'm not really used to wearing dresses, so I'll go for dress trousers. Black dress trousers more specifically - since my only other pair (navy) need re-hemming and won't be ready by the meeting date.

I'm looking for collective wisdom to help me identify a suitable topper and top and a few accessories.
I added all the envisioned items as Finds, but as of now I cannot experiment outfits since the trousers are at the dry cleaner.

The first possible topper is a black blazer. One of my wardrobe workhorses - nice quality, nice fit, very comfortable. I found three candidate tops to be paired with it :
- A wine red top with a tie / pussy bow. Not the best quality, but it fits well. Do you think the resulting outfit would be too dark? Do you think the tie / pussy bow is suitable?
- A light blue blouse. Nice quality, but slightly too loose. Maybe too much volume with the wide-legged trousers?
- An offwhite mock-neck ribbed top. Maybe too high-contrast with the black trousers and topper?

The second possible topper is an olive blazer. Another wardrobe workhorse, but of lesser quality than the black one. I would pair it with a black top with a tie / pussy bow to create a column of color. A colored topper may help me feel less "suited", but I'm not sure it would be formal enough.

As accessories, I envisioned heritage garnet earrings or black pearl ear studs. Maybe a long gold necklace with the offwhite mock-neck and black blazer - but I'm afraid it would be too much.

Outerwear would be a classic beige trench (rather frumpy on the photo, but great in person), and shoes would be my reliable black ankle boots. I won't take a handbag since I'll have my computer bag (or is it a business fashion faux pas?).

Do you think those items would allow me to compose a suitable outfit? All your insight, thoughts, comments and tips are welcome.

Yoox

IO IVANA OMAZIĆ Casual trouser

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Pieces PCRILENA - Halskette - gold

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6 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Is the black blazer a similar fabrication to the trousers?

Suz

(website)

It will be easier to tell when you're able to try on, but it sounds as if the black blazer is the better option, on the whole. If you wear the burgundy top, it might be a bit dark, but the trench will lighten up the effect as would a bit of gold. What colour is your computer bag?

Do you have a similar top with a subtle pattern?

Elizabeth P

Do the fabrics in your black trousers and black blazer go together well enough to fake being a suit? Or to be an obvious "non-suit"? That would be my only concern about that combo. I personally don't think the burgundy top would be too dark, but I don't shy away from dark for myself.
I don't think extra volume in the blue top will show under a jacket.
And I like high contrast, but I'm a high contrast person... if you're not, I'd avoid that combo.
I think computer bag instead of purse is fine. Or as well as, if needed to carry all your "stuff". I'd probably take both.

As Elizabeth P said, if it can fake a suit, go with the black. If not, it won't look formal enough and I'd choose the grey jacket.

I'd then go with either the blue top under grey or cream.

Aurore

Thistle, it's the same shade of black (if that makes sense) but not exactly the same fabric. The trousers are a thick ponte, and the blazer are a lighter fabric. The textures are visually similar though, and I think they go well together.

Sorry all for the cross-post! Thank you so much for your quick, insightful answers!

Suz, my computer bag is a basic black one - the one that was furnished with the computer. I think adding a dressier one to my shopping list would be a good idea for later meetings!
I have the same style as the burgundy blazer in a floral pattern, but I find it too girly for this meeting as it will take place on a military airbase.

Thistle and Elizabeth P., I think the black trousers and blazer can fake a suit. I'm glad to read the burgundy top may be an acceptable option, as it's currently the one I'm most drawn to!

kkards

will this be a walking kind of meeting? or will you be sitting with your computer in front of you?
i ask because earlier in my career i had meetings that often involved walking and taking notes...those required making sure that you have a place for extra writing materials and a phone, and most importantly very comfortable shoes...

Christina F.

I think the blue top could be a nice complement to the khaki trench coat.

I agree that the floral would read too feminine for this setting. I think either the burgundy or the blue would be best.

Helena

Aurore, what about a column of black with the olive jacket over-top? Sort of a no-fail? I too am concerned the blacks might be too similar but too different, if that makes sense ... good luck with the meeting!

Toban

I like the blue with your coloring. However, it's difficult to pair a blazer and pants in the same color if they aren't a set. I would suggest using the olive blazer. I wouldn't hesitate on the long gold necklace, but then I consistently wear bold and colorful necklaces. It can make the difference between an ok outfit and an awesome outfit.

Sal

I like either the black blazer with the burgundy over the top or the column of black with the olive blazer.

I think either would read very professional and polished and I would not hesitate to wear jewelry.

Good luck with the meeting!

jussie

I think either the burgundy blouse with the black blazer OR
The column of black with the olive blazer
The reason I like those options best is because I think bergundy and olive are great colours for you, plus they have a kind of low-medium contrast which I think will be nice. Any of your possible options look good; except maybe the floral for this particular occasion.
Best of luck!

Mainelady

I agree with Sal and Jussie. Try both on and see which one makes you feel your best. Yes, to jewelry!

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