I'm a VP and need casual clothes for retreat - help!

[Anonymous]

I'm a new VP in a pretty conservative (dressing) organization. I wear lots of black and gray (suits and dresses) with modest heels and feel perfectly comfortable.

However in a few weeks I am going on a business retreat with the other VPs to South Carolina and I have no idea what to wear!

I'm 40 and semi-hip; the other VPs are 40s and 50s male so they can easily wear khakis/polos. I don't want to look dowdy or unprofessional. Ideas? I'm 5'2' and 130 lbs.

[Anonymous]

I want you to call Macy's, and make a free appointment with their personal shopper. Explain the situation just as you did here. Tell them what your budget is. They will dress you appropriately.

But overall, think cigarette pants, capris, casual skirts (though not denim), and light-weight sweater sets and polos.

[Anonymous]

Oh, and you can wear ballet flats, kitten heels if you can walk in them, Toms wedges, etc.

[Anonymous]

I've gotten cute outfits for something similar from Boden.

[Anonymous]

I was going to suggest Boden, too.

Like this:

[img]http://www.bodenimages.com/productimages/ZoomLarge/14WSPR_WC121_PGR_M01.jpg,/img]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a new VP in a pretty conservative (dressing) organization. I wear lots of black and gray (suits and dresses) with modest heels and feel perfectly comfortable.

However in a few weeks I am going on a business retreat with the other VPs to South Carolina and I have no idea what to wear!

I'm 40 and semi-hip; the other VPs are 40s and 50s male so they can easily wear khakis/polos. I don't want to look dowdy or unprofessional. Ideas? I'm 5'2' and 130 lbs.

Sheath dresses in spring colors/patterns with cardigans or white jackets.
Ankle pants with sweater sets.
I second the personal shopper suggestion, but Nordstrom may yield a better result.

[Anonymous]

If they are wearing khakis and polos, then I think sheath dresses are a bit much. I would stick to slim/tailored cotton ankle pants with flats, nice blouses or light sweaters with some funky necklaces.

If you are "hip" do not go to Macy's. Try Nordstrom, Saks, and maybe 1 funky piece in a neutral color from Barney's - like an asymmetrical jacket over black pants and a black shell / sweater tee.

[Anonymous]

Sounds fun/stressful. I'd just go to J Crew and explain what you've got planned, and ask for them to help you find a wardrobe. Nordstrom's is another good suggestion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they are wearing khakis and polos, then I think sheath dresses are a bit much. I would stick to slim/tailored cotton ankle pants with flats, nice blouses or light sweaters with some funky necklaces.

If you are "hip" do not go to Macy's. Try Nordstrom, Saks, and maybe 1 funky piece in a neutral color from Barney's - like an asymmetrical jacket over black pants and a black shell / sweater tee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they are wearing khakis and polos, then I think sheath dresses are a bit much. I would stick to slim/tailored cotton ankle pants with flats, nice blouses or light sweaters with some funky necklaces.

If you are "hip" do not go to Macy's. Try Nordstrom, Saks, and maybe 1 funky piece in a neutral color from Barney's - like an asymmetrical jacket over black pants and a black shell / sweater tee.

Macy's is fine for classic pieces and basics, and it's way cheaper than Nordstrom or Saks.

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom or J Crew.

Ankle pants in black and navy. Cute sweater sets or casual jackets. Ballet flats. Tunic-y blouses. Depending on the weather, you can also get away with nice riding boots and longer sweaters and blouses. Go for expensive fabrics and conservative prints and clothes that fit really well - that will make more of an impression of class.

[Anonymous]

at the retreat, are there events in the evening? if so you'll want dresses