About a month ago I spoke at a Business Analyst conference in London. The conference was 3 days, and I was speaking the first morning and had the rest of the time to enjoy the talks and workshops held by colleagues and invited keynotes. Though the preparation for the conference took an enormous amount of time putting together the slides, thinking through the practical exercises and rehearsing, I knew that I had to think through the appearance part as well. I am a girl in the end, and looking good helps me feel confident and empowered. So I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on how to approach the difficult task of choosing what to wear to a professional or business conference.
Unfortunately, not all the conferences state the dress code, but even if they do, there is so much to think about the details of the outfit within the dress code, isn’t there? Below are some of the questions that I asked myself. And as always, it’s good to start with the goals.
What do you aim to achieve as a result of attending or speaking at the conference?
Are you there to prove your expertise and establish yourself as an influencer in your industry? Or maybe just to learn something new about the industry trends? Is your main goal to meet like-minded colleagues or get new partners for your business? Or maybe you’re sent there by your company as a representative? Whatever your goal, your appearance shouldn’t contradict the way you want people to see you.
Are you a speaker or a participant?
If you are a speaker, you might want to lean towards more professional style even if the conference has a casual dress-code. But professional doesn’t mean boring or just black, grey and navy. You can always add some individuality to it with accessories. And your style options will hugely depend on your industry and what is the conference about. On the first day of the conference when I had to speak and run a workshop, I just wore a classic grey suit with a silk scarf. On the second day, I could be a bit more relaxed with my outfit and more creative with the colour options.
What is the established dress-code within your industry?
This is a tricky one. I’m an IT Business Analyst, for example, and the dress code for us varies hugely from organisation to organisation. On the conference, I met colleagues from banking, universities, tech companies and even working for the parliament. The dress codes go from strictly professional to very casual. The same is true if it’s a conference for start-ups or general business conference. And it doesn’t only depend on the industry, it varies from location to location. It will also depend on whether you work for yourself or you represent your employer at the conference. So even if the conference states smart-casual dress code, you might want to go more official if the dress code in your company is much stricter. If you are a creative professional, probably, none of these applies and you might just want to bring in as much individuality as possible.
What is the one statement that you would like to make through your look?
Would you like to be seen as a creative, professional, amiable, confident or maybe a tough and no-nonsense person? It can be anything as long as it is authentic. And if you are a speaker, it also needs to be inline with what you are talking about. You can choose to express it through your outfit, your accessories including jewellery or even through make-up and nails. For example, on the conference, I spoke about business agility and working with data. Wearing a grey suit I wanted to stress professionalism and accuracy required when working with data. And adding one of the Aithne’s Oneiric world scarfs, I stated the value of agility and creative approach required to succeed even in serious matters.
Below I have compiled some outfit suggestions for what to wear to a professional or business conference. First four outfits are smarter and suitable if you are a speaker or represent a company with a stricter dress code. The last 2 are more relaxed and can be worn if the nature of the conference is more casual. If you want more inspiration, please also check my other blog posts for summer and autumn professional outfit ideas. And don’t forget that you can always choose the timeless classics – a dark skirt or pantsuit brightened with a small accessory to add a unique touch to it.
1. Professional Outfit Idea in Teal and Cream
When I have a chance to put in different combinations of green and purple in the outfit, I can’t really resist. So this outfit in teal, cream and lavender featuring Hobbs skirt and Maxmara blouse is one of my favourites. The scarf and the Mulberry bag add a bright stylish touch to it. The Temptation scarf from Aithne new collection is one of the easiest to style as it has this beautiful mix of colours in it but they are not overwhelming. I wear it with red, purple, teal, blue, which are the dominant colours in my wardrobe, and it just seems that I can’t go wrong with it. Click on the little product icons below for details of each product in the outfit.
2. Сlassic White and Blue Professional Outfit
You can’t go wrong with blue and white, can you? I chose a brighter shade of blue rather than the classic navy for a professional outfit and made it a bit more relaxed than the usual all buttoned up looks with this beautiful Jigsaw Shirt.The Milky Way scarf is perfect with this outfit as well as the Marcello Riccio earrings. Click on the little product icons below for details of each product in the outfit.
3. Elegant and Feminine Outfit Idea in Purple and Lilac
This outfit is great if there is an evening networking event after the conference. Diane Von Furstenberg dress is simple and elegant to wear as a speaker or an attendant who wants to make a statement. Add the beautiful gold-plated earrings and the Domination scarf, and you easily transform it into an eye-catching outfit for an evening event. Click on the little product icons below for details of each product in the outfit.
4. Elegant and Professional Outfit Idea in Teal and Black
This outfit is very similar to what I wore on the second day of the conference when I didn’t have a speaking engagement. I had it more relaxed wearing a cream stretch silk t-shirt rather than a shirt underneath the jacket and higher heel shoes. So you can make it more official or dress down if you wish. And also you can wear just the shirt with the scarf and still have it stylish if some of the smaller rooms in the venue get hot. Click on the little product icons below for details of each product in the outfit.
5. Business Casual Outfit Idea in Blue and White
This is another blue and white outfit but in more casual style featuring Alice Olivia navy blue trousers and Alex Wang knitted top. I suggest wearing the small size of the Chaotic Movement Scarf tied neatly around your neck or medium size tied into a half-bow tie. Stanley Korshak Earrings are amazing with this outfit as well adding to the brightness of the scarf. Click on the little product icons below for details of each product in the outfit.
6. Business Casual Outfit Idea in White and Grey
I went for a stylish and smart combination of white, grey and the colder blue with this outfit. I love the Rebecca Minkoff silk jacket here. It has a polished look but also adds to the length of the silhouette. The Stardust Silk Scarf goes perfectly with the whole outfit and can be used to dress up the outfit for a chic evening event. You might want to change your shoes for that as well. Click on the little product icons below for details of each product in the outfit.
[mc4wp_form id=”49″]
41 Comments
www.binance.com sign up · February 5, 2025 at 6:56 am
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
binance code · February 11, 2025 at 10:39 pm
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
binance bonus za napotitev · February 24, 2025 at 10:18 am
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
binance sign up bonus · February 26, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Binance推荐代码 · March 3, 2025 at 12:12 pm
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
lace underwear set for women · March 5, 2025 at 11:15 am
på grund af denne vidunderlige læsning !!! Jeg kunne bestemt virkelig godt lide hver eneste lille smule af det, og jeg
sevişmek · March 5, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this site.
seks hebben tijdens ongesteldheid · March 7, 2025 at 6:25 pm
I’ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
dámské spodní prádlo krajkové · March 8, 2025 at 4:00 pm
By speaking brazenly and honestly, we establish belief and mutual understanding, making it easier to handle points as they come up.
binance · March 13, 2025 at 8:45 am
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
best binance referral code · March 13, 2025 at 11:41 pm
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
idea regalo donna 80 anni · March 18, 2025 at 5:36 pm
Huge shoutout to the staff for being incredible! Thanks for everything, really appreciate it!
idea regalo donna 70 anni · March 19, 2025 at 4:53 pm
No matter if some one searches for his requiredthing, so he/she wants to be available that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.
idee regalo donna 50 anni · March 20, 2025 at 9:17 am
There is noticeably a bundle to understand about this. I suppose you’ve made specific nice points in features also.
Akun Binance · March 20, 2025 at 7:09 pm
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
regalo di natale donna 30 anni · March 21, 2025 at 10:32 am
roblox can’t verify email
uomini idee regalo uomo 30 anni · March 22, 2025 at 6:32 am
2005年5月13日に東部アンディジャンで発生した反政府暴動鎮圧事件で市民に多数の死者が出たとの情報があり、ヨーロッパ諸国や国際連合などから「人権侵害」との非難が挙がっている。 “いぎなり東北産「東京侵略」大成功 次は周囲固め、北海道、宮城、大阪、福岡、神奈川に行きます”.幼児にしてはかなりの切れ者で、持ち前の機転の良さが周囲に好結果を出すこともよくある。手持無沙汰に帰つて行く生徒の後姿を見送つて、冷かに笑つて、軈て校長は戸を閉めて了つた。様々な場面で気持ち悪いと言われる香水の匂い。
porque desodorante mancha a roupa · March 25, 2025 at 9:15 pm
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, as well as the content!
Claudine Gallagher · March 26, 2025 at 12:29 am
Hi,
Your brand deserves to stand out, and we’re here to help.
At Global Wide PR, we specialize in connecting businesses with top media platforms to increase visibility and credibility. As a gesture to get started, we’re offering a free article on Digital Journal—a great way to showcase your business to a wider audience.
For those looking to maximize exposure, we can also feature your brand on affiliates of FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, and 300+ other sites for just $297. These placements can help you build trust and attract new customers.
To take advantage of this opportunity, click the link below to sign up on our site, and we’ll get back to you ASAP:
https://bit.ly/globalwidpr
Looking forward to helping your brand shine!
Best regards,
Claudine
Global Wide PR
We understand that our emails may not always be relevant. To stop receiving communications from us, please submit the unsubscribe form with your website address: bit. ly/unsubscribemeurl
orologi idee regalo uomo originali · March 28, 2025 at 2:42 pm
Their enterprise cards will stay in perfect situation and your brand will probably be prominently displayed on the cover for great model publicity.
idee regalo ragazza di 15 anni · March 28, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Right here is the perfect website for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent.
ciondolo resina · March 29, 2025 at 9:09 pm
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m no longer sure whether or not this post is written via him as no one else recognise such targeted about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!
mutandine in vista tv francese · March 30, 2025 at 1:11 pm
日本テレビ. 2020年3月20日閲覧。 27 February 2020.2020年2月27日閲覧。 2010年6月14日、JFN38局で『FIFAワールドカップ南アフリカ2010 日本×カメルーン』戦中継のため、22:00 – 22:30の短縮授業となり、「桜庭ななみのGIRLS LOCKS!2010年6月29日、JFN38局で『FIFAワールドカップ南アフリカ2010 パラグアイ×日本』戦中継のため、22:00 – 22:30の短縮授業となり、「北乃きいのGIRLS LOCKS!、22:00 – 23:00の短縮授業となり(特別番組を参照)、「きゃりーLOCKS!2018年6月28日、JFN38局で『FIFAワールドカップロシア2018日本×ポーランド』戦中継のため、22:00 – 22:40の短縮授業となり、「サカナLOCKS!
binance · April 7, 2025 at 8:07 am
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
regalo uomo 50 anni sportivo · April 10, 2025 at 5:32 pm
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
regalo per compleanno 70 anni donna · April 10, 2025 at 9:48 pm
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this matter here on your internet site.
Тегн акаунт жасау · April 10, 2025 at 11:24 pm
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
ciondolo portafoto pandora · April 11, 2025 at 2:17 pm
Bond, Promissory note, Cheque – a safety incorporates requirement to make full fee to the bearer of cheque, Certificate of deposit, Invoice of Lading (a Bill of Lading is a “doc evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment issued by a person engaged within the business of transporting or forwarding items.” ), Stock.
idea regalo compleanno migliore amica · April 12, 2025 at 4:10 pm
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here!Best of luck for the next!
mutandine sport chek online return · April 13, 2025 at 8:34 pm
O conteúdo existente nesta página é realmente notável para a experiência das pessoas,
idea regalo donna natale · April 14, 2025 at 4:42 pm
Fifty two Week Hello/Low Chart: 52 week Hi/Low chart Indices indicates that a selected inventory is buying and selling at its lowest or highest from past fifty two weeks.
regalo donna 30 anni 200 euro · April 15, 2025 at 1:39 pm
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this web site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the info!
binance · April 15, 2025 at 7:11 pm
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Rejestracja na Binance · April 16, 2025 at 2:00 am
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
uomini regalo uomo 60 anni originale · April 16, 2025 at 8:11 pm
Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen are the only cities that you’ll discover during which of the following?
ciondolo pandora cuore blu · April 17, 2025 at 6:56 pm
I have bookmarked this article for long term reference. It’s that excellent.
intimo donna · April 19, 2025 at 11:54 am
at web, except I know I am getting familiarity all the time by reading thes pleasant posts.|Fantastic post. I will also be handling some of these problems.|Hello, I think this is a great blog. I happened onto it;) I have bookmarked it and will check it out again. The best way to change is via wealth and independence. May you prosper and never stop mentoring others.|I was overjoyed to find this website. I must express my gratitude for your time because this was an amazing read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I’ve bookmarked your blog so I can check out fresh content in the future.|Hi there! If I shared your blog with my Facebook group, would that be okay? I believe there are a lot of people who would truly value your article.|منشور رائع. سأتعامل مع بعض هذه|
anm"ala dig till binance · April 20, 2025 at 9:48 am
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
tlovertonet · April 21, 2025 at 2:37 pm
very good submit, i certainly love this web site, keep on it
mutandine usate in vendita · April 22, 2025 at 1:50 pm
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back at some point. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!
Claudine Cline · April 23, 2025 at 5:37 pm
Hi,
Your brand deserves to stand out, and we’re here to help.
At Global Wide PR, we specialize in connecting businesses with top media platforms to increase visibility and credibility. As a gesture to get started, we’re offering a free article on Digital Journal—a great way to showcase your business to a wider audience.
For those looking to maximize exposure, we can also feature your brand on affiliates of FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, and 300+ other sites for just $297. These placements can help you build trust and attract new customers.
To take advantage of this opportunity, click the link below to sign up on our site, and we’ll get back to you ASAP:
https://bit.ly/gwidepressrelease
Looking forward to helping your brand shine!
Best regards,
Claudine
Global Wide PR
We value your preferences and understand that you may wish to unsubscribe. To unsubscribe from our list, please fill out this quick form with your website address: bit. ly/unsubscribemeurl