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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What to wear? Big event. Lots of photos.

Ann in New England

3-day conference next week, and I have no idea what to wear. I tried on a bunch of stuff and photographed the "test outfits" this morning. I'd love any of your suggestions, especially for styling and taking any or all of these outfits to the next level. Please ignore the hair and lack of makeup -- I started this at 7am before I ever left the bedroom.

A few things to know: the first day of the conference is crazy. I will be kicking off the conference on stage in front of about 300 people, then moderating a panel, doing other stuff, then an author reception and then a dinner with some of our corporate bigwigs and customers. I will not have any time to change, so one outfit will have to do it all. I will probably bring a pair of shoes to change into for dinner just to spare my feet.

The second day is trade show, where I will be on my feet all day -- it can be a bit more casual than the first day.

Third day I'm not doing much, just a short report in front of about 75 people, and seated. It can be the most casual of the three days.

Thanks for your ideas. Please be honest!

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Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Anonymous

Ann -- I didn't see what the trade show represented, but I come from an engineering background and would like to weigh in. Middle of number 1; last of number 2; none of number 3; and middle of number 4. You will do great. I know you will look smashing.

jayne

Veteran

middle of number one is the one that catches my eye...perfect I think

Diana

Veteran

I like the middle outfit in #1 the best by far. Its excellent! I'd wear that for the most important and dressy event. I also like #2, both the middle and right outfits.

Kyle

Veteran

In each case, I prefer the middle combos -- the far right with the burgundy dress is probably my least preferred. The first three combos feel spot on to me. Stylish yet professional and appropriate. Flattering, too.

Anonymous

My picks. These are great, by the way.
First day: First pic, center with the red shoes in 1. Are you able to alter the sleeves on that blazer. They seem long.
Second Day: I like #2, last picture.
Third day, I like #4, no scarf. Do you have a long necklace instead?

Ann in New England

Thanks for the input so far! Please keep it coming!
Now to hope the tailor can shorten the sleeves of the jacket (middle #1) by Tuesday!

If anyone has specific styling ideas, or tweaks, please let me know. I haven't figured out the bag issue, yet, but that will only come into play on day 1, and especially at dinner. I want to find a clutch, if there's time.

It's cool here, so I could go with either bare legs or sheer black stockings. I saw someone mention nude micro-fishnets, which I don't think I've ever seen in person. Is there a preference?

lyn67

Veteran

Ann, I like the middle of nr.1 for the first day- but aren't the sleeves of that jacket too long? can you alter or cuff them somehow shorter? (and as a bag, a cluch will be great!:-))

Then, I suggest the middle of nr. 2 for day nr. 2-boots will be comfy for keeping You on your feet all day, and the cardi is more casual and feminine, a bit of change from look nr. 1.

And, for me, middle of nr. 3, (that blazer is very flattering!) looks very suitable for the last day.

Wish you success and confidence, as YLF!!:-)

merwoman

Veteran

I'm with the crowd - middle of #1 - you look fantastic in this outfit. As Zap suggested - would love to see this with the red shoes, and jacket sleeves shortened a tad.

RedM

I like both #1 and #2 in the first set, but I'm a sucker for a pop of red with black and white. I like #2 in both of the next two sets. I really like the skirt combo in the third set. The mix of colors is really interesting and yet somehow subtle. I think it's the fit of the dress I don't like in the fourth set. It seems to fit differently when it's by itself than when you had a jacket with it. I'm not sure if the jacket is pulling at it, but it looks baggier with it. it is a lovely color on you though.

cloud9

Veteran

I like mid of #3 for first day. Formal but with modern twist. Maybe slightly higher color contrast with the top? Also #1 in pic 1 for day three, a longer necklace or a contrasting belt may make the outfit more interesting. For day 2, how about the red dress with scarf, plus the long beige cardi from pic 2? Since you'll be walking around indoor a lot, I wouldn't recommend tall boots, think it'll be too hot, and swelling towards the end of day.

L'Abeille

Veteran

What about the red ghillies from #2 with the middle of #1 for the day, and change to the red T straps for the diner?

Makrame

Veteran

I don't have anything new to add, just wanted to mention that these outfits look great on you. The purple blazer in #1 and the black blazer in #1and #3 (I think it is the same blazer) are very flattering on you. My favorites are middle of #1 (hopefully with shortened sleeves; I think it would be great for opening day) and middle of #3.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Third of #1 (is that navy and black? If so, love it!). Add a long necklace? For day 2?
First of #3. Add a short necklace that fills in the space above the neckline. For day 3?
First of #4. Love this just with the long beautiful scarf. So simple and elegant! For first day.

Marley

Veteran

1st Set - Middle with red shoes and shorter sleeves. Add a couple of small brooches to the jacket lapel.
2nd Set - Middle - love the belt and the boots!
3rd Set - Middle or Right (my right) I can't tell for sure from the pics which jacket fits best, but I really like this mix of pieces and the color on you! Lose the necklace - it distracts from the interesting neckline of the top. Roll up or scrunch up the sleeves on the jackets so that they aren't the same length as the bottom of the jacket. Try some small, slightly dangly earrings to add a little pop!
4th Set - pass - to me, the dress just looks too big on you - so does the jacket in the middle pic.

JR

Veteran

I like the middle ones, especially in the first three. That purple jacket over the black dress in particular is really great!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Middle of #1 for first day.
Middle of #2 with a different jacket (leather?) as you are on your feet I thought the boots may be the most comfortable.
Can you take some more pics of the leather jacket with the pants - could be great for day #3.

Ann in New England

You've really helped me narrow this down, thank you. Now I will be tweaking.
I'm now convinced to return the mulberry dress in photo set #4. When I put it on I thought it might be a bit big, and your eyes helped me confirm it.

The outfit that everyone likes most - middle of set 1 -- is navy, and the jacket is a purplish blue (Nordstrom calls it Navy Ribbon, I have no idea why). With that knowledge, do red shoes still work? I'll take more photos on Tuesday after I get the jacket back from the tailor.

Thank you all so very, very much. I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have other eyes that will so kindly tell me where I am veering off the style path!

fashionista

Veteran

I loved middle of #1, 3 and 4 and last of #2,
you could use some sheer tights if you feel to naked in that professional setting.

Sihaya

Veteran

Good luck at your conference. Middle of number 1 and add the red shoes from the first one of number 1 - if you want to make it really stand out. Purple and red go great together.

moira

Veteran

I would love to see #2 with those red T strap shoes(love those). I think a matching red flower on the lapel or a necklace that pulls in that color would look good. I would at least like to see what that looks like,

moira

Veteran

I like #3 very much. The boots are good but it can get very hot in a venue like that, so I would not go with them. Something bright, though. Maybe some gold small hoop earrings to add a bit of light, and possibly a bracelet.

moira

Veteran

#2 with the red shoes (can you tell I love them?)

moira

Veteran

I would like to see this burgundy dress with the black and white sweater and the peach(?) sweater. I think either would look pretty. That dress has an interesting neckline and the scarf obscures that. I think a funky choker of some kind would dress this up, but still be casual. I would like to see the black Mary Janes with that.

moira

Veteran

Or, the pants with that red shirt and the fitted shorter black jacket. Red shoes (I really love those).

moira

Veteran

You have great stuff to work with. I would focus on the purple jacket and the fitted black one. That blue cowl neck shirt would look good with the grey pants and either jacket, too. Still, the red shoe (I want those).
OK, I've bombed your thread enough. Have fun at the conference.

Ann in New England

Ha, thanks Moira! I think I should give you the link to the red shoes, just in case...
http://www.zappos.com/gabriell.....red-patent

Thanks for all of your great suggestions!

Joy

Member

For the first day with presentations you want to look and be confident. I think the blazer over a dress would work well. Group 1, middle, I like the purple blazer with the black dress, but sleeves are too long. It would be okay or get shortened. You could also add a scarf and bracelets, and nice lapel pin for the evening (tuck in purse) Second choice is group 3, the middle. I like the color blocking, and the jacket fits well. I think too that maybe a different blouse, white, or maybe the red one right next to it might work. Group 2, first dress with sweater, and then group 1, first dress with sweater and red shoes outfit for third day.