Meeting some incredibly senior people at work.. outfit needed!

[polexiaaphrodesia]

Hi everyone, I've been invited to meet our Global VP of Finance next week at work and after a year of wearing Sweaty Betty leggings and a hoodie I have no idea what to wear. She's US based so thinking I need something quite conservative but would appreciate if anyone has any ideas. I'm 5ft 6 and size 8-10 with no boobs and a flat bum so nothing too fitted. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds!

A tailored suit such as the one the Duchess of Cambridge wore thos week. Probably not purple though

www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBD_en-GBGB845GB845&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=kate+purple+suit&fir=pLTYPV7BV2d0LM%252CSKX-Z_epE0pTIM%252C_%253Bu7kDPwwOnFkp0M%252Cb1pwpOSlRie8fM%252C_%253BbCuzvKqhIFFUZM%252Cb1pwpOSlRie8fM%252C_%253BNe0fMzywks-FoM%252CJk5hXz-yjnP30M%252C_%253BiWrac8cg4p13pM%252CRnOih4PaGCF-DM%252C_%253BG2cZi7KrD6m-7M%252CUYoKswKBqRTxrM%252C_%253BZWNnWaYVX4f6qM%252Cb1pwpOSlRie8fM%252C_%253B3PYYIEohe_b0AM%252CF9smdWBc3qSOVM%252C_%253BQIIDRNC7JEC2PM%252CJk5hXz-yjnP30M%252C_%253BR8zp8hsJ7X1ZSM%252Cb1pwpOSlRie8fM%252C_%253BtGmBbP1VCPTBpM%252CljEaovGY3c-hxM%252C_%253BCNJRhOxwu8sP7M%252CJk5hXz-yjnP30M%252C_%253BtS09jQia43JiSM%252CkZWjWqMF06FDaM%252C_%253BvxL5S8RE03FQbM%252CljEaovGY3c-hxM%252C_%253B314i2oj3ahoeaM%252CkZWjWqMF06FDaM%252C_%253BR6Az-jjC0FmdwM%252CUYoKswKBqRTxrM%252C_%253ByIT5rZVm1Kpx5M%252C3tVdsuWppaXCaM%252C_%253BCk-kLeFDEvZc1M%252CFmea4PZB8NmLHM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kSeRyYfmbzkDg-ESemRzaBGZvjBuw&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwiPxZywm6nzAhWLRPEDHWN7B4AQjJkEegQIDhAC&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1#imgrc=pLTYPV7BV2d0LM

Are you a dress person?
I find a casual dress, with boots and smart blazer always make me feel fab

I would like this with black tights, ankle boots and a blazer.

I do love the suit but agree not purple!

It's thrown me into a complete panic as I was on maternity leave before lockdown

I'd say a blazer and trousers with a plain t-shirt underneath, or trousers with a nice shirt or blouse. Some kind of smart flat or ankle boot. That should be formal enough for the vast majority of work occasions.

Another vote for blazer & trousers. With a crisp white shirt.

OK does this work? I'm not sure if it's old fashioned or just because I'm used to leggings!

It's a very ancient Baukjen suit (amazed I fit in it frankly)

That works OP.

Remember, American women are way less fashionable than we are - I’m always underwhelmed by their ‘formal clothes’ in stores there. So you are better to err on the conservative side, but what you have chosen is perfect. It also looks comfortable- which is highly important if it will be a long day.

I think you can't go wrong with that. Nice.

@polexiaaphrodesia that looks lovely.

I think the short, fitted jacket dates the suit a bit. (I've got some similar jackets and I'm sure their time will come round again but rightly or wrongly, they look a bit 'off' to me at the moment.) That one Kate's wearing is a bit longer which I think makes all the difference. There might be a way of making yours look more current e.g. wearing it over an oversized shirt but I realise that might look a bit too informal. On the other hand, if it's someone very senior and US based then looking bang up to date might not matter that much?

Very nice and professional look.
Love your shoes!

And I can see I'm in a minority which is fair enough

@Floisme yes I think you've hit the nail on the head with the jacket plus the lapels are a bit "air hostess" for me but I think it will do. I have a bargain Equipment silk shirt which I could wear although it has blue stars on it (which I love!) but might look a but USA!

Looks great 👍🏻

I was coming on to make a comment about American women ( often) having a very different sense of fashion to the Brits.

I used to work for a multi National company and had a particular role which involved meeting representatives from worldwide sites.

The french and Italians looked fab, Germans smart and efficient and the Costa Ricans colourful - pretty much all true to stereotype.

The Americans in contrast looked out of date - either very baggy trousers with lots of pleats and sweatshirts or news anchor type outfits.

Of course this is just my perspective…and could also be that scientists are just not that interested in fashion !

That suit will be perfect, and the shoes are nice too. Let’s see the shirt with the stars before you decide, as that white top works well.

Good choice, You look very smart and professional,

Good luck in your meeting, VP visits are always a tad stressful, unless you a natural networker, which I'm not

I think that looks great, and to me, a plain round neck top like you have on makes it look more up to date.

But I agree that certainly in our company the US style of dress for senior women (west coast tech) is certainly different and is very rarely fashion led. The Next dress OTOH would be very normal 'in the office not seeing clients' rather than making an impression

American corporate women one LOVE a big blow dry.

You look great, wear what your comfortable in and remember a VP in US isn't that senior, they do love to hand out hierarchy labels!

I think that suit is perfect….I’d wear a brighter top underneath.

Yes great for American meeting imo

Which industry - are you still formal?

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the feedback. @postitnow I work in the Pharm industry so definitely still formal! @idontlikealdi 100% they love a blow dry! One CEO I saw at a conference had hair like a helmet!