So I am attending a 6-day conference next week in Vienna, and I feel like nothing that I own is appropriate and I am struggling with what to do. First off, I tend to go for full coverage clothing, but it is August and will be in the 80s all next week. What business casual clothing I do own tends to have very bold black and white prints, which I’ve read are somewhat uncommon to wear in Europe.
Essentially, could you suggest some classic sort of styles that might be appropriate for a size 14-16 woman traveling to an academic conference in summer? I am assuming based on previous conferences that I’ve attended in my field that attire will be business casual, but all of those conferences were in the US/Canada so I’m not totally sure. I have been trying to shop but as always I go into stores, try on two dozen things, and if I am really lucky I purchase one. I already have, and am planning on bringing, a gray blazer, black slacks, gray slacks, and a black skirt. I also just bought a knee-length teal and black chevron dress that is really flattering, but I wasn’t sure if that would be appropriate (perhaps with a sweater?). Basically, I am especially self-conscious about my weight traveling in Europe, and I would like to do what I can to mitigate my sticking out by dressing as well as possible. I really appreciate any advice or experience that you have. My biggest nightmare right now is showing up with a suitcase full of inappropriate clothing and not being able to get anything appropriate abroad because of my size.
I don’t consider 14-16 to be plus-sized. I promise you there are women in Vienna in that size range. Obviously you aren’t planning to look like the stereotypical American tourist in shorts and a Disney tee shirt. Wear what you makes you feel the most confident in terms of downplaying what you see as problem areas (for me that’s covering my arms), and accent what you feel good about. I would probably not wear bold prints but that’s just general for business wear. I’m more comfortable with mixing in color. Please don’t be psyched out that you are the most obese person Europeans have ever met.
I agree that a few lovely scarves can really make things enlivened. If you really want to add something, make an appointment with a personal shopper at Nordstroms or similar and explain what you’re interested in, to see if they can help you pep up your wardrobe–see thread about 60 year old fashion-challenged woman’s experience.
“What business casual clothing I do own tends to have very bold black and white prints, which I’ve read are somewhat uncommon to wear in Europe.”
I don’t know where you heard that, but I don’t think that’s true. Or, put a better way, there’s no reason to think that otherwise-appropriate business casual clothing would suddenly be inappropriate just because it’s black and white.
I’d consider some soft knits that pack well. Or, go with little black dresses and great scarves or jewelry.
Honestly I wear my typical business casual clothing in Europe (as well as in Asia - just returned from Tokyo) and it’s never been a problem. Brazil is a little different since they show more skin and more tight fitting clothing, but I wouldn’t freak out over business casual in Europe.
I would lighten up your gray, though. August and heat call for something lighter. Your real dress sounds perfect. You may want cardigans for air conditioned rooms but I think it sounds lovely.
I’m a big fan of Eileen Fisher, also. I don’t like tailored clothing, and Eileen Fisher clothes have sophistication in shape and drape, as well as great fabrics.
BTW, I was in Vienna in June a few years ago, and it was quite cool. Something like the long light cardigan oldfort linked to would help you navigate temperature changes stylishly.
Apparently I’m past the editing deadline, but I wanted to point out that if you go the Sale button on the website, there are summer weight things that are less casual that might work for you.
For example, this shirt paired with less-casual pants or a skirt:
I am going to dissent from the Eileen Fisher recommendation. I think it is not youthful enough for a 20-something; too expensive; and hard to put together for style-challenged people because the proportions are tricky.
The things you mentioned sound fine. If you want to add something, I’ll mention the recommendation made by BunsenBurner a long time ago – Lauren faux wrap dresses. They come in plus sizes, can be found at very low prices on sale, look great on people in your size range, and travel very well. Here’s an example:
Yes, have been seeing a lot of nice Lauren by Ralph Lauren dresses at Ross for $49.99 and below (have even purchased a few). They are carefree knits that are machine washable and have nice details.
The Lauren dresses are nice, and certainly a safe choice. But I personally would find that tight fake fiber jersey–I’m assuming it’s polyester or the like?–horribly uncomfortable in 80-degree weather. But that’s me: I really like natural fibers, and I’m always hot.
I don’t like Eileen Fisher - either the looks or the prices. Vienna used to be a bit more conservative than most of Germany, but I’m not convinced that’s even true anymore. I think anything you’d wear to a conference here would be fine, especially if you are young. Just stay away from ripped jeans or shorts! I don’t think you’ll have a problem with bold prints. Is it really going to be in the 80s?! Heat wave!
This advice may be a little dated, but it was certainly spot on for when we lived there: http://www2.webster.edu/~corbetre/vienna/do.html (especially the bit about academic titles). When I look at photos of people on Vienna streets I see lots of women in tight pants and skinny jeans but not leggings.
I think you have to try EF on. The sizing is all over the place. jmho. I like the look.
We usually spend a couple of months a year in Europe. I think women in urban areas there wear black just like women in urban areas here do. I think there are just as many curvy women your size as here.
I second trying to look up conference pictures… or talking to some older women in your field if at all possible.
I think a classic look is a cardigan over a sleeveless dress. The dress can be straight or A-line depending on what is most flattering. Another classic look is long top over skirt or pants. These are EF kinds of looks but other companies do them, too.
I agree with Consolation on natural fibers.
ETA: LaMas just had an excellent experience with a personal shopper. You might read her thread. Your wardrobe sounds great to me.
Dunno, we mostly have 80 degree weather and I often find dresses cooler than tops and slacks and switch to them . Knits are great for travel because they don’t wrinkle and pack very small.
