What to Wear to a Business Conference

Preparing for a big trade show, conference, or summit is easier than figuring out what to wear to it. Irrespective of your role in the conference or trade show, you have to look composed, dignified, and professional. Determining the type of apparel that gives you the desired look is no easy task, which is why we have created this guide.

The Dress Code

Do the organizers of the conference want you to adhere to a dress code? You have to first find this out. If you cannot find the required information on the conference website, just shoot the organizers an email or call them. The dress code will give you a very good idea of what to wear to the conference, saving you the trouble of figuring it out on your own.

If the conference does not have any dress code, consider the following factors while deciding what to wear.

Role – What is your role at the conference? Are you just attending it or giving a presentation or running a booth for your company? Putting things simply, your attire should match your role.

If you are just attending, you won’t have much of a problem deciding what to wear. Just be professional but add a dash of your personality so that you can make a good impression on the people you network with.

If you are giving a presentation, wear something professional that matches the backdrop while avoiding distracting colours, loud patterns, squeaky shoes, and chunky jewellery. Your attire should also match the clothes your audience is wearing.

If you are managing a booth for your company, wear branded t-shirts or caps not only to promote your brand but also to make it easy for attendees to identify you.

Industry – If you are a representative of the medical or scientific industry, your focus should be on expertise and professionalism. Clothes like dress pants, button-down shirts, sports coats, skirts, ties, formal shoes, and others can give you the desired look.

You can afford to be creative if you represent the marketing industry. Wear something professional but feel free to inject your style and personality into your attire. Consider wearing attractive accessories, stylish sneakers, and the like.

Representatives of the tech industry can get away with casual dress codes. If you are attending a tech conference, you can wear low-key clothes such as stylish shirts, jeans, and sleek boots.

Weather

Are you attending a conference in the summer? Go in for light fabrics like silk, linen, cotton, and others and avoid rayon, nylon, and polyester as they do not absorb moisture and retain body odour.

Sweaty persons should avoid light colours that easily show sweat stains. If you must wear light colours, wear underarm pads and undershirts that absorb sweat.

Prioritize professionalism with comfort especially when it comes to footwear. Wear comfortable shoes that make you look professional without destroying your feet and causing them to swell.

Are you attending a conference in the winter? Then you have to wear layers of clothing. If things get too hot at the conference venue, you can remove the top layer. Carry a spare layer that you can wear if it gets too cold.

Think in terms of sweaters over long-sleeved shirts or warm blazers over button-down shirts. If you are running a booth, you can go in for a branded pullover.

To retain and maintain the professional look, bring along a warm formal coat that you can wear outdoors. Go for trench coats or overcoats.

Take care of your feet during the winter as they are the first to feel cold during this season. Wear tights or warm socks in professional colours to protect yourself from the chill.

Some Hot Conference Attire Tips

Here are some tips you must consider while deciding what to wear to a conference:

Remember that you should look smarter than you do when you go to work. For example, add blazers and ties to your regular sweaters and shirts.
Wearing accessories and shoes is a must. Don’t forget bags, belts, and shoes that deliver a strong message and don’t clash with your attire.
Men who are confused with colours are safe if they stick to menswear colours like gray, white, blue, brown, black, navy blue, and beige.
Women who have to attend a conference can think in terms of cardigans, blouses, dress pants, A-line skirts, wrap dresses, button-downs, blazers, and the like.
Women don’t have to adhere to established standards. For example, you can get away without elaborate hairdos or makeup.
Women should wear just a few accessories.
Distressed jeans and shorts are a big no-no.
Avoid wearing shoes you have never worn before. You don’t want to get blisters when you have to walk or stand for long hours at the conference.
Avoid strong perfumes as they would cause distress to someone who is allergic to them.
Stick to simple patterns and colours although you can wear a piece or two in dark green, blue, or red.

Post Conference Events

After attending the conference, you may have to attend a cocktail party or a business dinner with your partners or clients. You cannot wear the same outfit you wore to the conference to these events. Ideally, you have to change into clothes that are less professional, more elegant, and even glamorous.

Business Dinners – Men can wear slacks, button-down shirts, sports coats, and the like to a business dinner. The best attire for women is an attractive black dress with ballet flats or closed-toe pumps and sophisticated accessories. Women can also wear dressy blouses and dress pants with shoes that match. And don’t forget accessories that are elegant but not flashy.

Cocktail Parties – Men attending a cocktail party can wear shirts, suits, dress pants, dress shoes, and ties. They can also go in for a more casual look by wearing blazers, chinos, dark jeans, and desert boots.

Ladies can wear black dresses with heels and jewellery to match or dress pants or skirts with silk blouses. Achieve a more casual look by pulling on dark jeans, blouse, and ballet flats.

When you choose outfits for post-conference events, you have to also consider the season. Choose clothes in light yellow, blue, or pink colours and linen or cotton fabrics in the summer. You can wear wool, brocade, or velvet clothes in emerald green, wine red, and royal blue colours in the winter.

Even at informal post-conference events, you have to look professional. So, avoid wearing flashy clothes. Your attire should reflect taste and elegance not make you look like you are going to a club.