Somehow or another, the Dean’s Office accepted my request for defense. It’s been a week since the papers were delivered. Without the email equivalent of a Hogwart School Howler appearing in my Inbox, I am left with the assumption that this is actually happening. I’m defending my dissertation on the 15th*.
All in all, I feel pretty good about it. I’m ready. Today, I washed my face with shampoo. This sort of scatter-brained behavior can only be a positive sign of my fitness for academic life.
Still, I’m nervous because I want to look sharp. Something that comes across neat and clean, but not too pretentious or flashy for our 9am presentation. Suits are really out for me (they never fit right) so I’m left looking for some sort of outfit that makes me seem like a suitable Wonder Woman – Mother – International Professional – (hopeful) PhD in a creative, modern manner.
In short, I’m hoping to avoid the mid-presentation discovery that I’ve tucked my skirt into my underwear… but in the event this does happen (because I’m trying to face the truth that this is a very real possibility) I’m hoping that the outfit is sharp enough that I can recover a little bit of dignity.
Thanks to the shopping help of a friend, I brought home this plain shirt dress (which, FYI, is on sale at Macy’s):
What do you think? Does it work?
Here’s an unflattering picture of me in it, holding up the shoulders because it needs to be taken in a bit (yes: I’m short).
The photo is compliments of Will and my phone:
But here’s the question: how do I dress this up?
Links to suggested looks: accessories, jewelry, shoes, make-up, whatever. All are appreciated.
Help?
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*Well. As long as the storm-formally-known-as-Gaston manages to stay out of the Gulf.
Katherine | 06-Sep-10 at 7:05 pm | Permalink
The neckline of the dress sort of calls for a short or very long necklace, so one can see it under the dress or over the dress. Do you still have the jade necklace I gave you years ago, I think the string is adjustable. I would definitely go with large pieces that colorful or unusual, I am sure you have tons of boutiques where people sell hand-made jewelry (which is always more fun). A large elborate anitque brooch would be great, and can work as an ice-breaker when the commity comment on it.
Georgia | 06-Sep-10 at 7:08 pm | Permalink
I’m on it! Imagining your jewelry as I type. When can you come by? We’ll design your perfect set…not too much, not too little.
I work tomorrow all day, Wed. all day and Thursday till 2:30pm…Fri till 2:30. Let me know when is good for you…and bring that great dress! Its perfect!!
Heather.engel@gmail. | 06-Sep-10 at 7:15 pm | Permalink
Pearls. Always classic, intellectual, can’t-argue-with-pearls. Studs or small drop earrings and necklace. I’ve been noticing a lot of shoes that are either gray or have gray in them…I just bought a pair that are gray suede with black patent accent across the top and a black buckle. Of course I found them at TJ Maxx so no links to be found.
Love the dress!
kitty | 06-Sep-10 at 8:44 pm | Permalink
Makeup: You’ve got pretty eyes and good skin, don’t use much, just a little blush and mascara.
Dress: take the hemline up above the knee.
Shoes: The highest heels you can find. Shirt dresses on short women require it to make the legs look longer (I’m 5’3″)
Accessories: I’m not much help there, I usually only wear one ring and a cartilage earring.
nonlineargirl | 06-Sep-10 at 9:35 pm | Permalink
Congratulations! Coming from a family of phds I know what a big deal this is!
Shoes should be comfortable enough so that you don’t spend any time thinking about your feet or your shoes or how you wish you could take your shoes off…
If you have a necklace that will fall at base of the neck, (sort of round would be good, big beads to help it hold the round shape…)
Good luck! Knock ’em dead! (but not before they say “you pass!”)
Elisa | 07-Sep-10 at 4:02 am | Permalink
Take it up a little to mid-knee – no shorter, because when you sit down shirt dresses lift up and open a little on the front, and you don’t want to flash those who will be judging your dissertation!
I’d change the belt, too – go for a wide waist belt, even a stretch belt, especially if it has a cool detail, like a gold clasp or something.
As for the neckline and shoes it depends on your personality: you can go classic, with peep-toes and pearls, or more young/funky with a nice feather pashmina (the really light, thin ones that are a mix of silk and cashmere) and wedges.
Break a leg!
laloca | 07-Sep-10 at 4:35 am | Permalink
first rule of presenting (something i learned in court) – make sure you’re COMFORTABLE, and your clothing/hair/makeup/jewelry are of a sort you’re not going to be worrying about them during your time in front of the judge… er… committee.
your words should be the focus, your stunning brilliance, your amazing exhaustive research. your appearance should support that, not overpower or detract.
aside from shortening the dress somewhat (i find mid-knee an unflattering length on anyone – just above is usually preferable; if you’re worried about how it looks sitting down, i’d pin it at mid knee and sit in front of a mirror, then at just above and sit again. have it hemmed where you prefer.), i wouldn’t do too much to your look. it’s very clean, tailored, and sleek.
adding a wide belt – unless it’s very close in color to the dress – will chop your short frame in half and make you look dumpy.
as to jewelry, you want the committee focused on your face, so i’d forego a necklace of any sort and concentrate on good eye makeup (if that’s your thing) and a neat, simple hairstyle you won’t be worrying about.
Erin | 07-Sep-10 at 4:41 am | Permalink
I got the exact dress from Nordtroms in khaki on sale for job interviews. Great minds…
No necklace, any earrings will be great, with a tight low ponytail. High heels, slingbacks. And I think shorter would be nice as well, but not totally necessary (since time may be an issue with that!).
You’ll look great. But everyone will be so wowed by your data and conclusions that you could have your skirt tucked into your undies and no one would even notice!
Michelle | 07-Sep-10 at 5:48 am | Permalink
Nice! Perfect for the occasion. AND it looks great on you. Love it!
Someone said a shirtdress always works.
Everything simple for the defense. smallish earrings, a little bracelet or two. I’m horrible at picking shoes unless I see them on with the dress. The great thing is you don’t need much with the dress for that day, but when you wear it again it is such a great neutral color that you can wear fun, colorful stuff to wow it up!
Best of luck & knock ’em dead!!!
magpie | 07-Sep-10 at 7:03 am | Permalink
Heels and a bracelet. No necklace.
mayberry | 07-Sep-10 at 9:00 am | Permalink
I love the dress! You’ll look great. Good luck!
Elisa Kucia | 07-Sep-10 at 10:26 am | Permalink
Congrats!! I know you will do great!! Is it an open defense? I wish I could come watch. My brother had a partially open defense…. I was soooo proud watching him present his thesis! As for the dress…. AWESOME!! I agree with Heather above…. I’d go with pearls… classic, traditional!! Whatever you decide…. GOOD LUCK!!
Pistolette | 07-Sep-10 at 10:49 am | Permalink
I love that dress. Very classy, and perfect for that purpose.
I don’t think it needs much added at all. If you add too much it will look more like a cocktail dress. Plus you don’t want to detract from the lovely cut of the dress either. For a serious professional, but modern look, I’d go with black high-heel mary janes ( kinda like these), short black pearl necklace and bracelet, hair pulled back smooth, soft makeup (earthtones; no bold colors for mornings), no earrings, then add your wedding ring, and voila!
Good luck, girl!
Aliza | 07-Sep-10 at 2:03 pm | Permalink
I love the dress. You look great in it. Where do you get stuff taken in, I have a few things my 5’2 self could get fixed!
I also think a trip to the beadshop is a must! Georgia always has a good answer.
How formal do you want it? Classic black pumps would be beautiful but a cute black peep toe wedge would also be super adorable.
Aliza | 07-Sep-10 at 2:03 pm | Permalink
and I just saw Georgia is already on it. LOL
Emmy | 08-Sep-10 at 2:39 am | Permalink
You look great.
(I love the high heel Mary Jane idea…will give a little vintage feel).
helmetnona | 08-Sep-10 at 6:31 am | Permalink
Knock ’em dead!
Congrats on scheduling the big day.
For the record, I have no memory of what I wore or said on that day…and it wasn’t even that long ago.
Charlotte | 08-Sep-10 at 12:37 pm | Permalink
I agree with those who suggest hemming the dress – I’d say just above the knee. Keep the belt as is, changing to a wider belt cuts us shorties in half and isn’t flattering. Mid-heel black or grey pumps or the mary-janes as @Pistolette suggests. For jewelry I’d suggest classic small hoop earrings, a clean unadorned cuff bracelet and wedding ring. I don’t think you need a necklace with that neckline.
You have great hair that always looks nice – nothing to improve upon there! Make-up isn’t my thing so no suggestions.
Break a leg!