<p>The science types I know are pretty casual. I’d expect cargo shorts or khakis or blue jeans and polo or Hawaiian shirts on the men. Capris and blouses on the women - or sundresses including t-shirt type dresses. A lot of my science and doctor wife friends go for the aging hippie look. Long light weight skirts and peasanty blouses and a lot of droopy fabric and interesting jewelry. (This is not my look!)</p>
<p>With our bunch in the midwest it depends on what the gathering is and to pay attention to the code words. If it’s “come over for dinner” then it’s a notch up from “come on over and we’ll grill out” regardless if the eating is inside or outside. Come over for dinner is flat front shorts, shoes no socks and a shirt for the boys (and they all do tend to look like they have the uniform on…it’s hilarious) and “us women” generally have a summer skirt or sundress and jewelry or for those women that cannot part with their jeans, generally a non t-type top and strappy sandals and we tend to bring the host/hostess flowers or something. If it’s come on over and we’ll grill out, then it’s shorts, polo shirt and whatever on the feet for boys, and women notch it down, skip the jewelry and wear more flip flop type shoes and we’ll bring a 6 pack or a box of wine and mosquito repellent. If someone throws a mixed signal or it’s a “new” couple, it’s perfectly fine…and you could do this OP…to give a call and ask if there is anything you can bring and point blank ask what you should wear. Unless the “asker” is totally socially unsaavy they’ll get the question and give you a clue what the tone for the evening is. If this is a new colleague they may very well appreciate getting a clue about you, too. It’s always difficult to know if someone is a beer in a can and brat person on the weekends or if they like to clean up for fun especially if you only know them in the context of work.</p>
<p>^^LOL on the aging hippy look. We’ve got a few of those in our group, too, and the women generally do have great jewelry.</p>
<p>You added science types after I read your post. </p>
<p>I think what this means is that what looks good and feels good on you (short of a prom dress and a tiara) will be fine. If you are cleaned up and put together, which I’m sure you will be, that will work. Knee length, slim bermudas or a casual skirt with a simple top is what I am envisioning. Or a simple dress made of not-fancy material. How does that sound to you?</p>
<p>No tiara? Oh darn.</p>
<p>yeah, I know. Just leave it in the car.</p>
<p>As a hostess, I try to mention just how casual we’ll be (especially during summer) when extending the invitation…but also totally get it when somebody calls and inquires about the ‘dress code’…Never be hesitant to ask!</p>
<p>OK, fashionista friends, here’s another “what-to-wear” query. My 40th high school reunion is this August (hard to believe). It’s an all-day and into-the-evening party, beginning at 1 PM with a picnic in a park, moving on to a casual restaurant dinner later. This is in Michigan, so it will be hot and humid in the afternoon.</p>
<p>What should I wear to this? I am thinking of a sleeveless print dress I have that looks good on me and will be cool.</p>
<p>That’s what I would wear. I might even opt for very cute flip flop type shoes. </p>
<p>My 40th is also coming up but not until the fall. Have fun and report back :)</p>
<p>I don’t know where to put this, the good buy thread or here. I found my long sought skinny jeans at Walmart in Lancaster, PA area. That’s my favorite Walmart, never left empty handed. $7 for perfect fitting skinny jeans that make me not stumpy or fat. It’s a Miley Cyrus brand or sumthin. :)</p>
<p>“Good buy” report: I found two pairs of ballet flats yesterday at…Target! One is that gold-silver metallic color that is popular this summer and the other is mustard gold suede with geometric cutout pattern all over. Both are very comfortable and I am way picky about shoe fit. </p>
<p>The gold suede ones pick up one of the colors in the print dress I mentioned for my reunion. So those might be the shoes I choose.</p>
<p>bookiemom, I have to check that Target! I think your dress will be just perfect for that reunion. Bring a lightweight cover - air conditioning in restaurant can be brutal.</p>
<p>(Ever since my lucky shoe purchase, I’m getting lots of ads from Needless Markup, even though I cleaned my cookies several times - WTH?)</p>
<p>Going with the mature lady hippy look for the NJ meet-the-new-colleagues dinner. Can’t help myself. I am a mature hippy.</p>
<p>Hey I go for the mature hippy look sometimes too. I have a black flowy gauzy skirt with white peace symbols. Love it. With flip flops. :)</p>
<p>At our age, it’s our responsibility to seize a style and own it:). Otherwise young women will continue to think they have to follow trends…</p>
<p>Mature, maybe. But never old!!!</p>
<p>Have a great time, SH!</p>
<p>Anyone familiar with NorthStyle? Just received their catalog-- probably due to a purchase elsewhere-- and see some nice dresses and peasant style tops. Wondering about the fit and quality.</p>
<p>I vote for the “grown-up hippy” look. </p>
<p>I hope you have fun, sewhappy!</p>
<p>I want to share this Forbes article with you:</p>
<p>[The</a> Best-Kept Secrets Of The World’s Best-Dressed Women - Forbes.com](<a href=“http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/07/most-fashionable-women-what-to-wear-forbes-woman-style-fashion-essentials.html]The”>The Best-Kept Secrets Of The World's Best-Dressed Women)</p>
<p>Here are the bullet points from the article:</p>
<ol>
<li>Start With A Couple Essentials and Build From There</li>
<li>Skip the Impulse Purchase</li>
<li>Say No To “It” Bags (And Fads)</li>
<li>Remember: Accessories Make the Outfit</li>
<li>When You Love Something, Go For It!</li>
</ol>
<p>Hmmm… That designer bag I saw the other day would definitely fit #3-5. :D</p>
<p>So ladies, how many impulse purchases have you made because of something posted on this thread? LOL…I love checking in on this thread…but it CAN be dangerous on the pocketbook! </p>
<p>I’m not much into designer bags though. My favorite bag is a lime green straw bag - I get lots of compliments on it. Very summery. Unfortunately, the top edge is starting to fray :(</p>