Forgive this ignorant question ladies

[wellingtoncats]

I hope you show us what you finally decide on Mary Anne! For me it is not what is "In Fashion" but what I am comfortable in.

 

[lovemycodygirl]

I would keep and wear your older suits and maybe just update your look with some new accessories. I wear suits from 5 years ago...they're too darn expensive to go out and buy new ones. You can update them really easily with a new blouse underneath and nice pair of comfortable...and I stress comfy, heals. I really like pearl earrings and a pearl necklace with a black suit...or maybe a scarf and some nice leather belt...very in and professional looking. I always look in magazines for ideas and then go to either Marshalls, TJMaxx, or Ross to find them...cheaper than department stores. They also have nice purses and carry bags. Good luck and let us know how everything goes.

 

[captiva]

I agree with the others - especially if you have a black suit or even another solid color skirt or pants. Dress it up with a new purse in a hot color for the season - green, pink or turquoise, some shoes and some colorful chunky costume jewelry. I'm certain that you can update some stuff you already have in the closet . Now I wanna go get some of that stuff myself

 

[momofmany]

I bought a couple of classic cut Austin Reed suits 20 years ago and they are still as much in style today as they were back then. A basic black dress (no frills, clean lines) will always work. No chunky heeled shoes, just basic pumps (heel height to your comfort).

I also like "What Not to Wear" on TLC. I have discarded some of my clothes after watching that show.

 

[katl8e]

Here's you go-with-anything pump. I know that you're not into sky-high heels and these are classic, comfortable and reasonably priced:

http://http://www.newport-news.com/s...=&pageindex=12

These would go nicely, with the aforementioned skirt/pants and sweater combo, for cocktails:

http://http://www.newport-news.com/s...d=&pageindex=0

Here's your skirt, for the cocktailparty:
http://www.newport-news.com/shop/Pro...=&pageindex=24

With this blouse:

http://www.newport-news.com/shop/Pro...d=&pageindex=0

Add an inexpensive rhinestone or faux pearl necklace and earrings and you're all set.

 

[mom of franz]

MA is there a business district near you that has professional businesses like banks, insurance companies etc? Go there around lunchtime and see what folks are wearing as they stoll around town at lunchtime.

 

[deb25]

Because it's late and I have no energy to read the entire thread, someone else has probably already said this, but classic never goes out of style.

 

[beckiboo]

Do you have a friend who seems stylish? I have little to no sense of style, and sometimes have to get help from a friend.
I like the "What Not to Wear" show, too. But don't dress like the hosts, sometimes they look just hideous!
And remember, it is a writers conference, not a fashion show. All the people you meet will be more focused on learning more about writing than in current styles. I volunteered at a spay/neuter clinic a few weeks ago, and fit in SO WELL. I never saw so many well worn jeans, no make-up, and soft comfy shirts in my life! I'll bet you will feel the same way at your conference. Just dress nice enough to feel confident!

 

[sashacat421]

All this advice is really good, especially about just popping into a bank or office place close you (Lebanon or Eugene would be better) and the best way to update without buying new stuff is to add some modern earrings or accessories that are bold, bright and more trendy. I know heavy jewelry isn't your deal, but a cuff bracelet or some large silver earrings always do the trick.

 

[jennyr]

I haven't read all the thread so forgive me if this has been said, but before you decide to wear anything from your wardrobe that you haven't worn for a few years, try it on, not for size but for style. You can get some nasty shocks. I had a favourite pair of trousers that I knew I looked good in when I was thin, then I got fat and couldn't wear them. A few years later I got thin again and looked forward to wearing them again, put them on and nearly died when I looked in the mirror. Boy, were they WRONG, and I could see it. In my head, somehow, I had imagined them as classic and dateless and they just were not. My daughter howled when she saw me!

 

[ccoccocats]

How's this: I'm old-fashioned so this is what I say:

You said in a "couple of months."...........It's April now, so I'm assuming it'll be in the middle of the summer when this event takes place. Therefore my ideas are:

1. ATTIRE: definitely a dress (or skirt and top)

2. SHOES: low heels (2" the most)

3. JEWELRY: accented to compliment your attire - not stand out from your attire.

4. PURSE: small to medium size to match shoes.

HINT: Your shoes and pocketbook should match the color that is "least" seen on your wardrobe. This brings out the color with your accessories!

Good Luck! Enjoy the event.

 

[jcat]

Originally Posted by Mom of Franz

MA is there a business district near you that has professional businesses like banks, insurance companies etc? Go there around lunchtime and see what folks are wearing as they stoll around town at lunchtime.

Barbara beat me to it - that's what I was going to suggest. A train station during morning or evening commuting hours would do it, too.