How does one dress for a "I'm serious and you must take me seriously" meeting, which is also a "I want to look nice" meeting

[JackieandJudy]

Have a meeting on Friday (last minute notice) at which I have to make someone appreciate my point of view. Despite it being an important meeting, it will be in a casual setting and dress will be informal so, although I want to be taken seriously, I also want to look nice. There will only be two people in this meeting - myself and the man I need to impress. Please help, I only have tomorrow to sort something out!

Yikes, that's a lot of stuff going on In Your head. Unless you're wearing something wildly inappropriate (or he's a fashion designer), he won't notice. Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in so you can let your capabilities impress him, rather than your wardrobe.

Well, what have you already got?

I doubt he'd notice what you're wearing tbh, so go for something that you feel comfortable in - perhaps a bit of colour near your face.

As long as you are comfortable and neat he won't notice what you are wearing. Just do something classic like smart trousers with blouse/shirt, nice belt and shoes and a blazer or trench coat.

Focus on grooming and accessories - if you can afford it have a mani, definitely have a pedi if you are wearing sandals, and get a blow dry. Nice make up, subtle perfume and jewellery that works with your outfit. If you have to carry papers, have them in a briefcase or good bag rather than a canvas shopper or backpack etc.

Ooh thanks for replies, sorry for not coming back sooner - been desperately combing S & B to see if anyone else had a similar quandary!

In reply to "what have you already got" - answer is, not a lot (that's suitable anyway). But I think I will go out tomorrow and invest in a pair of smart (ish) jeans, and a blazer. I'm really not a "suited up" type of person, and I think everyone who knows me will know that by now. So wise advice to stick with what I'm comfortable with, thanks.

Any tips on flattering jeans and good blazers? Have large behind, in the region of a 14, and would prefer this NOT to be on display!

hermione - I don't know if it's just the time of night, but your suggestion not to wear something wildly inappropriate has taken unwanted root in my mind! Having visions of entering the meeting in a floaty nightie, or a red sequinned evening dress. That would surely make him take note

I'll def have a mani on Thursday, do have them fairly regularly - just about the only area in which I'm on top of my game.

Definitely something you're comfortable in and not too different to your normal style. Perhaps a scarf or nice necklace to lift the jeans/blazer or jeans/blouse or whatever. You want to focus on what you're saying and not think about uncomfortable/new clothes, you just want know you look capable and smart. But I agree he may not notice!

Long ago in corporate land we had a style consultant do a brief power dressing talk with us

She mentioned about dressing for battle, a jacket being armour, makeup being war paint, accessories being weapons and jewellery being accessories.

It can be applied to any context apparently it's dressing for confidence and red is supposed to be the ultimate power colour.

So using the jeans and blazer and manicure seem like good start. Maybe one big statement jewellery item and a scarf.

I've written on the last two W&A threads about workwear.

Personally, use bright red and jewel colors (emerald green, royal blue) in interviews and negotiations that involve talking about money.
With great success.

Sometimes pink or coral if I want to convey friendliness and approachability.

Navy, gray, brown and pastels are "weak" colors - will not wear them if I want to be taken seriously.

Black is the ultimate authority color for me, but much more severe than red or emerald green.

Pair with a rosy perfume (nothing loud, just a whisper) to suggest approachability.

Oh, and I always keep a red blazer (with a red lipstick) in my work wardrobe.
Indispensable and extremely effective.
Warmly recommended.

What industry are you in?

Thanks again ladies. Particularly interested in your use of colours Dona.

Sort of medical/corporate Himalaya wins prize for most obscure answer of the day. I mainly work from home with occasional meetings. The man I'm meeting on Friday is the head of a particular speciality - I've met him several times before in not such a head-to-head fashion, and where it wasn't so crucial for me to persuade him to think my way!

I went to a "take me seriously" meeting (about DS SEN not work) that was informal and I wore straight leg blue jeans, leopard ballet flats, black scoop neck tshirt and black jersey blazer with a leopard scarf. I felt like I meant business and got what I wanted Don't know if that helps but would def second everyone who has said tailored jacket/blazer mine was only £20 from TK Maxx so it doesn't have to cost too much.

Good luck on Friday!

I'm not sure what your 'natural attributes' are, but mine are; not so tall, frizzy hair, big norks and a bit of a scruff - none of which inspires confidence.

When I want to be taken seriously I find that I need to deal with each of them. So:

Boots/shoes with a heal
Blow dry
Good bra
Neckline not too high, not too low (T & S say v neck)
Something tailored - blazer/jacket if not the full suit
Nice accessories.

If you are tall, willowy with naturally well behaved hair you are halfway there already

I agree with whoever said decisive colours.

I'm not sure about jeans - I would go for plain smart trousers unless the jeans are very smart.

Good luck!

Hi ladies, reporting back on my morning shopping! Went and had myself properly fitted for a bra, which was an experience in itself (have started a thread in Chat about weightloss lightbulb moments!).

Also bought a black lacy type blazer. Sounds awful, but I really liked it. Will try and link.

www.amazon.co.uk/KRISP-Womens-Tailored-Boyfriend-Business/dp/B008AVY23W/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1341406433&sr=1-1-spell

I paid £35 for mine though (think they're the same)