What do you wear to an Open Call

Here I am, trying to forge a new life as a voice actor/yoga instructor/volunteer.  So what do I wear now?  I knew that I would be put "on camera" at the talent agency "open call to obtain representation."  So I fretted over what to wear.  I didn't want to look either too casual or too businesslike.  But I also didn't want to buy anything new.  Although I almost succumbed on that one--I wanted to buy a new tote that would be suitable for a voice actor.  Not that I know what that is.  I first was going to take my University of Michigan tote bag (big block M), but thought that was too casual.  I certainly wasn't going to take one of the bags we use for the beach.  But my work bag seemed a little too conservative.  The more I thought about it, though, it seemed OK.  It's a Brahmin with pockets and zippers.  A little narrow and stiff, but I couldn't find anything that popped out to me that wasn't expensive.  If I felt like I had the money I probably would have bought a Coach tote.  But (for once) I didn't go to the mall, and stuck with my work Brahmin.  For now.  I told myself I'd look at what other women were using to carry around scripts/water/snacks/pencils--the stuff one needs for voice acting.  Then I'd buy one after I started getting voice acting jobs.

I first thought about wearing a flowy skirt with sweater, but since it was raining, I went with a Talbots mix and match--soft red sweater, white rib top, skinny soft navy pants.  I looked awfully business casual-y, so I threw on a scarf I really like but have never figured out how to wear.  In fact I picked out the colors of the outfit to go with the scarf, not the other way around.  I practiced different kinds of draping, which I don't know how to do.  How do those French women do it?  I put on a string of pearls, but that didn't seem to fit with a drapey scarf.  I ended up just wearing it hanging down--I couldn't figure out how to tie it loosely like I seen older French women do in photos.  I felt different, with the scarf--more artsy and flowy.  So I told myself I'd buy more once I started getting paid for voice acting.  (See a trend here?)

I figure I'll wear some drapey scarf to the (former workplace-sponsored) holiday parties--to show my different new life.  I never wore scarves at work, because I figured I'd get them dirty/spill coffee on them/get them caught in something.   I didn't feel I could pull it off.  I think I could, now.

The other woman who showed up for the "open call" around the time I did looked more businessline than I did--dark tailored clothes, business-type bag.  I tried not to stare at her, lest she think I was eyeing the competition.  Maybe she didn't know what she was doing, either, so I decided not to go by her example.  Maybe she was like me--looking for a new way.