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@NovBaby1112: can you show an example picture online?

I think they can be totally professional but I think a lot of older collegues don't agree. I think it really depends on how body con/fitted they are.

I say yes if you pair it with the right top and heels.

Following! I need some pro tips. My stuff is outdated.

@septca: that's what I'm thinking. I do skinny pants with heels and a blazer all the time and would feel comfortable wearing it to a professional event. But I'm an architect and we don't really do suits often. So I would totally feel out of place wearing say a 3 piece suit to a pro event. But in like a finance field or similar? Probably not.

@locavore_mama: For serious. My sister works in fashion in NY and she gets to dress *so* amazingly for work. My lawyer self, not so much.

What color are the pants and what color jacket would you wear?

I personally would just throw on an actual suit but i own a few already for my job.

@NovBaby1112: I would think it's fine, if you're doing blazer and pants in the same color.

@locavore_mama: 3 piece suit, like a man, in a vest, lol? No men wear those anymore!

@NovBaby1112: To my mind, it's almost impossible to match suiting materials, so a "suit" is something that was clearly bought together. A nice dress can also stand in for business professional. But it's possible your skinny pants meet my reqs - I know, for example, that Banana Republic has a skinny pants option with their suits.

But just putting black and black together, even if they are the same material, rarely works.

@NovBaby1112: that looks biz professional to me! But I also think that's a set, right?

BTW where is that from?

What if going with a blazer that is purposefully non matching? Like if you have black skinny pants wearing a summery color blazer? is that uber unprofessional?

@NovBaby1112: do you know any other women going - ask what they are wearing?

If I was going to a business professional meeting I would not wear skinny pants - then again I work with a lot of older folks and so I would stick out like a sore thumb!

I think that looks great! But i totally have hot pink skinny dress pants on today at work, so what do I know

You're younger, so i think it's a fresher look, too. I'm not going to dress like my coworkers if I can help it

@NovBaby1112: Do not go to a professional business dress event in non-matching suit separates . . . especially not with conservative financial peeps. If you don't have a skirted suit (the most appropriate), then stick with your black pants/jacket combo. Be sure to keep everything streamlined, and no open-toed or flippy/sling-back shoes (classic, close-toed pumps are your best option here). I would pair your pants/jacket with a simple shell underneath, and classic simple jewelry (no dangly earrings). ETA: You could also go with a statement necklace, just keep everything else understated (simple stud earrings, no crazy pattern on your shell/blouse under your jacket, etc.)

@NovBaby1112: FWIW I always rather be over dressed than under dressed especially when I'm at a position where I will be representing my company.

@NovBaby1112: wear the pencil skirt!

@NovBaby1112: Setting aside all of the "isms" (sexism, feminism, etc.), a skirted suit is still the most professional option for a woman in a conservative environment (like finance or law) . . . Yeah, I know it's totally old school, but some traditions never die. So, for this event, I would definitely go with the skirt/jacket option. If you're feeling extra froggy, I would also opt for pantyhose. That may be a bridge too far for you, but, covering your legs is also considered part of *professional* dress.

Do the skirt! You don't want to be stressing about what you're wearing at this event if everyone else is in suits ya know?

I would definitely go with the pencil skirt, not the non matching suit separates. I'm in finance and i can always tell if they dont match!!

@looch: men totally wear three piece suits! My husband owns two of them!

For an older and more conservative group, I would wear a skirt suit, button-down shirt, and approximately 2-inch heels. A jacket over a sheath dress would also be an acceptable choice. Keep the hemline longer; ideally it would either just cover your knees, or skim the top of them. Minimal jewelry and closed-toed shoes (not stilettos and no crazy patterns).

Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Theory all make nice suits that will last for a number of years and not look dated. Navy blue, black, and gray are good color choices. (P.S. It seems Theory is pushing collarless jackets at the moment--don't bother with those.)

I would wear the skirt. I tend to err on more conservative boring lawyer in black suits. nearly everyday. I did recently purchase a tan suit, and its epic! No one in our office wears skinny pants, and if it's more conservative old men I would definitely wear suit, black dress, or pencil skirt.