Outfit Inspiration for Latina Speakers

Cool, Calm, & Comfortable

by Yvonne Armenta, Founder of Latina, Presente

Hispanic Heritage Month is here and after preparing your speech, ensuring you know as much as possible about your audience, and attending tech checks, it's now time to prepare "your look".

I curated looks for inspiration as you get ready to inspire, educate, and take on the badass role of "Latina Speaker" from a few of my past speaking engagements that prioritize comfort and still make me feel confident on stage. We end with a few tips for finding an outfit that feels like you, prioritizes comfort, and shows you were intentional about your presence.

🎤 Keynote Speaker for Latina Convention for Adelante

Details: White silk top layered with a fitted white vest, red flowy pants, and white mesh pointy-toed heels.

Y claro, a bold lip! In this case, I wore a dark magenta color, which complimented the event's theme colors.

We often think we have to buy a new outfit to take the stage or go to an event. Sometimes it's about pairing our existing closet differently. I had the white vest that I bought on clearance and NEVER wore. I had the red pants that I thrifted and NEVER wore. And, I wanted to wear something that followed the theme, but wasn't my typical go-to pink or orange.

The one thing my closet lacks in, is heels. So, I did buy these and they are so comfortable!

🎤 Storytelling Like Our Abuelitas Workshop at the Empower Us Summit at UC Irvine

Same shoes, similar vibe but, different colors & fit.

🎤 Host for the very fist Latina, Presente Public Speaking Immersive Experience

Details: Light blue blazer, white tank top body suit, and mini light blue skort. Not pictured: My jean-like material wedges.

I totally second-guessed the short skort because we're told that anything above the knee is unprofessional. But, this was a community event and my people don't judge me by what I wear, so I went for it. Turns out, this is one of my favorite outfits I've ever worn. I wanted to wear my brand colors and went for the monochromatic look, but added orange earrings and my orange Mexico en La Piel bag as "pop of color" accessories.

🎤 Live Coaching and Tabling for Futura Fest by Latina Coalition

Details: Asymmetrical off the shoulder top with light blue jeans and leopard print pointy boots.

I was at my table standing most of the time as I was live coaching conference attendees and sharing the Public Speaking con Cultura practice cards, so comfortable (& cute) booties were essential! I often combine a nicer top with jeans to keep it casual, but add a pop of color through my shoes to bring the look together and communicate "I have personality". Kidding! Shoes are often great conversation starters. To my fellow introverts, wear pops of print & color! Trust me.

Other ways I've styled these same jeans for speaking engagements:

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Left to Right: Tabling for a Lean in Latina event in LA where I was also a session lead, my Tedx Talk (I need to share the bts story on this because this fit was definitely not my first choice), and hosting storytelling workshops for parents across high schools in Los Angeles.

A few tips for styling your speaker outfits:

1. Shop in your closet. If you have a favorite pair of shoes or a go-to blouse (in my case, I clearly love my light blue jeans lol), get creative with how you style it. Challenge yourself to wear it differently or wear the same "blazer + shirt + jean" fit, but in different colors.

2. Repeat the outfit. Who cares if you've worn the same outfit on stage before! Outfits are meant to be worn more than once. Plus, this helps develop your speaker brand and style and get pictures in your favorite fits!

3. Pop of color or print. This always makes me feel put together and it communicates that I put thought and effort into how I show up. You're more than what you wear, but I still believe that showing up "ready" communicates to my audience that they are the special occasion.

4. When in doubt, monochrome it out. Wear your favorite color or brand colors! I love doing this because it's one less thing to think about, but ensures any pics I get or impressions I make, also promote my brand. Orange and Blue = Yvonne = Latina, Presente.

5. When in doubt (but different), add cool earrings. My cultura on stage often comes alive in the form of earrings. I find them to be such beautiful pieces of art that when I wear them, I want them to be the center of attention. This is also typically my "outfit" for virtual speaking engagements: a basic shirt and pop-of color earrings (& yes, sweats on the bottom half because...comfort).

6. Start with your favorite accessory or your "non-negotiable". If you love to have your outfits inspired by your earrings, start there. If you have a favorite blazer, start there. If you have a particular shoe you want to wear, start there.

7. Be you. I'm not the most stylish person, but I wear what makes me feel comfortable. That, in turn, makes me feel confident, which is the best accessory you can wear. Your fit automatically looks great.

Buena suerte as you take the stage! No matter what you wear, your voice literally has the power to change minds, move people towards action, and inspire an entire generation. ¡Dale con, todo!

Love,

Yvonne 🧡

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