Business Conference Attire?

[threeboysmom]

I am attending a business conference in a couple of weeks for the first time. I have no idea what to pack! What do women wear during the day (workshops) and evenings? We do have a "welcome reception" planned for first night, but it says business casual. I was thinking I'd wear a simple black sleeveless sheath until I saw that, lol.

Do women wear what they would in the office? Regular work day attire? Or is it something a little more dressy?

(I normally wear slacks, heels, and a blouse or shell.... sometimes a jacket depending on clients coming in).

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I wear business casual - slacks and a jacket, no suits or ties.

 

[Metro West]

I wear business casual - slacks and a jacket, no suits or ties.

Same here.

 

[threeboysmom]

So.... we've determined what the men wear but what do women wear? What does "business casual" mean for a lady? I'm going to assume I'll be over dressed if I wear a dress. So slacks and blouse okay? I guess I'll throw in a jacket just in case...

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

So.... we've determined what the men wear but what do women wear? What does "business casual" mean for a lady? I'm going to assume I'll be over dressed if I wear a dress. So slacks and blouse okay? I guess I'll throw in a jacket just in case...

Yes, most women dress in slacks or a skirt and blouse. Some wear jackets or sweaters, but usually because of the chill.

 

[teskak]

I have been caught either way - senior lawyers in jeans & casual shirts, other times most have been in usual work wear.

I tend to over pack and either have better casual clothes than I might wear or keep one skirt / heels set just in case.

Of course if you are presenting, then it is suits.

 

[Dee & Greg]

can be dressed up or down with jewelry and accessories. And they don't wrinkle!

http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/shelf.jsp?cat=Travelers&catId=cat40010

 

[PatsMom]

I've been to lots of conferences. If the first night dinner is business csual, I would wear the same type attire for the meeting. Slacks and a blouse are fine.

I went to a conference in NYC this spring that was business casual except for the first night's dinner - that said jacket and tie requested. I assumed that applied only to the men and got out my equivalent of the jacket nad tie. My second best black pantsuit!

 

[NotUrsula]

I think it really depends on the field and on the conference itself. Some of mine are dressier than others, and generally presenters and vendors will out-dress the regular attendees. WHERE it is matters, too: a meeting at a resort venue will usually dress down, while one in a major city will usually go the other way.

Can you check the organization website for photos of previous conferences? That's the best way I know to get a solid handle on what the norm is for clothing.

 

[cassandrap83]

I've been to many as well. I wear pencil skirts & blouses mostly. As women we can get away with a lot more. Some ladies would wear dress pants & button up shirts, dress pants and fitted Ts, or skirts & fited Ts. I hate trying to figure out what to wear!

No skirt/pant suits, though. (too dressy)

 

[DebbieB]

I am attending a business conference in a couple of weeks for the first time. I have no idea what to pack! What do women wear during the day (workshops) and evenings? We do have a "welcome reception" planned for first night, but it says business casual. I was thinking I'd wear a simple black sleeveless sheath until I saw that, lol.

Do women wear what they would in the office? Regular work day attire? Or is it something a little more dressy?

(I normally wear slacks, heels, and a blouse or shell.... sometimes a jacket depending on clients coming in).

I've been to business conferences. I think a simple dress would be fine for the welcome reception. Or a nice top and pants. During the day, whatever you would wear to work.

 

[threeboysmom]

Thank you for all the suggestions! I think I'll probably be fine then with my regular work attire along with a suit jacket and simple black sheath (just in case). Sounds like I'm stressing more than I should. Although I'm only taking a 21" carry-on so it had BETTER ALL FIT!

Men have it so easy...

 

[threeboysmom]

I think it really depends on the field and on the conference itself. Some of mine are dressier than others, and generally presenters and vendors will out-dress the regular attendees. WHERE it is matters, too: a meeting at a resort venue will usually dress down, while one in a major city will usually go the other way.

Can you check the organization website for photos of previous conferences? That's the best way I know to get a solid handle on what the norm is for clothing.

It's a conference for financial advisors being held at a convention center in Chicago.

I love your suggestion about checking out the organization's previous conferences. GREAT idea!

 

[Magic Mom]

Make sure you layer. Conferences can be really cold in my experience.

 

[marcyinPA]

It's a conference for financial advisors being held at a convention center in Chicago.

I love your suggestion about checking out the organization's previous conferences. GREAT idea!

I went to a conference in Chicago...probably the same convention center (McCormick Place?).....the place is HUGE. I liked that it was right on the lake...made for some good relaxing in between sessions!

I'm a preschool teacher, and attend the NAEYC conference....very laid back. I wear jeans or capris (depending on the location of the conference. It is always in November, so Chicago was jeans, but Anaheim was capris) and a knit top of some sort. I always bring a light jacket of some sort...sometimes the rooms get cold. I've already had to sit on the floor because the chairs were all taken (if I attend a popular session) so I never dress up too much. Nobody does, really.

Chicago is an awesome city..enjoy!!

 

[scroot]

I say it depends quite a bit on what part of the country you are in. A friend from New Jersey told me business casual meant I didn't need a suit but a jacket and tie were needed. In Arizona, where I am from, it could mean golf attire or western wear depending on the setting and agenda.