If you wanted someone to think well of you...

[Anonymous]

For a daytime appointment. Not a professional situation, but not a social call. Something akin to a parent-teacher conference or meeting with a specialist doctor who would be handling your care or your child's care. Like they are a professional you respect and you just want them to have positive associations with you.

What would you wear? Appointment is indoors, normal spring weather.

[Anonymous]

Nice jeans and a top. Simple hair and makeup. That said, I think I've lucked out with a very "girl next door" look and personality. As a result, I think I've always been met with a good first impression.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't wear jeans to this. Simple dress (no loud patterns/colors or big details like bell sleeves) and flats and minimal jewelry and makeup would be my choice.

[Anonymous]

i agree with the PP. maybe a simple dress, if you are comfortable with that. i struggle with my wild, curly, graying hair at 49 to look clean cut, but i think simple pulled back hair for straighter, longer hair looks good. small earrings. neat shoes, like casual loafers. i’m not one for manicures, but short, clean nails. minimal makeup, like powder or concealer, lip balm.

[Anonymous]

I have a spring/fall uniform of sorts for when I want to look put together (but not overdressed) without thinking too hard about it . . . nice jeans, a simple shirt, and a tailored blazer anchor everything . . . and then accessories to dress it up or down. Kind of like this:

[Anonymous]

I wear what I am most comfortable and confident in. My best fitting vintage Levi’s. White t-shirt. Lightweight jacket that I carry if warm outside and out on inside. Flats or simple, clean sneakers. Nice bag.

I have curly hair and usually pull it back in these situations so I don’t worry that I’ll fiddle with it’s unpredictability — when I’m nervous I know that I pull on the curls and tuck behind my ears for fear it’s decided to go haywire on me.

[Anonymous]

Jeans are too casual and read low class/unprofessional.

I always wear black slacks and nice shoes to such appointments. Depending on weather, I usually wear a blouse and blazer. I essentially dress like I would for work. I carry a nice handbag as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear what I am most comfortable and confident in. My best fitting vintage Levi’s. White t-shirt. Lightweight jacket that I carry if warm outside and out on inside. Flats or simple, clean sneakers. Nice bag.

I have curly hair and usually pull it back in these situations so I don’t worry that I’ll fiddle with it’s unpredictability — when I’m nervous I know that I pull on the curls and tuck behind my ears for fear it’s decided to go haywire on me.

Do you live in Bushwick or Santa monica?

[Anonymous]

You don't need to overthink it. It depends on your style and what you normally wear. I tend to dress pretty casually -- jeans and a nicer shirt. But make sure grooming, hair, makeup, jewelry is on point so I look well put together.

[Anonymous]

A linen dress, cardigan, espadrilles or similar. Classic, classy, simple, and tasteful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeans are too casual and read low class/unprofessional.

I always wear black slacks and nice shoes to such appointments. Depending on weather, I usually wear a blouse and blazer. I essentially dress like I would for work. I carry a nice handbag as well.

OP here. I think that's the problem -- I have worked from home exclusively for 15 years and don't own professional clothes anymore -- everything feels too casual or too dressy.

The advice upthread about making sure nails are neat is good. My hair is wavy while normally pretty neat, can run frizzy -- I might straighten it that day even though I usually don't.

I'm wondering if jeans with a blazer is a good compromise between professional and casual. I don't want to come off as too dressed up.

I know I'm totally overthinking this. Byproduct of spending too much time at home or in casual settings with people I already know, and not knowing how to function in the world anymore!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeans are too casual and read low class/unprofessional.

I always wear black slacks and nice shoes to such appointments. Depending on weather, I usually wear a blouse and blazer. I essentially dress like I would for work. I carry a nice handbag as well.

Jeans are not low class, and who uses terms like slacks and handbag? My mother is literally 80 and she doesn’t talk like this. She also wears jeans (gasp).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wear what I am most comfortable and confident in. My best fitting vintage Levi’s. White t-shirt. Lightweight jacket that I carry if warm outside and out on inside. Flats or simple, clean sneakers. Nice bag.

I have curly hair and usually pull it back in these situations so I don’t worry that I’ll fiddle with it’s unpredictability — when I’m nervous I know that I pull on the curls and tuck behind my ears for fear it’s decided to go haywire on me.

Do you live in Bushwick or Santa monica?

Both places that are far more enjoyable to live than the DMV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeans are too casual and read low class/unprofessional.

I always wear black slacks and nice shoes to such appointments. Depending on weather, I usually wear a blouse and blazer. I essentially dress like I would for work. I carry a nice handbag as well.

Agree with this. Jean-based outfits can look polished and are acceptable in the workplace but are still one level of formality below non-jean fabrics.

[Anonymous]

Something tidy and neat. I don't have business clothes. I will wear a cute skirt with a blouse, for example. I do not wear make-up for personal medical appointments, and I very rarely wear jewelry. For other occasions, yes, discreet make-up. I hate jeans.

The degree of "pretty" really depends on my mood, how much time I have to prepare, and whether the app hits during my perimenopausal PMS window (ha).