This week I'm attending a retreat for my new teaching job. It will be my first time meeting most of the staff and I'd like to make a good impression. The retreat will include dinner one night, approx. 8 hours of "in-service" the next day, a night out shopping or at casinos, and then another 4 hours of in-service the next day. I'll be rooming with another teacher (who I've atleast met) as I was a late addition to the group. I'm driving up by myself since I get a bit woozy when I don't drive and because I just feel more comfortable that way. What I'm stuck on now is the wardrobe. The retreat will be in the mid-west so I'm expecting the normal humidity and heat that we've been having the past few weeks. I figure I'll bring a cardigan for the possibility of a cold conference room. I'm not opposed to a bit of shopping for the trip but I would like to make the most out of what I have. I'm planning on some tailored, cuffed tan capris and I have plenty of shoes but beyond that... I'm stuck!!! Any ideas? Also, I'd like to go with the group going to the casino. Any idea on an outfit that I could easily transition from the conference to the casino in case there's not time to change? My main stores are GAP, Bananna Republic, and Target. I'll probably be most likely to hit up the Target before the trip.
Gap: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&vid=1&pid=855272 http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&vid=0&pid=838876 http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&vid=0&pid=852492 Check target 'embellished tanks' http://www.target.com/Embellished-T...ns/b/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0_13020801?node=2856412011 Some cute sleeveless at BR: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=5037
What a great school corporation you will be working for Just the idea of a work retreat for new teachers is such a great idea, but then sending you somewhere nice is icing on the cake. When I am faced with a situation like yours where I am not sure of the dress code, I pack for both occasions, casual and work dress. I am queen of overpacking but in this case I think it makes sense especially since you are driving yourself. Have a great time with your new co-workers, make the most of all of your in-service and travel safe.
What fun!! By the time school starts you'll have some friends, and some stories of times shared. You can probably assume you'll need a bathing suit and a cover up. When in doubt in humid weather, I like a sundress or a cotton gauzy skirt and a colored T with sandals-- that's what I wore to mass this morning. Enjoy!! I think I already like your school!!
Well... It's a retreat for all staff at the school but we are responsible for the hotel and travel. I think it should be a great time. Thanks for your suggestions. I'm not too happy with my body right now but I think I could pull off some if those tops. I saw a cute dress at target that I think I might go back for tomorrow.
This thread has made me excited about getting to shop at Banana Republic again. I had, um, grown out of their largest size for awhile, but should be able to find things that fit now! I would definitely go with light sundresses, or capris and cute shirts.
At my former school, capris were acceptable but sundresses were considered a bit too dressy. It was a rural, very casual school. Since we rotated duties weekly, you could usually notice a difference based on whether you had recess duty or inside duties. Recess duty meant skirts or capris but if you were in the air conditioning all day you'd dress with a bit more covered up. My new school will be a change for sure as they don't have air-conditioning. It will be interesting to see what the "normal" dress there is. I have really pale skin so I usually stay away from dresses and skirts, especially in the summer. I don't particularly like wearing hose and many of my shoes are open-toed which means no hose (thats a big pet-peeve of mine). I've been using a self-tanner and I've worn a few pairs of shorts lately but I'm still pretty timid about it.
How nice! Bring layers of clothing to easily adjust to the weather & temps in the conference room(s). Go ahead & bring jeans. Be a little dressy for that dinner out. A nice dress or outfit that you normally wouldn't wear for work or nice slacks w/ a top w/ a little sequins should be good. Get in there & have fun!
I had a bit of time to hit up Target tonight. They have some GREAT dresses! Unfortunately, I didn't pick up much because I AM going to be losing some of this weight. The elliptical at my new apt. complex and I are going to form an intimate relationship. Having said that, they had a cute sateen denim line. Dressy with a bit of flair to it. I found a great sleeveless dress from the line on clearance (less than $13). All of the other pieces in the line were full price so I was thrilled to find this dress in my size. I found a cute orange short sleeve cardigan to go over the dress making it a bit more casual and perfect for the day. I also found some great sandals (also on clearance) to go with the dress. For the drive up/dinner the first night, I found a cute casual khaki skirt (knee-length). I plan on wearing this with a lt. purple, Tommy Oxford. I'll roll up the sleeves and wear a tank under it. I have some brown sandals that should work well. The last day will be a half-day. I plan on wearing my khaki or black capris with a summery tank. I feel MUCH better about all of this. I'm planning on taking an extra top and pair of pants just in case what I brought (namely the dress) wouldn't quite fit in with the occassion. I know I'm putting far too much thought into all of this but it's my first time meeting many of these people and I like to make a good impression.
