Recently I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to join in the festivities of the Young Global Leaders Forum for the Middle East in Amman, Jordan.  Attending something like this always presents the challenge of what is both appropriate to wear and respectful of the culture you are entering and what still resonates with who you are and representing that.

I scoped out the scene whilst I was there, and here is what the YGL ladies wore (Queen Rania of Jordan included)- I think they did an excellent job blending personal style with classic casual yet professional outfits.

All about the dress.  Classic Jackie O style shift dresses with an accessorizing belt in a fun pop of red or a more neutral and casual brown leather.  Paired with a medium heeled closed toe pointy shoe- again the colours remained more neutral with soft browns and nudes.  Lightweight cardigans in greys, beiges and blues topped it all off and offered that crucial layer for air-conditioned settings.

City fit skinny cropped capris where the other favourite.  Always in a basic colour- black, dark brown, white… The more business casual take was to wear them with a Saturday style tee and a fitted blazer.  Otherwise, they complimented a form fitting button down shirt- tucked in for the streamline effect.

Finally, voluminous skirts provided a more playful yet polished look.  Worn in white or grey- they looked effortless with a tee and blazer and a pair of stacked wedges.

All three looks present fallback styles that can be applied to any setting- especially those where you are unsure of the level of dressiness and appropriate attire.  So take these style tips from the ladies who are not only the leaders in their industries, but leaders in business fashion as well.