How do you dress for conferences?

[Anonymous]

Just curious because I'm attending one this week and as usual, the attendees are dressed like they're just hanging out at home. Tshirts, capris, sweatshirts. I would say everyone is relaxed because it's summer but this seems to be the case at all conferences I attend in my field and I can't tell if I'm the weird one for wearing a dress and attempting to look professional or if there's some unspoken understanding you dress way down on conference days and I missed that note.

[Anonymous]

Business casual - nice cardigan, slacks. Never a tee shirt!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Business casual - nice cardigan, slacks. Never a tee shirt!

This, absolutely! It's difficult to network at a conference if you look like an intern!

[Anonymous]

Does the conference happen to be in Chicago? Just curioius

[Anonymous]

I wear what I'd normally wear to the office. Business casual. Slightly dressier if I'm presenting.

[Anonymous]

Depends on what kind of conference it is. If it's like conference for video game design, I would expect that; but if it's for federal contracting, I'd obviously expect the other end of the spectrum. I'm assuming it's the latter, so dress business casual but a little more formal if you're holding down the booth or going up for presentation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does the conference happen to be in Chicago? Just curioius

Op here- it's not. Why, are you at a super casual one too? Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on what kind of conference it is. If it's like conference for video game design, I would expect that; but if it's for federal contracting, I'd obviously expect the other end of the spectrum. I'm assuming it's the latter, so dress business casual but a little more formal if you're holding down the booth or going up for presentation.

It's not federal contracting. It's education. Which I guess should have given me a clue but there are big names at this conference, it's just surprising to see this kind of dress at what is a venue for professional development and, presumably, some level of networking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does the conference happen to be in Chicago? Just curioius

Op here- it's not. Why, are you at a super casual one too? Lol

Yep, lol!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear what I'd normally wear to the office. Business casual. Slightly dressier if I'm presenting.

At least this, or else a suit (lawyer here).

[Anonymous]

For me, it depends on the conference. When I go to a scientific conference (e.g., American Geophysical Union), anything goes. I will usually wear a collared shirt and khakis, but others will dress like they just came from the field.

At a program-sponsored meeting, suits.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the conference. I've gone to some where I was representing a think tank and dressed more formally. Even then, I probably wasn't dressed formally enough - should have been in a suit.

I now go to a yearly conference in a way more casual field, and I usually wear a skirt or casual dress, and often I am the most dressed up person there.

[Anonymous]

I wear a jacket because I'm always cold in meeting rooms, it has pockets, and it always looks professional. That said I might wear pants and definitely comfortable but still work appropriate shoes. Usually lots of walking involved in big convention centers.

[Anonymous]

Local government lawyer here, I'll wear jeans, but never a t-shirt or hoodie. I've worn cute Lilly Pulitzer pullover sweatshirts but they have gold buttons and a more fitted cut so they're not as casual as your average sports team hoodie. I've worn nicer sneakers (or "fashion" sneakers) but never anything ratty, sports oriented, or with a logo any bigger than something like an inch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wear what I'd normally wear to the office. Business casual. Slightly dressier if I'm presenting.

At least this, or else a suit (lawyer here).

Same here. The suit jacket keeps me warm. Those places are always freezing!