Just wondering, does anyone 'suit up' when attending conferences (as an observer, not presenting)?
I'm going to my first one tomorrow and don't want to look out of place - equally I don't want to be uncomfortable in a suit!
Thinking of smart casual...
Thanks,
Rachel
======= Date Modified 08 Sep 2011 19:33:20 =======
Hey Rachel! Smart-casual and comfortable should be fine. I've seen everything from nearly-naked to suited and booted at the ones I've been to, and you certainly don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons...although there was a very well-reknowned prof at a conference I went to in the US last year with bright pink hair, a very small dress and loads of tattoos, and I sort of admired her for standing out lol! I tend to go for tunic-style dress tops with a black cardigan and decent shoes whether I'm presenting or just observing. Hope you enjoy it! KB
======= Date Modified 08 Sep 2011 17:27:50 =======
smart casual is fine. You'll see the whole gamut of attires from those who look like they've just hauled themselves out of bed, to people who get it just right to those who have tried too hard! Also depends on your discipline a bit as in mine it's nearly frowned upon to dress too smart. In my past job we used to have grooming checks :$ where you quite literally had to stand on a stool and endure being scrutinised from all angles. At least they don't do that in conferences!!
======= Date Modified 08 Sep 2011 20:13:29 =======
To add to this (I've slightly edited my initial post as I typoed slightly), it would help if a brief remark on expected dress code was put in conference literature. Some conferences in the far east do specify dress codes (smart casual for the actual conference, jacket and tie for the conference dinner, etc.), to the point where at one conference in Singapore I was aware of they were handing out jackets and ties to male attendees to the conference dinner who needed or forgot them.
In the west the level of formality has decreased as time has gone on, though as I said this can vary depending on field and size of event.
Another vote for smart casual. And don't wear flip flops. I did at a massive (3000+) conference earlier this year, and I think I was the only one there not is shoes or trainers!
Thanks everyone, just to let you know I went in a wool (thin sort of wool) sleeved dress, opaque tights and heels. Everyone else was in 'work wear' e.g. black trousers/nice skirt and smart top/shirt. Saw one lady in jeans and she did stick out a bit.
@jinandjazzz no not Kiwi - just uded to wearing flip flops to work :$ Meant to get some shoes at the airport, but didn't quite consider that heathrow would onlt have expensive shops. Gatwick has accessorise and the like!
Still think I looked smarter than most the guys who were in jeans and trainers!
======= Date Modified 12 Sep 2011 15:04:49 =======
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