Introduction
Navigating conference attire can feel like a tightrope walk between professional expectations and personal expression.
This guide, featuring insights from Melissa Jones Clark, VP of Marketing at Meeting Tomorrow, will help you strike the perfect balance in finding what to wear to a business conference, ensuring you look and feel your best, no matter your role.
Melissa, when not spearheading Meeting Tomorrow’s marketing team, is a self-professed lover of thrifting (aka treasure hunting), unique style, and personal branding, and believes that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression even in a professional setting. Below are some ideas, tips, and reminders for your next work conference or meeting.
Overall Tips: Balancing Style and Professionalism
The ultimate goal is to blend your authentic personal style with appropriate business casual attire, creating a look that feels right for the specific event and comfortable for you.
As Melissa describes, “For me, fashion is storytelling. Conferences are no different. It’s about finding pieces that whisper ‘I’m professional’ while shouting ‘This is me.’”
- Research the Conference Vibe: Is it a formal industry summit or a more relaxed creative workshop? A medical conference or law conference might have a different vibe than a marketing or design conference. Check the event website or social media for clues.
- Prioritize Comfort: You’ll be sitting, standing, networking, and potentially walking a lot. Choose fabrics and fits that allow for ease of movement. Especially with shoes.
- Layer Up: Conference rooms are notorious for unpredictable temperatures. Packing layers, including a blazer, cardigan, or jacket is your best friend.
- Pack Smart: Focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
What to Wear to a Work Conference as an Attendee: Engaging and Approachable
As an attendee, your goal is to look polished and approachable, ready for networking and learning. Think smart casual with a professional edge. Of course, check out the event’s overall vibe but don’t forget you can add in your personality to create an outfit you feel comfortable and confident in.
Masculine Examples & Ideas
- Foundations: Well-fitting chinos or tailored trousers (avoiding overly casual denim), breathable button-down shirts (linen blends, soft cottons), and stylish knit polos.
- Footwear: Clean, comfortable loafers, stylish sneakers (e.g., minimalist leather sneakers), or dress boots.
- Avoid: Overly distressed jeans, graphic tees, overly casual shorts, athletic wear.
Feminine Examples & Ideas
- Foundations: Wide-leg trousers, tailored culottes, midi or maxi skirts (pleated, A-line, or slip styles), structured jumpsuits, and well-fitting blouses (silk, satin, or crisp cotton).
- Dresses: Midi-length shirt dresses, wrap dresses, or tailored sheath dresses in comfortable fabrics.
- Outerwear: Oversized blazers, tailored vests, or sophisticated cardigans.
- Footwear: Stylish flats (ballet, pointed-toe), block-heel loafers, low-heeled ankle boots, or comfortable, fashion-forward sneakers.
- Avoid: Skinny jeans, lightwash or overly distressed denim, mini skirts/dresses, overly casual t-shirts, high heels that will cause discomfort.
What to Wear as a Conference Speaker: Confident and Polished
As a speaker, you’re the focal point. Your attire should exude confidence and professionalism without being a distraction. You’ll generally want to be a bit more dressed up than the average attendee.
- Comfort and Confidence are Key: Choose outfits that allow you to move freely and feel completely at ease. Any discomfort will distract from your message.
- Mic-Friendly Choices: This is crucial! Opt for garments that easily accommodate a lavalier microphone.
- Dresses: Can be tricky. If wearing a dress, ensure it has a collar, a sturdy neckline, or a fabric that can clip a mic without slipping or causing noise. Consider a dress with a blazer or jacket over it.
- Tops: Collared shirts, blazers, and structured tops are ideal.
- Jewlery: Avoid thick necklaces that will rub against the mic or make noise.
- Solid Colors or Subtle Patterns: Avoid exceptionally busy patterns that can be distracting on stage, during livestreaming, or with camera flashes. However, bright, bold colors can bring out your personality and definitely make you stand out in the crowd and in attendees’ memories.
- Quality Fabrics: Choose fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily (linen and satin are notoriously wrinkly) and look polished under stage lights.
Masculine Examples (Speaker)
- Foundations: Tailored suit separates (e.g., a well-fitting blazer with pants that don’t match but complement), crisp button-down shirts, or high-quality knit sweaters.
- Footwear: Polished dress shoes or high-quality loafers.
Feminine Examples (Speaker)
- Foundations: Tailored, wide legged trousers, professional blouses, sophisticated jumpsuits, or a well-structured suit. If you are seated for large parts of the event, you might want a slightly longer than knee length dress or skirt for comfort.
- Dresses: Ensure it has a sturdy neckline, and consider wearing a jacket or well fitted blazer over it for your mic.
- Footwear: Comfortable yet elegant block heels, sophisticated flats, or low-heeled boots.
What to Wear to a Conference as a Planner (or When Working Onsite): Practicality Meets Professionalism
When you’re working the event, your attire needs to be highly functional while still maintaining a professional appearance. Comfort, especially for your feet, is paramount. Dark colors are common.
- Comfortable Shoes are Non-Negotiable: This is the single most important rule. Think supportive, stylish sneakers, comfortable loafers, or low-heeled boots. You’ll be on your feet for hours. Our team swears by Dr. Scholl’s “Time Off” or “Jake Retro” for long event days, and Hoka Bondi 8 for set-up days. Also, stylish compression socks!
- Durable and Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Choose materials that can withstand a busy day and potential spills.
- Pockets are Your Friend: For carrying essentials like pens, notes, or your phone.
- Professional but Practical: Avoid anything too restrictive or delicate.
Examples
- Bottoms: Dark-wash jeans (if appropriate for the event’s overall vibe), comfortable chinos, or stretch-fabric tailored trousers.
- Tops: Branded event polo shirts (if provided), comfortable button-downs, or professional knit tops.
- Footwear: Performance sneakers (e.g., stylish running shoes), or supportive flats.
What to Wear as a Gen-Z Employee or First-Time Conference Attendee: Modern Professionalism
For Gen Z or first-time event attendees, the challenge is often balancing personal style with the expectations of a professional environment. It’s about making a strong, positive first impression.
As Melissa describes, “Your personal brand isn’t just your LinkedIn profile; it’s how you show up. Don’t be afraid to infuse your personality into your conference wardrobe — but also remember the age old adage, ‘Dress for the job you want.’”
- Lean into Modern Business Casual: Embrace current trends that align with professionalism.
- Prioritize Fit: Well-fitting clothes always look more polished, regardless of style.
- Keep it Simple: If you’re having trouble piecing together an outfit, focus on just finding a black top and bottom that fit well then accessorize with jewelry, a watch, or bag to make it feel more your own.
Examples
- Masculine: Dark, neat denim or chinos, clean sneakers, a stylish crew-neck sweater over a collared shirt, or a modern work jacket.
- Feminine: Tailored wide-leg jeans with a chic blouse and a blazer, a midi skirt with a fitted knit top, or a stylish jumpsuit. Comfortable, fashion-forward sneakers or loafers are great, comfortable items.
A Few Ideas for Stores for Business Casual Conference Clothing
Check what you have! Remember, you don’t necessarily need to buy something new for a conference. But if you are in the market to buy some new pieces to be your go-to conference uniform, here are a few ideas:
- Universal Standard – Size inclusive workwear options, from size 00-40.
- Nordstrom or Macy’s – Extensive business casual selections.
- ASOS – Lots of business casual options on the more affordable end.
- UNIQLO – Versatile, good quality basics with modern shapes. Lots of basic conference options to then personalize with accessories.
- Quince – Lots of masculine options — this store aims to create high-end quality at a more affordable price.
- Aritzia – Tons of “elevated essentials” and a whole wear-to-work section with mix-and-match pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a conference? Your conference attire should balance professionalism with your personal style. Aim for business casual to smart casual outfits that prioritize comfort, especially for shoes. Research the event’s vibe and dress for your role—whether you’re an attendee, speaker, or onsite planner. Layers are essential to handle unpredictable room temperatures, and choosing versatile pieces you can mix and match will help you pack light.
What shoes should I wear to a conference? Prioritize comfort when choosing shoes for a conference, since you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. Stylish sneakers or loafers. For event planners or those working onsite, supportive walking shoes are a must. Consider stylish compression socks to help prevent sore feet.
What should a conference speaker wear? A conference speaker should wear a polished and professional outfit that exudes confidence and is comfortable to wear on stage. A well-fitted blazer with tailored trousers or a structured dress with a blazer is a great option for a speaker. Be sure to choose clothing that can easily accommodate a lavalier microphone.
Can I wear jeans to a conference? Yes, you can wear jeans to a conference, but you should choose a pair that is well-fitting, clean, and has a dark wash. Avoid baggy or distressed denim. Pair them with a polished top and a blazer to create a professional look.
