What to wear to judge a science fair

Next weekend I will be judging a science fair organized by my county. It will be projects presented by middle and high school students. I will be spending a lot of time talking to them which requires looking approachable. I will be also spending a significant amount of time interacting with other judges and local officials which requires looking polished and authoritative. I need to leave a good impression as I will be on the job market soon and networking is very important. The weather is supposed to be pretty nice and it is a 8h long affair.
I am trying to figure out what to wear to strike the right balance. I am thinking a blazer for sure, probably either the grey Theory or the taupe Eli Tahari. Not sure if I should go smart casual or business casual. A more formal button-sown shirt or softer blouse? Dressier pants or relaxed dressier jeans? Softer and neutral colors or a bright blouse/shirt? Once I hear your general opinions I will probably start a new thread with potential outfits for your approval.

Bloomingdale's

Theory Blazer - Keto Reedly

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Nordstrom

Elie Tahari 'Kristina' Jacket

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8 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

I think you cannot go wrong with business casual with a soft colored blouse.
I am looking forward to your outfit post.

Greenjeans

This sounds like a chance to have some fun. How about one of these "Sheldon" tees with your dressy jeans and blazer? http://www.thinkercollection.com

Jenn

(website)

Having spent a lot of time in high schools and middle schools and countless hours at robotics events recently, I'd be more inclined to go smart casual than business casual.

You're in a more formal part of the country than I am, so things may be different there, but here, the science/tech community skews very casual, and the kids would be wearing their usual array of jeans/leggings/track pants.

Adelfa

Yes to what Jenn said. I work in a clinic that serves adolescents. Not sure about MD but in CA smart casual is the way to go. I would say in many settings smart casual (done well) even carries more authority than business casual, which can read as unimaginative and strict. I like either of the blazers as a starting point--they are beautiful.

I like blendy colors for this type of look. Mid or low contrast between blazer, bottom, and top, which can be either colored or neutral. Killer shoes, hopefully they will be seen part of the time as kids adore shoes!

Looking forward to seeing your outfits!

rachylou

I'd go smart casual too. I like the idea of a tee and blazer.

molly221

Active Member

The kids are not in sweat pants. They are very dressed up and boys wear a shirt and tie or suit and girls are almost always in dresses.

The judges seem to run in their own style- geeky to business dress, depending on what they would wear to work.

Tanya

Thank you very much for your input, Joyce, Laura, Jenn, Adelfa and Rachy!
It seems that we have a range of opinions, which is exactly why I am unsure. I am happy to go with jeans, especially white skinnies. The only science tee I have is a fitted burgundy one with the saying like in the attached photo. Not sure if it might be offensive to more religious people.
I live in DC area, so a lot of people tend be more dressed up in a conservative manner. The fair itself will be held at a federal government facility. I have never attended events like this with high school students, but I have with undergraduates presenting posters and they were fairly dressed up, some even wore suits.

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Kari

Given the audience I would go with smart casual. Toe the line between professional and approachable. White, solid colored or very dark jeans and a blazer would be my preference.

My science fairs were when I was younger, in elementary school. At our school the judges dressed up in white lab coats and sparkly antenna headbands. The theme was that they were aliens who came to learn about our planet. I'm guessing that will NOT be part of your wardrobe!

Thank you for your input, Molly! What you described would be exactly what I'd expect considering the general dressing in the area.
Kari, I can imagine your judges, how hilarious and fun! I would have loved to attend something like that when I was a child.

Gaylene

It's hard to generalize because not all science fairs are the same. Some are ultra casual with the kids in sweats and judges in jeans, while, in others, kids dress up in their best clothes, even to the point of wearing shirts and ties.

Since you see this as a potential networking venue, I'd look for an adaptive outfit which would let you adjust on the spot. Jackets are great for this because you get a totally different look just by removing them or scrunching the sleeves. Sans jacket, a soft shirt with rolled sleeves, a good pant, and nice shoes looks professional, but casual, when talking to the kids. On the other hand, wearing the jacket when you are introduced at the start, and when you present the awards at the end, gives you a polished, professional look in front of an audience.

Personally, I'd avoid jeans, very trendy footwear, and anything cutesy or decidely casual. Science fairs are important to the kids and their parents because a lot of hard work goes into those projects and the judging is a serious business to them. Looking polished and professional is my way of honoring their efforts and keeping the focus on the kids, not me.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I vote professional business casual with interesting shoes.

JAileen

I've judged at our regional science fair. My initial thought was something comfy because you'll be standing on a concrete floor for several hours. Ours is held at the university's basketball arena. But your situation is different, because I was assigned 5th grade, and with a team we judged all of the area's winning 5th grade projects in the evening, without any children present.

If I were in your situation I would dress the way I dress for my CASA court hearings: business casual. No jeans, a nice jacket, but not too dressy. It doesn't matter if the kids are in sweats or not. You were selected to be a judge based on your professional and educational background. You want to convey that, but also be approachable. It sounds like fun. Good luck!

RoseandJoan

How about the jacket in 1 with a pair of white trousers? The pieces are more formal but the softer colours read as approachable.

Anonymous

I think business casual with some creative accessories to give yourself a more unique look.

Thank you for your input Gaylene, Angie, JAileen, RoseandJoan and Betty.
It appears that business casual would probably be the most appropriate choice. Unfortunately, the only white trousers I have are very old and a little see through, so will definitely not be wearing those. I have been sticking to white jeans in general for quite a few years, as the fabric is usually more substantial. However, I think that I will need more business casual clothes in the future so slim white ankle pants that are not see through go on my shopping list. I am guessing they will not be easy to find.
I will play in my closet and post a few possible outfits tomorrow evening.

Nadya

I judged a science fair several years ago and dresses on the business end of business casual - no denim. I don't remember exactly what I wore, other than I wore nice high heels that were absolutely not right for four hours standing and walking on concrete floors. You'll be standing to talk to the students and walking from station to station, so wear comfy shoes!

Have fun!

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