What to Wear: Parent Teacher Conference

Sarah wrote in from Canada with a What to Wear request:

I am a teacher in a Catholic elementary school, and next week we are having our first parent-teacher conferences. I've met most of the parents already, but I like to make the effort to look professional for the occasion. In the past I've worn a suit but I've lost some weight so this may not work!

I generally wear skirts, dresses, tights, cardies, and am a conservative, feminine dresser, favouring classic pieces with something interesting. I'm about 5'5", size 6ish, brown hair, fair skin, eyeglasses, and I like to wear no makeup save the odd classic red lipstick!

One more thing: we are doing all the conferences in one (long) evening following the school day (ie: no time to change after class, and then sitting across from parents aside from standing to welcome them to the classroom). So, comfort is key!

Layers can help to make a fast switch after the school day ends. All you need is three extra items to convert your outfit for the night. Bring a small bag with your extra accessories, perfume and supplies for freshening up.

Class

Dress - In my imagination all elementary school teachers wear courduroy shirt dresses to class. This is a machine washable basic you can wear all kinds of ways.
Belt - A yellow dash of color.
Shoes - A pair of basic black flats for the day.

Conference
Necklace - Early Christmas present? I love this yellow and gray necklace to add elegance to the outfit.
Cardigan - Top the dress with this simple cardigan and the yellow belt.
Shoes - Yellow pumps with an ankle strap and low heel tie the whole look together.