What to Wear to a Blogging Conference: A Fashion Guide

~Love my little fashion photobomber.  He's totally got the attitude~

I know how it is: the second you purchase a ticket to Blissdom or Blogher or Blogarama (yeah, I totally made that up), your mind starts churning.   Do I have enough business cards?  Do I need to update my media kit?  Oh, and what should I WEAR?  It might be the biggest challenge to meet for the blog conference attendee to be.   I mean, choosing the right business card design is nothing compared to finding an outfit that tells the world who you are as a blogger, all while making your backside look smaller.

Fashionable Tips for What to Wear at a Blogging Conference

It’s not a fashion show…If you wanted to prove the theory that women really dress their best for other women, a blogging conference is the place to do it.  Attendees tend to pull out all the fashion stops, and a ticket to a blog conference just begs for a new outfit or four.  Before you rush out and buy a new statement necklace and colored skinnies, remember that blogging-and blogging conferences are all about being authentically YOU!  Dress in a way that reflects who you are and make choices that make you comfortable.  Forget about that outfit board on Pinterest.   Just forget it.  Walk away right now.

Denim Skirt, Striped Tank, Colored Cardigan,and Peep Toe wedge. Still fashion forward, but professional.

Dress for the Job You Want to Have

Okay, so it’s not a fashion show, but it is a job interview.   With all the fun and fellowship on deck at a blogging conference, it might be easy to forget that there is work to be done.  Meeting with PR reps is a BIG part of the conference, and because you are essentially asking them to hire you for a job, you want to make a good first impression.  Don’t worry; there’s no need to pull out your power suit, but you want to dress in a way that is professional and put together. Because my “mom uniform” is pajama pants and my husband’s T-shirts jeans, I usually choose to wear a dress or skirt.  It helps me to switch from mom mode to work mode to wear something a little dressier than my day to day wear.   Don’t feel like Sunday best is a must, but do your best to present yourself professionally.

This outfit is a good balance between business on the top, and retro party on the bottom. Taking off the jacket makes the outfit much more casual, should that be needed.  I am breaking my own rules by wearing heels, but they are actually a half size too big and quite comfortable. *pasty, white legs optional*

Comfort is Key!

While you are polishing off your professional look, don’t forget to also dress comfortably.  (Why, yes I do want it all.  Why do you ask?) Blogging conferences are a slog-a fun-filled, party type slog-but a slog nonetheless.  You will be on your feet and on the go from the minute you awake, so your clothes have to be prepared to go the distance.  Wear something that feels comfortable on your body and doesn’t make you feel insecure in anyway.  If you are tugging on an outfit that is too tight in some places or too short in others, you won’t be able to concentrate on building your blog and scoring those brand connections.  The blogging conference rule: no fussy children, no fussy clothes. Leave ‘em both at home.

Skirts aren't necessary if that's not your cup of tea. A brushed denim capri and a flirty floral top are also totally acceptable. The key here is to add a jacket and a trendy shoe to keep the outfit from going too casual.

So, comfort is the key and that starts with comfortable shoes.  You have my permission to go out and buy yourself a new somethin’ somethin’ to celebrate the two or three days when you don’t have to wipe anyone’s nose.  In fact, I double dog dare you not to buy a new bauble or two for the conference.  But, please.  New shoes are a no-no.  You need comfortable, sensible shoes to conquer the blogging world.  Never underestimate the power of a woman with a Macbook Pro and a great pair of flats.  Trust me.  Your feet will thank you.

Dress for the Climate~A Cold Climate

One more tip, and I promise I’ll stop sounding like your mother.  Bring a sweater.  Even if it’s summer and a million degrees outside.  Wait, especially if it’s summer and a million degrees outside.   Hot outside means frosty air conditioning inside.  Conference rooms are always cold, and if there is one thing that could take away from your perfectly put together professional, yet comfortable, Pinterest ready outfit, it is goose bumps.  Multiplying chills are only awesome when John Travolta is around.*

*This is my sneaky little age determining/ friend test.  If you are already singing along, then we go together like rama-lama-lama, and we always will.  If you have no idea what I am talking about, then peace to you my young whippersnapper.  And also, we can no longer be friends.

 

This one might just be my favorite. Soooo comfortable (maxi skirts are the new yoga pants, ya'll), but the best part are the plaid Dexters. Kinda unpredictable for a outfit with a skirt, but a great way to show my quirky side.

 

Some final thoughts before you pack your suitcase and head out the door: dress in a way that shows your personality and don’t be afraid to have fun with your fashion. What you wear and how you present yourself says as much about you as the business cards you agonized over for so long that you had to have them rush delivered.  Say something great with your appearance, and make it your voice.  This is your chance to shine.

Proof that I actually do go to blogging conferences and wear clothes while I am there. This was taken at TBEX 2012 and I am meeting the maker of the Scottevest that I am wearing. You'll notice, that I am wearing jeans, but they are dark denim and trouser cut, so I still get that professional look.

If you are still feeling insecure, check the photo album from the previous year to get a feel for how the crowd struts their stuff.   If you are still having a fashion brain fart, call up one of your conference pals and get together for a little wardrobe remake for the both of you.  Just don’t wear matching skinny jeans and statement necklaces, at least not on the same day.

~Today I am linking up with Get Your Pretty On and The Pleated Poppy~ and The Life of the Party