Often times, you attend conferences with the aim of building relationships and making the best impression on other professionals in your field. Therefore, you must display the best image through choosing the right clothes. Before deciding what to wear, make sure that the conference you're attending provides its own dress code. If not, you'll have to decide for yourself what suits you best. Remember, the attire for speakers and organizers is usually different from the attire for conference attendees.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Professional Business Conference
Step 1. Bring a blazer or sports jacket
This is very important for men. You don't need to wear a tweed suit, a structured jacket in a classic color like black or brown can be a good choice, even if you don't wear one and only carry it in your hand.
Step 2. Wear cloth pants if you want to leave an unforgettable impression
Black, grey, navy and brown pants are the standard color choices.
Step 3. Consider khakis
Khaki pants are often the choice for men's business casual styles, but women can wear them too. Make sure the pants are not wrinkled and neatly ironed.
Step 4. Women can choose to wear trousers, khakis, or knee-length pencil skirts
Black colors, such as black or dark brown, are the most classic choices and are acceptable in any situation.
Step 5. Put on a button-up shirt or collared shirt
It doesn't matter if you wear light or dark colors, but avoid bold or flashy colors.
Step 6. For women, you can choose a knit blouse, silk blouse or cardigan
Choose a top that emphasizes the shape of the need, but is not too tight with a neckline that is not too low. Plain colors are great for casual wear, but brightly colored prints are also appropriate for softer materials like silk.
Step 7. For men, decide whether you want to wear a tie or not
A tie makes you look more professional, and it's a good idea to wear it if you want to mingle and network for future use. If you prefer a business casual style, there's no need to wear a tie.
Step 8. Wear black or brown leather shoes
Men can choose lace up shoes or loafers, for a more relaxed appearance. Whatever your choice, make sure the shoes are polished and in good condition.
Step 9. For women, wear flats or low-heeled shoes (save your stillettos for another occasion)
Shoes with closed toe or flat heel are often an option. Black or brown leather shoes are ideal choices.
Step 10. Wear socks that match the trousers
This applies to both men and women. Black socks are the most common color and the easiest to mix and match, but you'll need to match the color of the socks to the color of your shoes or trousers to get the right mix. Avoid white or colored socks that can attract attention.
Step 11. For women who want to wear a skirt or dress, check to see if the material will stick to your body
If so, wear underwear.
Step 12. Use as few accessories as possible
Avoid unconventional jewelry, such as lip piercings, and opt for less flashy jewelry.
Method 2 of 3: Casual Conference
Step 1. Put on khakis
Khaki pants are also suitable for casual conferences. Look for trousers with wide piping, and the fabric is unwrinkled and neatly ironed.
Step 2. Consider dark-colored jeans as an option
Light or medium colors look too casual. So, you should choose a lighter color. Choose straight-cut trousers and avoid low-waisted or narrow cuts at the bottom.
Step 3. Choose a knee-length skirt if you are a woman
Pencil or A-line skirts work best, but in a casual conference you have more freedom to choose a colored or patterned skirt. Avoid decorations that are too flashy and choose the best skirt with a conservative model.
Step 4. Choose a collared shirt, especially for men
Choose plain colors and avoid motifs that are too crowded. A classic button-up shirt can also be a good choice.
Step 5. Wear a pretty blouse or cardigan if you are a woman
Cotton, knit and silk blouses are perfect for this occasion. You can also choose a button-up shirt or blouse that can be worn straight away like a t-shirt.
Step 6. Choose a dress
In addition to tops and bottoms, you can also consider overalls. Choose a formal cut. In general, this means dresses with plain colors, conservative necklines, and knee lengths.
Step 7. Make a choice on leather shoes
The black and brown loafers are perfect for men. Sneakers are too casual and are best avoided.
Step 8. Choose low heeled shoes
Women don't have too many choices when it comes to shoes for casual conferences. We recommend that you choose closed shoes with a relatively low heel. Feel free to play with the colors and textures of the shoes.
Step 9. Match the socks to the shoes
Black, tan, gray and dark brown socks are the best choices. Avoid white or patterned socks.
Step 10. Wear stockings with skirts and dresses
For a very relaxed atmosphere, you don't need to wear stockings at all. However, it doesn't matter if you want to keep it on. If you later realize that it's not necessary, you can remove it.
Step 11. Wear as few accessories as possible
Even if you're attending a casual conference, try to wear simple and unobtrusive jewelry.
Step 12. Choose clothes for dinner
The dress code for a meal varies quite a bit. Luncheons usually require business casual attire, but for dinner you should dress more formally. Women can opt for a conservative evening gown and men can wear a suit with a tie.
Method 3 of 3: Outfit for Presentation
Step 1. Put on a collared, button-up shirt
The best options are white or light pastel colors. Avoid bright colors and flashy patterns.
Step 2. Put on a wool jacket suit
Choose a jacket style with single-breasted buttons, dark colors such as black, navy, gray, or brown. Jackets should fit snugly, both for men and women.
Step 3. Wear pants that match the jacket
The best option is a ready-made two-piece suit, but if you buy the pants separately, match the color to the color of the jacket.
Step 4. Consider a knee-length skirt if you are a woman
Pants or skirts can be a choice of business clothing for women. Choose a pencil skirt that matches the color of the jacket, preferably black, dark blue, gray, or brown.
Step 5. Put on shiny polished leather shoes
Men should choose strappy formal shoes, such as Oxfords, black or dark brown.
Step 6. Wear leather shoes with closed toes or pumps
Women can wear low heeled shoes. Avoid high-heeled shoes or strappy-style shoes that seem sexy, not professional. Black and dark brown shoes are the most neutral and not too eye-catching.
Step 7. Choose socks that match the color of the suit
This recommendation is especially true for men. Black socks are a popular choice because they create a smooth transition between dark pants and dark shoes.
Step 8. Wear nylon stockings for women
Stockings are a must if you wear a skirt and are recommended for trousers.
Step 9. Choose a conservative tie if you are a man
We recommend choosing a tie that is made of high-quality materials, such as silk, and a soft color or pattern. Avoid bold motifs or images that feature certain characters.
Step 10. Adjust the belt with the suit and shoes
The color of the belt should match the overall color scheme of the outfit.
Step 11. Use as few accessories as possible
This recommendation applies to both men and women. Watches and jewelry should be simple. Avoid unconventional jewelry, such as eyebrow or nose piercings.
Tips
- If you want to attend a conference for white-collar “business professionals” or an academic conference, you should opt for a more formal dress style. Casual business attire is more suitable for those who participate passively, but if you want to impress others it's a good idea to go for a more conventional business attire.
- If you attend a conference with coworkers, you automatically have to dress according to the dress code adopted by the company.
- Consider the weather. Conferences held in the rainy season will require warmer clothing than conferences in the dry season, even if held indoors. Likewise, conferences held in coastal areas require lighter clothing than conferences in peak areas.
- If you are a speaker at a conference, it takes a more impressive fashion style than if you are just a listener. You have to make a memorable impression on your listeners, and a well-groomed suit can be the best start you can give yourself.
- Casual conferences are usually aimed at writers, bloggers, and blue-collar professionals. If you have a profession that doesn't require a formal appearance, such as a landscaper or dog trainer, you don't need to dress formally to attend a conference. Business casual or neat attire is a generally accepted standard, especially for participants.
