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Speaking of "suddenly business casual" - fashion emergency

Makrame

Veteran

I just received an e-mail reminder about a reception I was supposed to go to tonight. I completely forgot about it so was not dressed for the event at all. It is a reception at an art museum for our "women in science" program - light refreshments, awards given to some attendees (not me ), and guided tour of the museum. I just snapped a quick picture - this is what I am wearing today (trouser jeans, LLBean top). I don't have time to go home to change and have no jacket in my office so I can either go as is or skip the event completely. What do you think?

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Makrame

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Put on a smile and some lipstick and go have fun. You look nice, even if it is casual for an event like this. Tell them you are coming straight from the lab (maybe you are?), I'm sure all women in science will get it!

ManidipaM

Veteran

I'd go and make sure to carry my confidence with me. You look very smart and presentable, even if not in dressy eveningwear; you even have a French painterly vibe going on with an arty pendant and red shoes and Breton striped top (all that's missing is the beret!) --- as long as you don't apologize too much for it, or feel too awkward, you'll just look like the cool, laidback one I always seem to envy at parties, who makes many people look like they're trying too hard. What's your bag like?

Diana

Veteran

Your pants are (A)PPL, (B)fit properly, and (C)dark. To most people in our field, I think that's considered business casual. =P Oh, and you are wearing jewelry, so obviously it's a special occasion!

Elly

Veteran

Do you have anyone in your department that has a coat tree that always has an errant scarf on it, or a friend that keeps one in her office? I think a little artful draping would help big time. Of course, you're fine as is . . . I've had profs show up to events not looking near as nice, but then again my last university had tenured faculty that got tenure AFTER they stopped washing their feet.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I agree with Rita! The occasion is always more important than the clothes! And a smile and confident, friendly presence is always the best accessory!

kellygirl

Veteran

I think you look very polished, Makrame! I would go and enjoy!

Makrame

Veteran

I am, in fact, coming from the lab - doing experiments right now. Most people will be coming right after work anyway - the only difference is that those who were doing teaching or clinical or administrative duties might be wearing suits/jackets, which was I normally would have done if I had remembered.

I do not expect too many people to have fancy evening wear on, but perhaps be more of the business formal side.

I was considering wearing a red bag today but decided it was too matchy. So I have a black crossbody bag.

MsMary

Veteran

I think you look great -- I think you should definitely go! (And if the museum gift shop is still open when you get there, maybe you can buy a scarf to dress up your very fab casual outfit! LOL)

christieanne

Veteran

Go and mingle and have a nice time and do a little networking

morethanbeige

Veteran

Go and enjoy!

Sona

Veteran

I agree: go. enjoy. have fun!. you look great!!

Anonymous

You look fine. Don't sweat it. Go and enjoy the event.

Anonymous

I think you look pretty amazing for a regular work day! That necklace is stellar with your red shoes, so I see no need for a scarf or jacket. Go and have a blast!

Isis

Veteran

I think you've probably left---and I hope you went to the reception!

You look great! Perhaps more casual than some, but perhaps not. You look great for a day in the lab! I think that is how women would look in my dept (but there are regional differences)...

(I tend to keep a black jacket in the office for when it is cold and in case I suddenly have to go see the dean.....)

Tanya

Veteran

I hope you have gone and enjoyed yourself! Your outfit is very nice and polished, by far superior to those of 99% of the women that I observe in academic settings on daily basis.

Makrame

Veteran

Thanks everyone for the encouragement, I am back and yes, I did go to the reception. It was nice to finally see our tiny art museum (I have been in this city for a few years but have never made it to the art museum). I did a quick "run-through" of the exhibits and found out they have a painting by Pollock and a painting by Edward Hopper - not being very knowledgeable about art, especially American art, those were the only names I recognized.

I was probably somewhere in the lower half of the level of dressiness but not entirely out of place since most people came directly from work. I guess that's the benefit of "dressing up" on a daily basis. This morning I was actually wondering if I was too dressed up for a day at the bench but now I am glad I decided to add the pendant and red shoes.