When attending a conference, often one of the reasons is to establish relationships and make an impression on other professionals in your field. Consequently, a visit to a trendy clothing store is a must. Before deciding what to wear, check if there are any guidelines on how to dress for the upcoming conference. Otherwise, determine the right attire for the conference by relying on your own judgment. Also remember that the attire of those who present and receive is probably different from that of the public.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Business Conferences
Step 1. Put on a blazer or sport jacket
This is especially important for men. You don't necessarily need a wool suit, but some presentable jacket, in a traditional color like black or brown, is a good idea, even if you end up carrying it around without wearing it.
Step 2. Wear a suit with trousers if you want to leave a lasting impression
Black, gray, navy and brown pants are the standard colors to choose.
Step 3. Consider khaki colors
Khaki pants are common for men's business casual wear, but women can also wear them for business casual. Keep them well ironed and wrinkle free.
Step 4. Women can choose to wear khakis, khakis, or try a knee-high pencil skirt
Dark colors, such as black or dark brown, are the most traditional and most accepted ones.
Step 5. Wear a button-down collar shirt or polo shirt
Light and dark colors are both acceptable, but avoid things that are bold and flashy.
Step 6. Women can consider a knit sweater, silk blouse, or tightly woven sweater
Choose a top that flatters your figure, without being snug or low enough to reveal too much. A solid color works best with casual fabrics, but a pattern in a brighter shade is appropriate on beautiful fabrics such as silk.
Step 7. Men - decide whether to wear a tie
The tie makes you look more professional, and it is advisable to wear one if you intend to socialize and make contacts for the future. If you prefer business casual, however, a tie is not necessary.
Step 8. Wear black or brown leather shoes
Men can choose a lace-up style or a more casual loafer, but either way, the shoes need to be polished and in good condition.
Step 9. Women - wear shoes without heels or with low heels (not high heels)
Decolleté with closed toe or without heels are preferable. Black and brown leather are ideal.
Step 10. Match the socks to the pants
This applies to both men and women. Black socks are the most common and versatile, but you should try to match the color of the socks to the color of the shoes or pants for greater harmony. Avoid white or colored socks that may be too noticeable.
Step 11. Women, if you choose to wear a skirt or dress, check the fabric to see if it tends to cling
If so, wear a slip.
Step 12. Cut down on accessories
Avoid non-traditional jewelry, such as lip piercings, and wear only discreet, inconspicuous pieces.
Method 2 of 3: Casual Conferencing
Step 1. Take out the khakis
Khaki pants are just as elegant as needed for an informal conference. Look for style pants with wide legs and keep them well ironed and wrinkle free.
Step 2. Consider dark-toned denim
Light and medium shades can look too casual, so the darker the hue, the better. Insist on a style leg model and avoid models that hang at the waist or tapered after the knee.
Step 3. Also consider a knee-length skirt if you are a woman
Pencil or flared skirts are best, but you can play with color and pattern more than you could for a professional conference. Avoid extravagant decorations and insist on traditional "party day" skirts.
Step 4. Go with a polo shirt, especially if you are a man
Insist on solid colors and avoid extravagant models. Traditional button-down shirts are fine too.
Step 5. Wear a nice shirt or sweater if you are a woman
Blouses made of cotton, knits, and silk look particularly nice. You can choose a button-down model or one to slip on from the head.
Step 6. Choose a dress
Instead of a split, women can also consider a solid color dress. Pick one that's appropriate for the job. Generally, this means that the dress has a solid color pattern, a traditional neckline, and a knee-length hem.
Step 7. Put on leather shoes
Black and brown moccasins are good for young people. Sneakers are too casual and should be avoided.
Step 8. Wear low heels
Women have a little more freedom in shoes for a casual conference, but you should still go for a closed toe style with a relatively low heel. However, feel free to vary the colors and texture.
Step 9. Match the socks to the shoes
Black, brown, gray and tan stockings are best. Avoid white or patterned socks.
Step 10. Wear socks with skirts and dresses
For very casual wear, tights may not be necessary. However, it is not a bad idea to take it with you. If you then realize that it is not necessary, you can always take it off.
Step 11. Bring a few accessories
Even for a casual conference, accessories should be simple and discreet.
Step 12. Get dressed for dinner
The clothing required for the meal may vary. Lunches may simply require business casual attire, but most evening receptions require a suit. Women should choose traditional cocktail dresses and men should wear a suit with a tie.
Method 3 of 3: Attire for Presenters
Step 1. Put on a collared, button-down shirt
Basic colors like white or light pastels are best, however flashy patterns and colors should be avoided.
Step 2. Put on a wool jacket
Choose a single-breasted style in a dark color such as black, navy, gray or brown. The jacket should be tailored for both men and women.
Step 3. Match the pants to the jacket
Garments that are part of a shirt are the best solution, but if you bought the trousers separately, you should match their color with that of the jacket.
Step 4. Consider a knee-length skirt if you are a woman
Skirts and trousers are suitable business attire for women. Choose a pencil skirt that matches the color of the jacket, preferably black, blue, gray or brown.
Step 5. Wear shiny leather shoes
Men should consider formal lace-up styles, such as Oxford, in black or dark brown.
Step 6. Put on ballet flats or leather pumps closed at the toe
Women can wear low heels, but they should avoid high heels or strappy styles that look sexier than professional. Dark brown and black shoes are the most appropriate and the least distracting.
Step 7. Wear socks that match the color of the dress
This is especially true for men. Black stockings are the most common, as they create a smooth transition between dark pants and dark shoes.
Step 8. Put on nylon pantyhose if you are a woman
Socks are required for skirts and recommended for trousers.
Step 9. Choose a traditional tie if you are a man
Choose a tie made of high quality fabric, such as silk, and with an understated color or pattern. Avoid flashy patterns and bold patterns.
Step 10. Match the belt to the dress and shoes
The color of the belt must be in tune with the color scheme of the clothing.
Step 11. Bring a few accessories
This applies to both men and women. Other jewelry and watches should be sober. Avoid non-traditional jewelry, such as eyebrow or nose piercings.
Advice
- If the conference you are attending is for "professional business" employees or is an academic conference, you should stick to a more rigorous style of business attire. Business casual is often appropriate for the regular audience, but it is advisable to lean more towards traditional business attire if you are there to impress someone.
- Keep the climate in mind. A winter conference will require heavier clothing than a summer conference, even if it's indoors. Likewise, a conference in Sardinia will require lighter clothing than one held in Trentino.
- If you are attending a conference with other colleagues, it is a given, unless otherwise stated, to dress according to your office dress code.
- Casual conferences typically include those intended for professional writers, bloggers, and blue-collar workers. If you have a career that does not require formal dressing, such as landscaping or dog training, you don't necessarily have to dress formally to attend a conference. Business casual or smart casual are the common standards, especially for attendees.
- Making a presentation requires a more solemn style of dress than is required for one who is there to listen. You need to make a lasting impression with your audience, and a well-curated ensemble is the best start for that.
