You could always cut the side seam of that type of top so it skims your hips.
I like Corporette too, though it’s very lawyery- businessy.
The problem with stuff that’s too tight in the abdomen/hips is that the side seam will spkit (and keep on ripping). No way you can reinforce adequately, even with the sewing machine. BTDT.
I got a LE sheath dress with pockets and was stunned that it fit well. Considering that my waist/abdomen are larger than my hips, I generally can’t wear anything that form-fitting (and that’s after the weight loss!).
I also notice a difference between misses size 16 and women’s. They are cut a shade differently. More room in the bust than I need, but good in the waist. Not even Spanx will help the tummy, though. 
I wanted to dislike Lands End because I think of Wisconsin frump, but I googled it and they had some pretty decent stuff for the price point!
Me too, Pizzagirl! 
There are gems to be found in every pile of frump, even at Chicos. 
Then again, catalog photographers and stylists are masters at using clips and other artifices to give frumpy, shapeless garments the appearance of shapeliness on the models.
(Not saying anything against the particular companies referenced above since I’ve never bought anything from them but I’ve definitely had that experience with other well-known catalog companies, where a surprisingly non-frumpy piece in a photograph turns out to actually be far more shapeless in person).
I just spent some time cruising around Corporette, and happened upon the discussion of thigh-highs. I was enormously amused by people talking about the idea of wearing a garter belt to keep their thigh highs up, as an alternative to the dreaded panty hose.
Ladies, let me tell you that the first few years of hose-wearing for me was in the garter belt days, and those things were instruments of torture. I can remember how thrilled and delighted we were when panty hose became available, since they were unbelievably comfortable and liberating in comparison.
Consolation, you would be amazed how far the undergarment tech has come! Better fabrics, better design. They are not your [insert appropriate generation] garter belts anymore. I still would not wear one, but stayups are fine. They provide the needed air exchange down under.
My view is that people tend to wear duller colours and fewer patterns in Europe, unless they are at the beach. Someone posted a link to a very garish black and white shirt further up and everyone approved of it. I wouldn’t wear that at home, never mind at work! No-one will stop you wearing colours or patterns, but you WILL stand out. So if you want to wear such, you’ll have to pull it off with confidence. Otherwise, black, navy or beige are your friends.
Count me in with those who say, don’t worry about sticking out or looking American in Vienna or other big touristy cites. You will look American because that is what you are. If nothing else, your facial set and way of walking will give you away. As long as your clothes are situationally appropriate, and you’re not constantly talking at 20 decibels (an unfortunate stereotypical American habit which you will notice more when you see fellow Americans out of their natural habitat), you will be fine. I hope you have a great time at the conference!
Incidentally, not all Europeans are black-clad, svelte super-sophisticates. Don’t be intimidated by that myth. Not everyone wears Hugo Boss or dresses like an anarchist.
PS I just realized you’re already there so all of this is moot. Whatever you brought will be fine.
"It looks kind of like this shirt except the black and white are reversed:
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/by-luck-or-design-top
"
Not this specific shirt… Reverse black and white… What is so garish about the print? BTW, I canvased both the Gallerian and Ahlens in Stockholm a couple of weeks ago - there were tons of prints and colors in the new collections.
Cupcake, you posted recently that you "have long ago accepted that I will always be a failure as I am not mentally or physically capable of reaching the levels of perfection required by society (and I graduated from an elite school). I stopped caring, and when people try to get me to do things or ask why I haven’t done/ achieved this or that, I just tell them I am a failure. "
So you’ll forgive me for suggesting that your perspective on life is just a wee bit off.
As someone who is in business casual environments all over the world - and will be leading a workshop in Paris in a month - I don’t find your observation about duller colors to be true at all.
According to the Sartorialist, black and white prints are all the rage right now in Italy:
http://www.thesartorialist.com/milan/on-the-street-checks-or-plaids/
On men, too:
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/08/62015marni0922.jpg
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/08/62015milan1093.jpg
Other prints seem to be big in Europe right now, too:
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/07/62415Sparkle3A3025.jpg
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/07/62215Dress3A1841.jpg
http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-after-missoni-milan-3/
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/07/62015milan0622.jpg
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/07/6N3A0530.jpg
http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2015/07/62515DVN3A3234.jpg
Bill Cunningham is reporting lots of black and white prints on fashionable women in NYC right now, too.
http://www.nytimes.com/video/fashion/100000003854370/bill-cunningham-summer-madness.html
So, the print on Julie’s blouse is squarely on trend both here and in Europe and is perfect for her conference.
Baby kiddo’s European friend told her to look for florals, because “florals are in.” When we hit the mother lode downtown Stockholm, she chose a black with white flowers maxi dress at one of the multiple H&M stores. I asked her if it would be ok to wear that dress in Geneva, and apparently dresses like that are worn on weekends and to nights out. Kiddo wears blouses with prints to her office and says she does not stick out.
Hi everyone!
Just to check in - I showed up for the opening day of the conference and I was overdressed in a short sleeve blouse and black slacks. People showed up in their travel clothes - I saw Europeans wearing Game of Thrones and anime t-shirts (no kidding)! More people than not are wearing jeans (even most of the people presenting). I have also seen lots of prints and brightly colored dresses and blouses. Right now I am in a flowy black short-sleeve blouse, blue flyaway sweater, black jeans, and oxfords and I look like part of the conference scenery. Also, the weather dramatically shifted and it is rainy and chilly! Thankfully I packed for all sorts of contingencies so I have plenty of appropriate choices. Also Vienna is beautiful! When I was walking to my hotel from dinner last night I could hear a symphony playing in the distance. I’m having a great time!
hyperJulie, I haven’t had any advice for you but have been following along on the thread. How sweet of you to check in during your trip! Glad to hear you have a good assortment of clothes and the dress code is relaxed. I’m especially happy to hear that you’re enjoying yourself!
Thanks for checking in and giving us an update! It sounds like you are having an awesome time at the conference and beyond.
“Game of Thrones Tshirt” No surprise there. There is nothing less sophisticated than a European on vacation. Taste and good breeding fly out the window during the “ferie d’agosto”.
Have a wonderful time.