What to wear?

On Tuesday, I'm attending a morning "book launch & reception" for a book
which I am credited with editing. (In reality, I was the ghostwriter,
but...<insert short, boring story here>) The book is aimed at very young
children; its objective is to make them more aware of the consequences of
wandering away from supervision. A portion of the proceeds will be donated
to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (In other words,
there is a very serious side to the event even though it is a celebration.)
I just learned that there will be a significant press presence. I will not
be in the limelight at all, but I still want to look decent.
I really don't know what to wear. I know I can do a plain, mostly–black,
businesslike outfit, but I thought my fellow a.f.ers might come up with
something a tad more interesting. I know enough not to wear cowgirl boots
or a miniskirt. I do have some dresses, including a slightly fitted red
plaid dress with black collar and cuffs. I have scads of black skirts and
jumpers...maybe black jumper and bodysuit but with red tights and red scarf?
Feel free to give the gamut of suggestions.
tia,
cofarb

Having never attended a book signing, all my advice should be taken with a
salt lick.
For an editor, I imagine the stereotypical business outfit, but it seems
like a children's book launch will allow a bit of leeway (i.e. Business
outfit with some personal quirky touch). Of the attendees, will they expect
you to be this authoritative professional figure? Will they view a
"personal quirky touch" as a lovely touch of independence or a horrid faux
pas? If it's the former, I would suggest –– not knowing your wardrobe –– a
businesslike pant suit with cowgirl boots. :D This way, you have an
overall projection of serious businesswoman, but the boots peaking out at
the end of the pants gives a bit of fun incongruity. Obviously, this looks
should first be tested at home in front of the mirror in case the boots may
be too fun for the suit.
If the event is more casual, the other outfit that comes to mind (I imagine
a guest on Oprah wearing this) is:
– sexy librarian glasses if you wear glasses
– black bodysuit or turtleneck under a poncho or wrap (contemporary, but
poncho or wrap conveys a bit of warmth)
– knee length wool skirt (professional bit)
– solid tights
– non–f–me knee–high boots (independent/contemporary–ish bit)
ami

cofarb wrote:
book
Oh how wonderful! Congrats to you, cofarb!
Okay, what to wear... if it were me, I suppose I'd first ask where the
event will be held and at what time of day. If it's a midday sort of
thing at a bookstore, I'd opt for something more casual, perhaps a
pants suit. If it's an evening reception, I'd go a little more dressy,
skip the suit, and wear either a skirt or dress. If the venue is cool
and trendy, I'd dress cool and trendy. Etc.
Since there will be a press presence, I might opt for something that
would look good in pictures. Perhaps something in a flattering bright
color, instead of black (everyone will be wearing black – might as well
stand out).
Another consideration: might not this turn out to be a good networking
event for you? Even if you're not in the limelight, there might be
authors or publishers attending who are impressed with your editing and
want to talk to you about their next book. If this is a possibility,
then the professional business suit idea starts to have more appeal.
I hope that helped!
Incidentally, I'm attending a book signing event this week, too. One of
my favorite authors, Augusten Borroughs, who wrote Running with
Scissors and Dry. It's going to be in a bar, a real casual type of
place, so I'm planning to wear jeans. :–)
jen

Cofarb, I happen to know that your shoe collection contains some wonderful and
quirky designs that would combine brilliantly with a simple, businesslike dress
or suit, and that will convey your sense of fun & originality! Say it with
shoes!
And go streamlined everywhere else.
hugs & congratulations,
cary

oh congrats on this. sounds like fun.
I know you have tons in your closet. How about some fluevog boots, a shorter
skirt (*note that I didn't say mini) something like the kilt that I know you
have with red tights and a red top. That's definitely not boring but not
sexy either
Stevie


"cofarb" <do...@cofarb.com> wrote in message
news:Q5SdnTQjeuiY4xPcRVn–...@adelphia.com...
donated
words,
celebration.)
not
scarf?

"cofarb" <do...@cofarb.com> wrote on 07 Nov 2004:
First of all, congratulations on your accomplishment! If anyone will be
there who may send more work your way, dress for yourself and for that
audience. You never get another chance to make a first impression and all
that...
Were I in your situation, I'd go with a serious look with a small touch
of whimsey such as a skirted or pants suit with a funkier tee underneath,
or a plain tee with a funky short (or long) neck scarf and/or semi–funky
shoes. I'd let my jewelry and accessories handle my personality but I
wouldn't let them overtake the seriousness of the event. The red plaid
dress sounds nice, and if I were to wear something like that, I'd let the
plaid be the quirky part and stick to black shoes and bag. A sweater and
skirt with a shirt underneath would also work, but I'd try not to look
too much like a stereotypical kindergarten teacher which is what the
black jumper and red sweater/scarf say to me, but that's just me...
––
Poetic Badgers
"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."
–Coco Chanel