Top help- professional

[SnuggleBuggles]

I am working as an event contractor next week for a conference (handling registration, keeping things moving along correctly...) and I need 1 more outfit. I have some new black trousers and I need a top. Because this is a one off, I don't want to buy a jacket. If I get a real job then I'll buy one. But, I'm trying to be conservative with my budget so I don't blow all they are paying me on new clothes. :) Anyway, I *hate* how I look in blouses and in tucked in stuff. I was thinking of a wrap style blouse or top or a fitted solid sweater. I don't know if those sound right though.

I did ask dress expectations and was told that what I'd been wearing to meetings was fine. I've been wearing wrap dresses or knit dresses with nice cardigans. So I hadn't been worried about being underdressed. At the last meeting they mentioned business dress. So, now I want to walk the line to look good enough without investing in tons of pieces.

Needs to be a b&m store and less than $60. Thanks, all!!

[lizzywednesday]

I don't have specifics, but a wrap-style top with business trousers sounds fine. Spruce it up with a necklace or lightweight scarf and nice shoes and you should be fine.

My biggest concern with a wrap-top and not a button-down or blazer, however, would be the possibility of needing to wear a name tag of some sort that would ID me as an event volunteer. I hate stick-on ones, but find there are only so many places you can clip a clip-on! (Maybe you could take a length of light-bulb chain & use it as a string just in case? It's typically cheap & easy to get even at Home Depot/Lowe's.)

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'll have a lanyard necklace. :)

[Kindra178]

Check out Ann Taylor online. They seem to have a ton of options that would work for your requirements which would account for the vagaries of weather and professional requirements.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Check out Ann Taylor online. They seem to have a ton of options that would work for your requirements which would account for the vagaries of weather and professional requirements.

They do but I don't know what to pick.

[Kindra178]

They do but I don't know what to pick.

The peplum tops are cute. I also like both wrap ones. Question: why can't you wear a wrap dress and cardigan? That's almost a suit (and I work in law, a conservative industry).

http://www.anntaylor.com/crepe-side-tie-boatneck-top/320550

http://www.anntaylor.com/preppy-tweed-print-peplum-top/319050

http://www.anntaylor.com/flutter-shell/315597?colorExplode=false&skuId=14188831&catid=cata000010&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5825

[waitingforgrace]

With budget in mind, here are some options at Kohl's
http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1579871/dana-buchman-solid-pintuck-banded-bottom-top.jsp
http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1446775/simply-vera-vera-wang-watercolor-faux-wrap-top-set.jsp

And some at JCP
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/liz-claiborne-popover-top/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002940840&catId=cat100210006&deptId=dept20000013&Nao=24&pN=2&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/worthington-twist-neck-top/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002910960&catId=cat100210006&deptId=dept20000013&Nao=48&pN=3&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/joe-fresh%25e2%2584%25a2-bell-sleeve-tunic-top/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003130199&catId=cat100210006&deptId=dept20000013&Nao=120&pN=6&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null

ETA:
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/women/petites/clearance/view-all/worthington-crossover-top-/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002910947&catId=cat100210006&deptId=dept20000013&Nao=144&pN=7&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null

[SnuggleBuggles]

I need 3 outfits- 2 are dresses and cardigans. One day I thought pants would be handy. If I could find a 3rd dress I loved, I'd get it though. :)

[SnuggleBuggles]

Ooh, there are some good choices on the list! I'm especially drawn to the AT side tie shirt and the Kohl's tops. I went to the mall with AT the other day and missed that top and hadn't looked at Kohl's. I did eye that Liz C top from JCP today though. Thank you for giving me some more direction.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Ok, that AT is just what I want (side tie) but online only. Need for Monday. Not paying express shipping. Other options that are in stores?

[mikala]

Do you have a Banana republic card? I got an email from them about a 40% off fall presale today for cardholders.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Nope. :(

[lovin2shop]

Ok, that AT is just what I want (side tie) but online only. Need for Monday. Not paying express shipping. Other options that are in stores?

You might want to call a store to see if they have any of this style. They have carried it for many seasons in different color ways, and I think it I've purchased it in store before. If they do have it, I definitely recommend, it is really a flattering cut.

[twowhat?]

I like to just wear a nice (knit) top or blouse, untucked (I NEVER tuck anything - it just doesn't work because I am skinny and my tummy bulges out) with a classic cardigan over it. Think jewel neck. Like this one:

http://www3.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0006/770/195/cn6770195.jpg

You can either wear a boring color blouse and get a bright color (I have a cobalt blue cardigan like this that I love to wear with black pants and a nice black tee underneath and it still looks put together) or wear a bright color underneath a neutral cardigan. I also have a cardi like this in a black and gray print that I love and it also looks great with a pop of color underneath.