I initially was going to do a post on what you should wear to a conference, but there are lots of blogger posts on that. Instead, I’m going to do a post on what you shouldn’t wear. And I saw nearly all these items in the first hour I was at the conference in Chicago, and the day just got more interesting from there. I work in a field with lots of doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, as well as hippie humanitarians. So there isn’t a single style or dress code. You don’t have to wear a suit, personal style is appreciated, and you can get away with classy jeans and an appropriate shirt (both men and women) if that’s what floats your boat. It really shouldn’t be that hard, though it apparently is…
Sky High Heels
I know you think you look great in those heels, and you do. But not when you are walking barefoot by noon or toddling in obvious agony when giving your presentation. If you have to wear heels, either 1) be sure you can walk in them all day…particularly to meeting rooms nearly a mile away, 2) carry them until your presentation and slip them on, or 3) carry flats to change in to when your feet get sore. Walking barefoot at a public health conference makes you look like an idiot, and let’s face it, is disgusting.
Spandex Body Hugging Dresses
Sure, you may get some attention. But do you really want to be known as the girl that wore that dress? You don’t. I know some of you are still in your early 20’s with great legs, but it is not appropriate for a work conference, especially one where you have to sit. Buy a dress (it can even be tight), so you can sit down without squirming and climb the stairs into the bus shuttles without flashing everyone. Otherwise, you draw exactly the kind of attention you don’t want. And, yes, that is a true story. She was looking for a job, too.
Men’s Sandals
Okay, so maybe this is a personal taste thing, but do you really need to bring your old, ratty sandals with open toes to a professional conference? If you have foot issues, even sneakers would be better. Your fungus nails (untrimmed, I may add) are distracting and just kind of gross. Additionally, it is November. In Chicago. Don’t you think you are gambling just a bit with the weather? For what it’s worth, this person was a faculty member from a stateside university, so I’m not being culturally insensitive.
Workout Clothes
I get it, it’s a public health conference where we are all worried about public health. But men–and women–workout clothes should be saved for working out (or at least walking outside of the hotel). Strolling in to a talk in yoga pants or gym shorts is just weird. Am I alone here? I love my yoga pants, and trust me, I totally think it’s ok to wear them in the airport. But to a work conference? Ehhhhhh.
Anything Showing a Midriff
Does this require further explanation? Really? Men–buy shirts that cover that belly (and probably tuck in). Women–showing a midriff/your belly button ring really, really, doesn’t do you any favors. I think some women wear it as a “because I can and people shouldn’t judge” kind of thing, but I maintain, if it’s not a beach (or if you aren’t running somewhere humid when it’s above 90 degrees), there really isn’t any reason for it. At all. Call me conservative…
What have you seen people wear to work or at work conferences?
