How to Dress for a Conference
Bring a blazer or sports jacket., Wear dress pants if you want to leave a lasting impression., Consider khakis., Women may choose to wear slacks, khakis, or to try out a knee-length pencil skirt., Wear a button-down collared shirt or polo shirt...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Bring a blazer or sports jacket.
This is especially important for men.
You do not necessarily need a wool suit jacket, but some form of structured jacket, in a traditional color like black or brown, is a good idea, even if you only end up carrying it. -
Step 2: Wear dress pants if you want to leave a lasting impression.
Black, gray, navy blue, and brown pants are the standard colors of choice. , Khaki pants are common for men's business casual, but women can also pull them off for business casual, as well.
Keep your khakis pressed and wrinkle-free. , Dark colors, like black or dark brown, are the most traditional and best received. , Light and dark colors are both acceptable, but avoid anything bold or flashy. , Choose a top that flatters your figure without being skin tight or low enough in the front to be revealing.
A solid color works best for casual fabrics, but a print in a rich hue can look appropriate on nicer fabrics like silk. , Ties make you look more professional, and you may want to wear one if you intend to mingle and establish contacts for the future.
If leaning toward a business casual style, however, ties are not necessary. , Men can opt for a lace-up style or a more casual loafer, but either way, your shoes must be polished and in good condition. , Closed-toe pumps or flats, are preferable.
Black and brown leather are ideal. , This applies to both men and women.
Black socks are the most common and most versatile color, but you should try to match the color of your socks to the color of your shoes or trousers in order to blend the two together.
Avoid white or colored socks that might stand out. , If so, wear a slip underneath. , Avoid non-traditional jewelry, like lip piercings, and only wear subtle pieces that do not look flashy. -
Step 3: Consider khakis.
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Step 4: Women may choose to wear slacks
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Step 5: khakis
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Step 6: or to try out a knee-length pencil skirt.
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Step 7: Wear a button-down collared shirt or polo shirt.
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Step 8: Women may consider a knit blouse
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Step 9: silk blouse
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Step 10: or close-weave sweater.
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Step 11: Men - decide whether or not you want to wear a tie.
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Step 12: Wear black or brown leather shoes.
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Step 13: Women - wear flats or a low heel (no high heels).
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Step 14: Match your socks to your trousers.
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Step 15: if you choose to wear a skirt or dress
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Step 16: check the fabric to see if it is clinging to you.
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Step 17: Minimize your accessories.
Detailed Guide
This is especially important for men.
You do not necessarily need a wool suit jacket, but some form of structured jacket, in a traditional color like black or brown, is a good idea, even if you only end up carrying it.
Black, gray, navy blue, and brown pants are the standard colors of choice. , Khaki pants are common for men's business casual, but women can also pull them off for business casual, as well.
Keep your khakis pressed and wrinkle-free. , Dark colors, like black or dark brown, are the most traditional and best received. , Light and dark colors are both acceptable, but avoid anything bold or flashy. , Choose a top that flatters your figure without being skin tight or low enough in the front to be revealing.
A solid color works best for casual fabrics, but a print in a rich hue can look appropriate on nicer fabrics like silk. , Ties make you look more professional, and you may want to wear one if you intend to mingle and establish contacts for the future.
If leaning toward a business casual style, however, ties are not necessary. , Men can opt for a lace-up style or a more casual loafer, but either way, your shoes must be polished and in good condition. , Closed-toe pumps or flats, are preferable.
Black and brown leather are ideal. , This applies to both men and women.
Black socks are the most common and most versatile color, but you should try to match the color of your socks to the color of your shoes or trousers in order to blend the two together.
Avoid white or colored socks that might stand out. , If so, wear a slip underneath. , Avoid non-traditional jewelry, like lip piercings, and only wear subtle pieces that do not look flashy.
About the Author
Ann Johnson
Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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