No Flip-Flops Allowed
My biggest concern right now is what I learned at the meeting about conference apparel.
Flip-flops are a no-no.
Eek. I wore them often at my first conference. So now I have to buy some new shoes because all I own are flip-flops, nasty tennis shoes and open-toed heels.
Business casual, that's how we're supposed to dress when we go to a conference. For me, it's helpful to remember what I wore when I worked at a bank. Slacks, nice capris, pretty shirts.
If you've been to a conference, have you ever dressed too casual? Too fancy? What does business casual mean to you, and do you think it makes you look more professional?
Flip-flops are a no-no.
Eek. I wore them often at my first conference. So now I have to buy some new shoes because all I own are flip-flops, nasty tennis shoes and open-toed heels.
Business casual, that's how we're supposed to dress when we go to a conference. For me, it's helpful to remember what I wore when I worked at a bank. Slacks, nice capris, pretty shirts.
If you've been to a conference, have you ever dressed too casual? Too fancy? What does business casual mean to you, and do you think it makes you look more professional?
Comments
That is such a relief! The flip-flops I have anyways are more like a nice sandal, imo. But since I'm a newbie, I was prepared to suffer. Thank you! I think I'll bring them now, just in case. :-)
That's probably true, to err on the side of too fancy rather than too casual. That's what the ladies were saying at the meeting too.
From what I've heard, with all the walking, sneakers should be allowed big time!
I've been to one chapter RWA conference and 3 Word Guild ones and at both types of conferences I've seen a few wear jeans and grubby sneakers, or as we call them, runners, and I must say those people DO stand out. Cotton slacks (not jeans), capris, skirts, and NO t-shirts is the way to go.
Walk into any casual dress-code work place (most offices, except on Fridays when they might throw a toonie in for a fundraiser to dress down) and you'll get the idea. Some wear suits (definitely not required -- you'd stand out in them too likely at conf.), but most wear comfortable shirts, sweaters, and cotton-twill pants.
And, yes, I think it makes me feel more professional. My jeans and t-shirts remind me of digging in my garden with my face smeared with dirt--definitely not what I want people to see when I'm trying to pitch a book.
Great tips!
I thought mine were nice, but maybe not. I'll pack them, but I'm only wearing them if other people are. LOL!
You're flip flop girl, huh? I didn't know people up north wear them too. :-)
I prefer them as they are comfortable. And when I went to ICRS and interview authors, I wore dress pants or skirts and open toed dress shoes.
Sounds like you knew how to dress well. :-) It makes a good impression, at the very least.
Sometimes comfy trumps everything else. Are mule heels the ones with really thick heels? I'll have to look that up.
My hubby always calls me a dirty hippy. I'd walk around barefoot all day if the world would let me.
Good luck with the wardrobe.
My last conference I wore ballet flats. I can't walk around all day in heels; my feet can't take it :P
I think your fine, unless you end up going to one in pajama pants :P
True about subjectivity, but still, I think I'm going to be a little more dressy this time. Flip-flops just in case, but otherwise I need to find myself some suit jackets. Sigh. Or nice shirts.
Your outfits sound cute!
Even though I'm short, I gave up high heels years ago. I generally wear my ankle boots because they're comfy and I do so much walking.
They're pretty with jewels on them. If I had an editor or agent appointment, I probably wouldn't wear them, though.
Probably. LOL!
A lot of you are mentioning the suit coat. I like that because I get cold too. But I don't wear flats so it looks like I'll sore feet. LOL!
Thanks for sharing your style!
When I first started speaking I went out shopping with the women in my small group. They helped me pick out a nice skirt and jacket, with some pretty shirts to wear underneath. Everyone thought I should have a professional look about me, and the outfit was very professional looking.
Then I met a woman who told me that she overheard some of the moms in her group saying they thought I was a snob, until they heard me speak. *ugh!*
This woman reminded me I was speaking for MOMS GROUPS, and having the look of a professional was too much, and unnecessary.
And I realized, she was right.
So now I go a lot more casual - and comfortable!
But still pack the flip-flops for after hours stuff. Who wants blisters?
What a funny story, and silly how we base opinions on nothing more than a look.
Great advice though, hidden in your story. I'm going to present a product so I should be professional. Got it. :-)
I liked your outfit when you came down. Very nice but not fancy.
Sounds like you had the right kind of outfits on then. I'm sure there's not a strict code, I'm just going by what I've been told by a couple of people. It makes sense too, I'll just miss my casual wear. LOL
There's a lot of walking at the Philly Conference, so I wear black sneakers with black pants, and a pretty short-sleeved top. If I wear light-colored pants, I switch to my tan sandals.
I'm not going to make a good impression if my face is twisted from pain. LOL!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Business casual to me means semi-dressy, but not fancy. Don't try and draw attention to yourself by dressing like a model. I doubt there's any danger for you there, Jessica. You are a very humble, helpful lady. Your kindness will shine through, flips flops or not.
I think i'll do a post on rules sometime soon--- we have become better than the pharisees at putting each other in boxes--- arrrgggghhhh!!!!
Just be you. You are lovely.
Jen
I don't know if I'm really that humble, but I want to be. Also, it wasn't necessarily someone's rule, more just advice.
Maybe it's me, taking advice as rules.
LOL
You should do a post on it because it seems to me people are very concerned about rules and who follows them and who doesn't. LOL
I think as long as you're confident in what you're wearing - and you don't look like a dirty hobo - you're fine. Let's face it, we're writers and we often sit behind our computers all day and shower only when someone reminds us. Clothing isn't always first priority. LOL.
I like the confidence thing. There are clothes I like that are nice, so I'll go with those.
You were smart going trendy. Being remembered for looking nice is a great thing. :-)
The last conference I attended was the Christian Writers Guild Writing for the Soul conference. Tons of people! They wanted business casual, which to me meant basically the same outfit I'd worn before. My mom overruled me and I ended up wearing skirts, dress pants, boots, ballet flats, and blouses all four days.
I think it made me feel more confident to see that my clothing choices fit with the majority. It definitely helped me portray a professional image. I had one editor I spoke with compliment me on "seeming professional" even though I was a teen and it was my first major conference.
Skirts, pretty shirts, nice capris, slacks...go for it!! And be glad you're not trying to dress for Colorado in February! :0)
Have fun at your conference! Is it the Philly one?
Sounds like you have a smart mom. :-) And you were wise to listen to her. I guess I'm going to have to be wise too... LOL! Thanks for sharing your story and stopping by!
Anywho- Most of them dressed in summer dresses with light sweaters or jeans and a nice top--except for their formal dinner where they all wore ball gowns...except for the gay guys(didn't see a straight guy all weekend-that I knew of)-they wore tuxedos.
Tho- U should always be ready to be cold-cuz those hotels get cool like the movie theater.
I've always felt that dressing up goes against many writer's personalities...It's acceptable in my mind for us to show up in a crazy outfit or pajamas. BUT- Maybe u can only get away with it once ur a best seller! :)
Yes- Some of the book covers and people made me a bit uncomfortable at times:)"
I'll add to the comment too- They kept trying to give me "merchandise" promoting certain books like water bottles or book marks, and I was like-"WHO would walk around New York with a pic of a Fabio look alike trying to undress a renaissance woman on their water bottle?! WHO?!".
I should start checking over my comments for errors before I send...maybe I'll start tomorrow :)
Thanks for sharing. What a cool position that put you in though. I wouldn't want all those half-naked men water bottles either! LOL And I read lots of non-inspirational romances. :-)
Hopefull (wedding ring at the ready) I won't get hit on by anyone. Plus, it's a Christian conference so that would just be SO wrong.
A Star Trek cookbook sounds really interesting! Did anything come of that?