Cheetah Print Skirt and Cardigan for Speaking Engagement

Hello and welcome to Dressed for My Day. Today I’m offering you a peek at the cheetah print skirt and cardigan I’ll be wearing for an upcoming speaking engagement. I think it’s also a beautiful outfit for any professional setting or even church. And what makes this ensemble my kind of outfit is that it’s both elegant and comfortable. I’m a gal who doesn’t like to give up comfort for style!

Saturday I’ll be speaking at a women’s Bible study kick-off event at a Phoenix area church. I’m so excited about this opportunity because studying the Bible alongside other women has been a game changer for me. I began teaching women’s Bible studies about 27 years ago, and I’ve even written three Bible studies that have been published.

If you were to ask me what I generally wear when I speak to groups, I’d have to give you a list instead of a photo. I’ve worn everything from dresses to suits to jeans and kimonos. But I try to choose my outfit with a few considerations in mind:

• Where am I speaking? rustic retreat center, church, hotel conference room, convention center, etc.
• To whom am I speaking? women only, mixed group, older women, young moms, students, etc.
• What is the event? ladies brunch or tea, dinner, weekend retreat, Bible conference, MOPS meeting, etc.

Next Saturday I’m speaking at a church, to a group of women who are all over 50 and the event is a ladies’ luncheon. So I think the most suitable attire would be a skirt and top with heels. Granted, the church is located in a retirement community in Arizona, so the attendees could be wearing anything from dressy shorts to capri pants to dresses. But as the presenter, I want to dress in a way that sets me apart just a little. Not above, mind you, but apart. I also want to wear something that establishes that I have confidence in my message and that I am a trustworthy source.

I’ve selected this beautiful cheetah print skirt for the occasion. Not only is it eye-catching and classic, but it’s extremely comfortable. The skirt is made of a soft and giving polyester/spandex blend and it also has a light polyester lining. It features a hidden back zipper with a hook-and-eye closure. The back of my cheetah print skirt has a subtle flounce a few inches above the hemline.

I’m simply pairing the cheetah print skirt with a streamlined, basic black cardigan. I think this duo creates an elegant silhouette without a lot of fuss. I’m just wearing this simple black cami under the cardigan for modesty. I don’t want any wardrobe malfunctions when I’m speaking! Ha!

I’ve really debated over the jewelry, and I have decided to keep it minimal. I’m going with the Coco Chanel philosophy: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” I’ve just already taken it off! And I’ll only be wearing my rings and these pretty gold cascading earrings. I might add a bracelet. My earrings are no longer available, but these would work beautifully as well.

One little caveat on the earrings. I’ll probably take a pair of stud earrings along with me just in case. If I use a headset microphone, I’ll need to switch out the earrings because these dangling ones will cause havoc with the mic. We’ll see.

I had been needing some nude pumps, so I bought these suede toasted sesame ones recently when they were marked down 50%. No, they’re not exactly nude, but they’re close enough to achieve the same “long leg” effect. And they look beautiful with several pieces I have in my closet including this skirt. The pumps also come in black, gray, red and navy. These pumps from Target would be a more budget friendly choice since mine are no longer reduced.

And I did get this sweet circle handle satchel bag at Target. It’s also available in a pretty red. I’m pleased with it because I rarely need to carry a black handbag, so I didn’t want to invest a lot of money in that accessory. But I think it’s a perfect blend of classic and trending. My sunglasses are from Loft (similar).

I have about a three hour drive that morning to get to my speaking engagement. I think I can feel comfortable for the drive, but also look confident and composed the minute I step out of the car in this outfit.

As I’m preparing my message this week, I’d love it if you’d pray for me. I want to challenge these women to endure in the Bible studies they’ll be beginning. I know how hard it can be to finish one! But I also want to give them some tools that will help them get the most out of their daily time in God’s Word.

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Blessed for My Day

Today may you choose joy. Whether you got out of bed this morning with a sense of the doldrums or you’re just too busy to think about how you feel, I hope that you’ll choose to rejoice in the Lord on this day. I pray you’ll resist the lies of the enemy, reject the negative messages you see on social media, silence the mental recordings of hurtful memories and leave the pity party. Instead, meditate on what is true, what is good, what is pure, what is worthy of praise. Turn on the praise music and count your blessings, naming them one by one. Today may you choose joy.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ~ Philippians 4:4