What should I wear to a reading? - YouLookFab Forum

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What should I wear to a reading?

SarahD8

Veteran

Hello everyone, I'm just back from my annual extremely-busy work conference and am looking forward to catching up on what I've missed on the forum over the last week.

In the meantime I could use some advice. I'm reading a piece of my writing and participating in a panel discussion at a prominent literary venue in my city a few weeks from now. I am SUPER excited about this!

But, of course, I have no idea what to wear. Can you all help me brainstorm and then I can start trialing outfits from my closet?

I'd like to wear something comfortable, practical, that somehow both conveys intellectual seriousness and is a bit arty/creative.

It doesn't need to be terribly dressy. I expect lots of members of the audience will be in jeans and fleece.

Thanks in advance for any inspiration!

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How exciting, SarahD8! CONGRATS. What are you going to read, and where is the venue?

I seldom see people in fleece in Seattle, actually. Tech hoodies, goth toppers, and Lululemon jackets have taken over!

I suspect you'll want to wear your skinny jeans? Add a top and scarf that make you feel fab and confident. Then a pair of boots that works with the look. Hair is very important

Sal

Veteran

How exciting Sarah!! What are you going to read?

I think you can wear a range of things - so I think you could be quite dressy or casual. But I would think about your image that you want to portray.

Is there a particular item you want to wear? Shoes, blouse etc?
What makes you feel confident?
What colour do you especially want to wear?

I would start with shoes and hair.

Will follow others ideas!!

SarahD8

Veteran

Thanks Angie and Sal! I am reading a poem that was recently published in an anthology. Angie the venue is on Capitol Hill, but I expect this particular event to draw an especially fleece-y crowd. Will report back.

Skinny jeans and boots would definitely cover the practical and comfortable brief.

Maybe I'll do a short-over-long-over lean look. I feel like that's a distinctively "me" silhouette.

Oh, hair! I suppose I should book a hair appointment, being a couple of months overdue. Urgh.

rachylou

Veteran

I say think Maya Angelou, not Bob Hass. Maya Angelou always wore something interesting, a little dressy but relaxed. Bob Hass readings - never saw so many white tees, Levi’s and John Lennon glasses in my life. Scared me. Hehe.

Anonymous

I'm picturing a flowy or asymmetrical top and bold jewelry with the jeans and boots. That says arty but laid back to me.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

OK! Well done! Are you definitely going with the skinny jeans then?
I felt a sort of long-flowy-skirt-with-cardigan-and-specs vibe as I read this. I am not sure why I felt this. Probably some movie or other, not being a writer or attending such events-except for one with Nigella Lawson! I am also reminded of Meryl Streep for an unknown reason

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Although, just looked back at your prompt challenge posts. What about the burgundy and plum outfit with those fab tall boots?

Bijou

Veteran

Congratulations - that is a fantastic achievement. You always dress beautifully, so I am sure whatever you wear will look great. Given you are one of the readers, it is absolutely fine to be more dressed up than the people that are in the audience. I say wear what makes you feel confident and fab. If that is super casual then great, but I think you have scope to wear what you want.

Hoping Suz chimes in with her advice given she regularly talks and attends readings.

Toban

Veteran

Congratulations! Definitely do you. YOUR signature look (and not your image of what a writer should look like). Above you mention short over long over lean as being you — a variation of that would be perfect.

Helena

Veteran

How amazing! I love Angie and Toban's comments on this, so I'll just add that I hope Suz weighs in, because she is very good with these scenarios.

Good luck and congratulations!

kkards

Veteran

Congratulations! this is so exciting.
no real ideas on what to wear other than to make sure it's uber comfortable, both physically and emotionally.

unfrumped

Veteran

Congratulations!
I agree with Toban.
Some variation of your signature look.
Because it’s casual, that give you huge leeway- jeans if that’s your favorite bottoms or give you best silhouette, any color you love is great, juxtaposing high- low or sporty/ dressy is great.
Apart from the general silhouette, a fun ( but YOU) top, topper or necklace or scarf ( or combination) for face- framing and good “ face colors” is what I’d think about next.
Plus I agree with “ confidence outfit “. No wardrobe malfunctions, no self- conscious risky fits for me.

Aquamarine

Veteran

How exciting! Congratulations! Hopefully Suz will chime in, as I think she does this sort of thing often.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SarahD8, as long as you don't wear fleece

The attention will be on the top half of you, so bear that in mind. And I'm loving the sound of a distinctively "you" look!

SarahD8

Veteran

Ha, Rachylou, many years ago I saw Hass read at a public library in a distinctly uncool suburb in the middle of the day...I think that kept down the John Lennon glasses contingent. Angelou is something to aspire to, for sure.

suntiger I think my closet can do floaty, albeit not asymmetrical...

Thank you Bijou, Toban, torontogirl, kkards, and Aquamarine!

JenniNZ I guess the main reason I was settling on skinny jeans (or maybe leggings) is that they are practical and that's pretty much all I've got unless I want to go dressy. Your burgundy/plum outfit suggestion is a good one...although it made me realize that part of the problem here is that I don't want to wear an "everyday" outfit. I think I'm encountering a version of the "date night" problem -- I want something practical that isn't wildly different from the environmental norm (in terms of dressiness), BUT I want it to feel "special" on some level. Does that make sense?

Angie, good reminder that the attention will be on the top half. So I'm thinking something with interest, but not cluttered. And as unfrumped points out, a good face color. I will definitely not wear fleece myself!

LaPed

Veteran

Congrats! Super excited for you. Would love to learn more about the anthology if you're comfortable sharing.

I know exactly the sort of jeans-and-fleece crowd you're describing. That's exactly what rural New England lit fests look like! When I do readings, I pull from a pretty specific capsule. I like layered dark neutrals and lower contrast patterns. Nothing too busy because I want the attention on my face and voice, not what's printed on my shirt. I prefer projecting "pragmatic" rather than "artsy" at lit events. If I get too drape-y or architectural, I feel like I'm trying too hard and worry I look like a poseur.

I'd start with boots and jeans, then pick a top and topper that feel right to you. I'm wondering if you want to lean into your heathered moors/landgirl persona for this. Fair isle is the poet's fleece.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Congratulations on doing the event!

Your description of the “date night problem” makes perfect sense.

You do the short over long over lean thing well, and it is distinctive. Doing it in plum and burgundy would be cool.

But, as if you didn’t have enough factors to think of already, I think the poem you’re reading also matters. Whether you want your look to underline what the poem says or to highlight it via contrast, the interplay is something you probably want to consider.

Katerina

Veteran

Congratulations! What a fantastic achievement!
You have got so much great advice. I don’t have much to contribute. I can echo Toban and others.
Enjoy your event!

Runcarla

Veteran

Just wanted to say congratulations, and ‘how cool are you?’ Wonderful achievement. Congratulations. Yes. Do visit your hairstylist - even if just for a trim and a scalp massage!

Anonymous

Congratulations! SarahD8!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I assume you will be behind a podium while you are reading/speaking? So I’d keep the focus on your face and hair, with your favorite flattering color in a top/jacket, and keep the overall feel comfortable so you are focused on your material and not on making sure anything in your outfit is laying correctly (I avoid super long pendants or anything that can skew crooked when I speak). I’d probably stick with a solid color jacket or top rather than a busy print. Photos will likely be taken!

I’m sure you’ll do — and look — great! Have fun!

RobinF

Veteran

Very exciting, congrats! I totally get the "date night" issue, I run into it all the time. I want to be me but nicer but not too nice - haha.

Agree with the suggestions for keeping the top simple. You want to feel comfortable. I like a jacket with jeans for this type of occasion, the jacket lets me feel a little dressed up but the jeans keep it me. Or the flowy top idea is good too.

SarahD8

Veteran

Thank you all for your kind support! I must admit I'm quite overwhelmed by the congratulations but I really appreciate it.

So I'm hearing some advice for pattern and some advice for solids. I'll try an outfit of each type and see what feels most right.

I am definitely taking the advice to keep it un-fussy to heart!

FashIntern, good point about being in tune with the subject of the poem, which is rather somber. I'm definitely keeping that in mind.

LaPed -- "fair isle is the poet's fleece" -- I LOVE IT. I think you've just handed me a mantra for dressing for these sorts of events. Will pm you about the anthology.

RobinF, nicer but not too nice -- yeah, you get it!

Janet good advice to focus on above-the-table portions of the outfit.

And thank you again, Katerina, Runcarla, and Sterling!

JAileen

Veteran

The advice to dress like yourself is right on. Whenever I’ve thought about amping up an outfit, then changing my mind, I’m always glad I was myself.

notsaf

Veteran

Whatever you choose, you'll post a photo for us I hope! Congratulations!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, I'm late here. Apologies, and congratulations!! Wonderful news.

I give readings and presentations quite often. In different settings and venues. There's no set "uniform." I don't necessarily dress like the other authors, either. I try to go with my own style.

Are you reading in a bookstore or a pub or some other type of place?

Some thoughts, for what they are worth.

Wear something that feels very "you."
Jeans are fine.
Something in a flattering colour or neutral near your face -- a scarf or a top that makes you glow.

I completely understand the desire to wear something a bit "special" that is also casual enough to feel within your wheelhouse. My whole wardrobe is built around exactly this situation! (Seriously).

Because I feel very at home in blazers, I often wear a blazer with a funky tee (often a graphic tee) or a dressy top. And jeans, and sharp boots/ booties.

Another way I sometimes go is denim jacket and dressier bottom (skirt/ dress, dress pants, etc.) With some jewellery or a scarf. And appropriate footwear.

I always wear an outfit that features juxtaposition. Always. It's the only way I feel authentic in these situations and also as if I fit in. (No matter what the others are dressed like.)

Some of the ones I've worn over the years, below....over a long period, and I don't have photos of all. Some are pretty much my "every day" outfits, and some are a bit different.

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Joy

Veteran

I hoped that Suz would give you some advice, A bright jacket in a flattering color over a column of black pants and top sounds like a winning formula,. Give them something to look at but not distracting.

SarahD8

Veteran

JAileen, yes, that's good advice not to go too far afield from my usual style. I think what I'm looking for is the outfit equivalent of "my lips but better" lippie if that makes any sense!

notsaf, thanks! Will definitely report back with photos of the eventual outfit.

Joy yes, good advice to keep it simple. Will have to be a cardi for me though since no jackets in my wardrobe.

Suz, thanks SO very much for weighing in! (The venue in this case is an organization that holds writing classes/readings/etc.) Jeans, "me," and flattering face color is a good formula. I'm trying to think of what my version of your juxtaposition is...maybe a vintage-y or "folkloric" detail of some sort? (Hmm, homing in on that fair isle yet again.) Those visuals are so helpful, thank you for posting them! I notice that in all your outfits there is one (and only one) focal point. So it's not that the outfit lacks interest, but it's also not totally maximal, or distracting with multiple focal points. An outfit that draws attention -- but to you, not to the outfit. Anyway, seeing those photos really helps me develop an intuitive sense of where the balance lies. Thanks again!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These outfits were for a variety of settings...and sometimes I had multiple presentations in a day, sometimes I did not.

The ones I wore in venues that sound similar to yours were 5 (took jacket off when I was reading/ presenting actually...), 8, 10.

The reason for juxtaposition in my case is partly because that feels "me." But, it feels like "me" partly because I often have to do these events.

Why it works: by nature I'm a bit polished and on the gamine side. Denim or something more rugged tones that down so that I fit with the other writers—who are almost always super casual/ completely uninterested in fashion/style and it shows....OR super-cool and a bit tough in their leather motorcycle jackets and they intimidate me.

Very, very rarely, writers will dress more formally...that almost never happens. I would wear something different for the awards ceremonies where that might happen.

The dressier outfits (with skirts etc.) were for very specific by-their-nature dressier events, not the ordinary run of the mill reading.

A few words of non-fashion advice, which may be completely redundant for you, in which case ignore!

Time yourself. Out loud. Include your introductory material in the timing, i.e. what people might need to know to make sense of reading.
See if you can find out whether you will be standing at podium or seated for presentation.
Be aware that lighting/ sound equipment can be substandard at these events. Especially if your eyes are not the best, sometimes it is best to print out your reading in larger print instead of reading from the book or whatever. Especially if the event is at night.
You don't have to read exactly what's on the page. If reading from a story or essay, try to create a narrative arc (even if you have to cut a lot out and jump ahead -- tell your readers you are doing that) or at least read an interesting scene. If reading poetry, consider what others before or after you might read. I often prepare more than one option -- the funnier option (in case everyone else is lugubrious) and the poignant option (in case everyone else is funny). If you're asked to read a specific piece, of course you can't do that, but sometimes you can figure out the pacing with your fellow readers.
Bring a pen to sign things for people! Even if it is a poem in a literary journal, someone might ask you to sign a copy!