The most important thing is to make sure it fits you like a glove. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident in something that fits everywhere, so you’re not constantly tugging at your clothes.

Dresses

If you’re the type who likes to pack light, a dress is a good option. It looks like you’ve put in a lot of effort, but it’s just one piece of clothing.

When looking for a conference appropriate dress, take care to make sure it’s not too beachy looking or too glitzy. Knee-length is generally considered a good length for professional settings and avoiding plunging necklines is also considered best practice in many industries.

You can add a cardigan or a blazer to your dress to make it a more complete outfit and add some color and texture as well.

Business Casual Looks

In some industries showing up in a full suit will make you look like you’re trying a bit too hard. If that’s the case, you can create a business casual look.

Sometimes it’s hard to decipher what the term business casual means, but in most cases, it means a look that can incorporate more casual elements like jeans or khakis, but is a little more polished. Add a button-down blouse, a pair of flats, and some fun jewelry to complete your look.

A cotton dress with a cardigan can also fit this category, as long as the dress isn’t too wrinkly or sheer. A midi skirt with a blouse would also work well.

T-shirts are generally considered too casual to fall under the business casual category. The exception to this, in some cases, would be branded shirts from your company. At a more casual event, this may be appropriate, so ask your boss.

If you work in a creative industry or an industry that embraces a lot of alt fashion, you may be able to add touches of that to your look. This helps show that you have a passion for the work you’re doing and that your values align with your company’s.

What to Wear to a Conference in the Evening

Many conferences will have a cocktail hour or evening event that gives attendees an opportunity to mingle in a more relaxed setting. This can be an opportunity for you to show more of your personality.

If you’re searching for the right look for a cocktail event, while still being work appropriate, there are a few things to keep in mind. A long formal dress will probably be too much for such an event and will likely get in your way and take up all your suitcase space. Choose something a little sleeker with a more elegant style, like these options.

Choose a dress that shows leg, cleavage, or back-- in most industries, showing all three would be considered disrespectful at a work event or get you negative attention. Sadly, if you’re a young woman in a male dominated industry you may have to be on your guard about these things. Be aware of your environment when choosing your outfit.

Choose something that makes you feel confident so you can be ready to show your competence to anyone you meet. Cocktail hour is often a sea of black dresses and suits, which is the safe, but boring choice. There’s nothing wrong with a little black dress, but branching out into something with a little color or sparkle can make you more memorable.

Conference Confidence

Whether you’re dreading long and tedious hours at your first conference or excited to learn and network, you’ll want to look the part. That part may vary depending on your industry, your role, and your personality, but the goal is the same: making a positive impression. Even the dullest conference could be a launchpad to the next phase of your career!