Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What should I wear to my high school reunion?

So Saturday is a double-whammy for me. I have a wedding shower in the afternoon and then (insert drumroll here)...my 10 year high school reunion at night, both of which are in Wisconsin.

And because I'm indecisive, I can't figure out what to wear. The shower isn't a problem, I have a cute skirt/shirt combo to wear, but the reunion is throwing me a bit.

It's being held at a local sports bar (love it) so jeans are a must because I don't want to go too dressy (especially when the Brewers are on in the background and likely a stuffed deer head will be over the bar) but I have a few criteria for the outfit that I will wear that evening:
  • Look age-appropriate and not trashy
  • Figure-flattering
  • Show off my "gun show"
  • Look put-together but not too matchy-matchy
  • Try not to look like I was indecisive about selecting my outfit
Not an easy bill to fill. And I'm trying to avoid going and buying something brand-new for the reunion because a) it's at a sports bar and b) I will likely not keep in touch with most of these people after that night so I don't want to waste money on it.

So I trashed the closet tonight and came up with three options to choose from, with an alternate option four (going to buy a new outfit), which could be my last resort.

Because I cannot decide, I'm opening it up for feedback. Check out the below options and let me know which one I should wear to the reunion. I'll announce the outfit winner Friday and have a full recap on Monday (with pictures!)

Outfit #1


















Top: Banana Republic with bold necklace


Outfit #2


















Top: Old Navy tank under a J.Crew cami and a long-sleeve V-neck to wear over that (in case it gets cool at night)


Outfit #3


















Top: Banana Republic (noticing a trend?) strapless, empire-waist with velvety-ribbon to highlight the bosom. 

Drawback: I don't want to look like I was topless in photos. I don't have it out for free.


Outfit #4 - TBD - Get my butt to Banana Republic and find something new

I'm looking forward to everyone's thoughts on this :) Remember, I want to look hot and like I haven't made bad life decisions.

75 comments:

Tipp said...

I like them all but I would go with 3.

I know you don't want to look topless, I have this problem often too! But it is so cute!

Ashley D said...

I vote for #3 as well. It's very cute, but also sophisticated. Good luck!

Arielle said...

I think 3 is a little too much for a sports type bar. I like 1 because it's casual but still cute!

chickbug said...

i vote for #3!

Anonymous said...

I like number 3 but it's kind of dressy for a sports bar... I also love number 1!

Anonymous said...

I like two (because of the color) or three (because it's hot).

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

ok i like #1 - the necklace is hot.

and i like #3 for the hotness - perhaps you can put a cardigan over it in the beginning then rip it off later in the evening when you are all crazy and stuff.

Anonymous said...

I lovvvve #3! You'll look hot =)

Renee said...

I love playing up plain tees with funky jewelry. I'd wear #1, but that's what I feel most comfortable in.

thatShortchick said...

I'm for #3 and adding a hot, funky, bold necklace. Maybe something in coral or a bright red?

either way you're gonna be fierce!

Stephanie said...

I like #2. Although all are cute, #1 looks a little too casual. Even thought its a sports bar it is still your reunion. #3 is nice, but I think its a little too dressy. Maybe it's because its black? But with #2 its pulled together, classy, but yet still casual. Besides, green is cute! :)

Actually, I haven't looked at the Officetally spoiler page since May. I got a tiny spoiler today on the post about Jenna, but even that wasn't too bad. I learned my lesson from season 3 when I actually watched a spoiler (with Roy busting into the office and then getting sprayed by Dwight) and it really ruined the episode for me. I've been fairly good about it ever since.

PS- I never got a blogging award before so it meant a lot! The same as you were the first blogger to tag me. Those are biggies for a blogger. :)

Sorry for the long comment, but I just realized I'm the only one for #2. I still stand by my choice.

Anonymous said...

Okay, having seen you in each of these but also having survived WI bars with you...I'm partial to 2 (surprised?) but I would go with 1. And if option 4 starts playing into the mix, give me a call and I'll head over with you. Regardless you'll look amazing.

Anonymous said...

I really like 3, but agree with others who think it's a bit much for the sports bar atmosphere. So my vote is 2! Have fun...I'm totally avoiding my 10 year reunion next year!

ANG* said...

i'm also on team 3. don't worry about looking nakey in the pics. although i'm loving that necklace from #1. can you wear them together?

Megan said...

I like the first one! It seems just casual enough for a Wisconsin sports bar, but the necklace dresses it up a bit. It would make you look like you made all the right life decisions I think!

Living Dees Life said...

i say green.

it's awesome. i love it. exactly what i'd wear.

Cheryl said...

#2 I like the casual/dressy mix.

Anonymous said...

I like the first one for the WI bar scene/reunion combo. It's hard to look put together and yet not too dressy nor too casual. I can't wait to hear how it goes! I'm terrified of my high school reunions and definitely skipped the last one.

Caz said...

Trust me, don't go with number 3. One very very hot summer day I was wearing a strapless top while I ran around doing various errands before heading overseas. One of those errands was renewing helath card/passport/drivers license pictures.
Yeah. I look naked in ALL 3 forms of picture ID I currently hold. Not cool.

I like #1 but it seems maybe a touch casual. I think #3 is too dressy for a sports bar, and #2 may look a bit too young (without the sweater and too old with the sweater). I'd suggest dark jeans with a black top (like the white one in pic 2 or a fitted tee) and a bold, statement necklace. Dressy enough it looks like you care, but casual enough for a sports bar and/or that you don't care enough to get fancy...

KA said...

Number 3, definitely.

Anonymous said...

My vote goes to #3. Dress it up with cute heels.

Mandy said...

Having never been in a Wisconsin sports bar, but guessing its similar to an Ohio sports bar, I would go with number 2. Number 1 is a bit casual, number 3 is a bit dressy (for a bar with a stuffed deer on the wall). Green is a fun color!

Have fun at the reunion, my 10 year is this weekend too, but I decided to skip it.

Anonymous said...

I vote 3!

Unknown said...

While those three choices are cute, I suggest you buy something new that makes you feel confident and beautiful and you will look stunning!

on a side note: I did not attend my HS Reunion. lol

Anonymous said...

definitely #3 - the jeans will dress it down but the very fact that it is dressy will make you look hot in that "i'm not trying sort of way" sexy shoes a must and you're all set! maybe bring a cute little cardigan or shrug just in case you get a little chill of feel underdressed :o)

The Modern Gal said...

I like them all, but I vote #2. The bold print screams confidence. The third one is cute, but I agree that it won't photograph well.

Anonymous said...

Number 3 is definitely hot, but I think a little overdressed for a sports bar--you don't want to look like you're trying too hard. Number 1 is cute, but doesn't have the pizazz that the pop of color in number 2 has. So, I suppose my vote would be for number 2! Have fun :)

Meg said...

The top in number three is adorable, but for a Wisconsin sports bar I'd just go with number two. Very cute but not too much. :)

Anonymous said...

I'd go with 1. It is simple enough, yet with the pearls make it classy.

Lauren said...

I really like #3. It's very classy and a beautiful top!

PS - SO sorry I forgot you on the blogroll! I knew I was forgetting some people, but you're definitely added now. :) Of course I love your blog!

cmay said...

I like #2! I also had the wedding shower/reunion at a sports bar combo but last weekend. it was a long day, but fun, good luck!

Anonymous said...

I like them all, but #3 is too dressy for WI. Unfortunately, same could possibly be said for #2, assuming you'd pair it with cute heels. (I hate how dressed down we are up here!) Therefore I'd go with #1. That looks like it will blend best with your environment and what other folks are wearing.

Just found this blog a couple weeks ago. Love it! I live in MKE and hope to move to Chicago in the near future.

Ashley // Our Little Apartment said...

NUMBER TWO!

(haha. am I a 12-year-old boy and/or Joey Tribiani for giggling at that?!)

Number 1 is okay, Number 3 looks like you WANT people to notice that you're a hottie. (Which you are - no problem with that!)

Number two is WONDERFUL! Green is great, and it's funky but looks comfy, too.

2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2! 2!

:) (Such a dork, I am.)

cmay said...

p.s. in honor of your reunion, can you please please please post a picture of yourself from high school??!! I still cannot imagine the blond hair!

Anonymous said...

I vote Option 1. It'll look super cute with dark jeans!

Kyla Bea said...

#3! #3!
Very sassy and you can dress it down to a sports bar level with nice jeans.

Anonymous said...

First of all, you are not nearly skanky enough.

I like outfit 2 because I think it will be so pretty with your hair! And having a matchy coverup is always good. Do you have maybe a less bulky tank to wear under the cami though? That would be the only thing I'd consider changing.

laurwilk said...

#3! Worn with jeans it won't be too dressy.

Plus, maybe it's just my Midwestern town -- but a sports bar doesn't necessarily mean casual. If you're doing something special, you should look special.

(And I have that shirt. Well, I have two of the shirts you have showcased here. BR, much?)

Unknown said...

#3 is the obvious choice. I'm a dude, so listen to me.

Harley said...

#3!!

Why is that even a question? #1 is to Stepford Wives. #2 is too beachy, but also a possibility, cos I love the colours and it's pretty young.. #3 is HOT.

Unknown said...

Okay, I'm going to be difficult here.

First off, while I agree that #3 is adorable, sophisticated and fierce, anyone who's spent time in a Wisconsin sports bar knows that if you wear this top, you might as well put on a nametag that says: "Trying too hard." and/or "Totally disconnected from life in WI."

I love the necklace in #1, but I fear the higher v-neckline will take away from the clean lines of the necklace. Plus, the grey and tan combo don't really provide much contrast...in a dark, smoky WI sports bar, you could use some contrast.

I like #2 (pops in the dark, but doesn't look too dressy), but I'd like to make a suggestion for a hybrid ensemble:
Necklace from #1, White Old Navy Tank from #2 (or a black one if you have one) and throw a lightweight cardigan over top (black, beige or a solid color). Matching casual wedge sandals depending on what color tops you choose (black, beige, or a color). This way, the boldness of the necklace is front and center without sleeves or a v-neck interfering. Looks pulled together yet casual, like.."oh? this old thing?"..plus you can show of those guns ;)

Please share final verdict!

Anonymous said...

I really like the green cami with the white tank underneath. I think it's the perfect mix of casual and dressy, perfect for a sports bar. I also really like the black tube top, but I think it's really dressy. Or at least it looks so in the picture. But that would be my second choice.

Good luck choosing!

Jenny Grace said...

Option 2 or 3 as a second choice.

Anonymous said...

OMG - this is so fun!! You should do this everyday to pick an outfit ;)

I think that you should pick #2 (but I would lose the wife beater under the tank - better to show off the girls!). Think that #3 might be too dressy and #1 too casual. BUT if the necklaces from #1 come apart (I do love them), maybe you can just wear the large white beads with #2 (depending on where it hits when you try it on). Ooh - good luck @ the reunion and can't wait to see thye pics!

Jamie Lovely said...

one. obviously! i dig the necklace.

Katelin said...

i like option two the best. granted all are super cute. you have one fabulous wardrobe lady :)

have fun at both!

Anonymous said...

I'm going to vote for #2. I think it's just the right level of dressiness and I like the colors and the layering makes it just trendy enough, but not trying to hard. Perfecto.

Tiffany said...

#2

cute, sophisticated and appropriate for a sports bar. love the colors too!!

Anonymous said...

I'd go with #2.. and if you want to make sure you show them off make sure you get a new bra that does the trick for you...

And it won't be a waste... you'll get your money out of it eventually...

Dusty @AllThingsG+D said...

Outfit #1 for sure!! It's perfect for a 10 year HS reunion in a sports bar in WI. Trust me--I'd know! ;)

Dusty @AllThingsG+D said...

Alright, after reading through the replies, my 2nd vote--I'm actually from Wisconsin, so I decided I get 2 votes--is what rebecac suggested. I love the idea of the necklace from #1 with the white tank from #2. Simple and sassy--who can resist that?

Pretty Unfamous said...

I say #2 is my first choice, and #3 is my second choice. I say #2 first because it looks nice without looking like you're trying too hard.

Anonymous said...

okay, firstly, all of the above are adorable and would be perfectly fine.

i vote for #1-love the necklace. #3 is borderline dressy for a sportsbar but that would be my second choice.

OR you could do what i would do: bring all THREE and then have a couple of drinks at the shower so by the time you get dressed for the reunion, you won't care what you're wearing :)

Mega said...

Heck ya #3. It has the whole "lookit how hot I got" feel to it.

Anonymous said...

I like number three but I am partial to showing some skin. I think its classy but chic!

Vanessa said...

My vote is for number one. I love the accessories you have to go with it and think it looks classy, yet fun.

Princess Pointful said...

My God, this elicited mad amounts of comments!
I may be a little behind, but I'm gonna say #2-- casual, but still super cute.
And I love that your reunion is in a sports bar!

Anonymous said...

I'm all about necklaces, so I'd vote 1.
(Or the hybrid 1-2 option that has been suggested).

And I'm very jealous that you get a reunion. People don't so much have those over here...

LJ said...

OHHH FUNNNNN! I'm little late on this post, so you may have decided! But I like number 2 if you going for flirty fun, number 3 for hot and sexy!

EP said...

I really like #3. It'll dress up the jeans a bit but won't be TOO dressy. And it's SO cute!

bianca said...

My vote is for #1 - it looks like you didn't think too hard about your outfit but it's a killer look, esp. with jeans and the right shoes. Have Fun!

James said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
James said...

I like #1! I say always go for simple, flattering clothing, and accessorize!

Salt City Mistress said...

Well I'm splitting my vote - #1 because it's classic and you can show off the "guns" without looking like you're trying. #3 because it is understated SEXY! Plus you can really spice it up by choosing colorful or unique shoes - everything goes with black and denim!

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AbelardJohn said...

Buy a pair of fantastic jeans that flatter you perfectly, a simple dark-colored top that's form-fitting but not too tight or low cut, and high heeled boots. Accessorize with a clutch and a few necklaces of varying lengths. Keep the outfit fairly simple and focus on having fabulous hair, makeup, and skin. Don't forget the undergarments--I bet Spanx are the official underwear of high school reunions everywhere. Have fun!online dress shopping is very easy through Trendysg.com

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