What to Wear to a Conference: Men's Style Guide

A business conference can be a high stakes affair. You want to make a strong impression, right? After all, what you wear will essentially serve as your intrinsic business card.

80% of conference attendees will probably show up in a polo shirt and khakis. You, on the other hand, will aim for versatile pieces that are professional, polished and multi-functional. 

This comprehensive guide will help you dress for conference success. We cover various conference dress codes, describe essential pieces you can't go without, and offer key styling strategy tips. Plan to wear attire that follows the conference dress code, will boost your confidence, and enhance your credibility as you create invaluable networking opportunities.

Understanding Conference Dress Codes

Start planning your outfits by researching the specific conference dress code expectations. If you're at all unsure, you'll generally be safer if you err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than too casual.

Business Formal Conferences

Business formal attire may vary by industry, but the essentials include:

• A polished, well-tailored dark suit with a great fit
  
• A crisp white or light blue dress shirt
  
• A silk tie
  
• Dress shoes

We cover industry-specific attire later on in this article, but a timeless choice for business formal is a well-tailored dark suit in navy, charcoal, or black. Formal classic pieces will clearly exhibit your professionality and credibility. 

White or light blue quality dress shirts are your most formal option. A French cuff dress shirt is more formal than a barrel cuff dress shirt. Either way, pack a dress shirt for each day of the conference and one or two extras for travel days or special conference dinners.

SHOP PROFESSIONAL TIES

Business Casual Conferences

Business casual attire is a balance between professional and approachable. You can't go wrong wearing a blazer with dress pants or chinos and dress shoes. 

You can go with either a patterned dress shirt or even a high-quality long sleeve polo shirt. With a range of stripe, dot, and small-scale check dress shirts to professional polo shirts, you can vary the look of your blazer from day to day.

Ties are optional with business casual but neckwear will always elevate your look. If you enjoy the polished look of a tie, wear a more casual necktie in wool knit or linen.

Smart Casual Conferences

Your attire for a smart casual conference will be relaxed while remaining professional. Think of chinos and a casual blazer, khakis and a sweater, or good-fitting dark jeans with a long sleeve polo. 

Depending on your preference, you can add a casual tie. Neckwear will add sophistication but isn't required for a smart casual dress code.

Essential Conference Wardrobe Pieces

When planning how to dress for a conference, men should have essential wardrobe pieces in their closets, ready to pack up for any variety of conference dress codes. A capsule wardrobe with interchangeable pieces is the key to packing light and still having attire versatility.

The Perfect Conference Blazer

Well-fitted men's blazers in navy or charcoal offer great versatility and are easier to pack than a suit. A blazer can be dressed up or down, depending on the conference setting. 

While a structured blazer has a more formal look, an unstructured blazer will be more comfortable as you navigate through long conference days.

Dress Shirts That Work

White and light blue will be your most versatile foundation dress shirts. A properly fitting collar and correct sleeve length are important for a polished look. Refer to The Tie Bar's shirt sizing guide for fit tips.  

Dress shirts in wrinkle-resistant fabrics are terrific for travel. Be sure to pack several back-up shirts if you'll be attending a multi-day conference.

Trousers and Chinos

You'll be able to create any number of outfits with neutral color dress pants like navy, charcoal, and khaki. Grey trousers will work with almost any blazer or shirt combination. 

Dark dress pants will be your best choice for business formal conferences while well-fitting chinos are great for business casual settings. No matter the dress code, don't overlook proper pants length and tailoring. 

Professional Footwear

Your shoes are every bit as important as your other pieces. Business formal attire calls for leather dress shoes. Loafers, Chelsea boots, or minimalist sneakers are a good choice for business casual.

If you'll be standing a lot, be sure to wear shoes that are broken in or consider adding insoles that will provide a bit more cush. 

Accessories That Make the Difference

Well-chosen ties, pocket squares, tie bars, and other accessories show attention to detail and will elevate your conference outfit. 

Ties for Conference Success

A tie is a must at a business formal conference. Although a tie is optional for a business casual conference, a wool knit or linen necktie will definitely add polish to your look. 

Solid color navy or burgundy professional silk ties are versatile options for business formal. Wear bolder colors and patterns for creative industry business formal conferences. Consult our proper tie sizing guide to ensure correct tie width and length for your body type and style. 

SHOP CONFERENCE TIES

Pocket Squares and Tie Bars

Tucking a pocket square into your jacket breast pocket will add the perfect balance and style to your ensemble. A white linen pocket square is classic and offers versatility while pocket squares that complement your tie will add style and character. 

If you'll be active throughout your conference, you want your tie to behave itself and stay in place. Tie bars are both functional and decorative — the ideal accessory to add interest and purpose to your outfit. 

Professional Socks and Belts

Wear solid color or subtle patterned dress socks that closely match your trouser colors. 

Save novelty sock designs and contrasting colors for creative industry conferences. Pack a few extra pairs of quality socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the conference. 

Matching your belt and shoe color creates a polished, pulled-together look. Also, matching metal accessories like your belt buckle and tie bar add to a cohesive look.

Packing Smart for Conference Travel

Packing professional conference attire can be challenging. If you pack a capsule wardrobe with interchangeable pieces, packing will be far easier.

Building Interchangeable Outfits With the 3 Color Rule

The 3-Color Rule works every time when packing for a conference. You're essentially building a "capsule wardrobe" of no more than 2 or 3 core colors that will work together in multiple combinations for maximum versatility.

Pack one blazer that will work with all of your shirt and trouser combinations. Limit your shirt colors to white and light blue and trousers to dark navy and charcoal. Voila! Each piece will work with every other piece. You'll be able to get dressed stress-free and feel confident that you've pulled together a polished look for each and every day of the conference.

Wrinkle-Free Travel Tips

Save luggage space by wearing your heaviest pieces (suit or blazer) while traveling. Keep your shirts in their dry cleaning bags to minimize wrinkles. Roll your ties and place them in shoes to protect them and save space.

A portable steamer or wrinkle-release spray can be handy items to pack if you're worried about wrinkles. And it's a rare hotel room that doesn't have a steam iron. Or, hang rumpled pieces in a steamy bathroom to release wrinkles. 

Industry-Specific Conference Styling

You'll feel more at ease and confident if you dress in attire that aligns with the conference industry. Always focus on careful grooming.

Corporate and Finance Conferences

Formal attire is recommended for corporate and finance conferences. Wear an impeccably tailored full dark suit, dress shirt, and conservative tie with a few well-chosen accessories. 

Tech and Creative Industry Conferences

Variations on business casual attire are a good choice for tech and creative industry conferences. A relaxed blazer with chinos or dark jeans can be tastefully accessorized with a few items that express your creativity, style, and personality. Well-tailored quality fabrics should be the basis of your ensemble.

Academic and Healthcare Conferences

Business casual is the standard attire for academic and healthcare conferences. A tie can add professionalism and credibility. Choose classic neckwear in a relaxed fabric such as wool knit or linen.

Conference Outfit Examples and Visual Inspiration

The Classic Professional Look

• Dark suit, white dress shirt, burgundy silk tie.
  
• Brown leather dress shoes and a matching belt with silver buckle.
  
• White pocket square and silver tie bar.

The Modern Business Casual Ensemble

• Charcoal blazer, light blue dress shirt, navy chinos.
  
• No tie or optional knit tie.
  
• Brown loafers and a matching belt.
  
• Subtle patterned pocket square.

The Smart Casual Conference Look

• Navy chinos, white polo shirt, gray sweater or cardigan.
  
• Clean navy leather sneakers or brown loafers.
  
• Minimal accessories for a relaxed but polished appearance.

Grooming and Final Details

Essential Grooming Tips

• Grooming and personal hygiene are as essential to your overall look as your attire. Follow these grooming tips:
  
• Fresh haircut within a week of the conference.
  
• Fresh shave or facial hair trim.
  
• Clean flossed and brushed teeth.
  
• Trimmed clean nails.
  
• Professional fragrance if you're inclined, but keep it very subtle.
  

Dress for Conference Success at The Tie Bar

In a nutshell, when planning what to wear to a conference, men should:

• Be aware of the dress code
  
• Plan a 3-Color Capsule Wardrobe for easy packing and versatile outfit options
  
• Invest in quality conference pieces that will pay dividends in professional credibility and networking success.

Think of your conference wardrobe as an investment in your professional future. The Tie Bar's comprehensive selection of professional menswear essentials are perfect for business formal or business casual conferences among all industry types.

BUILD YOUR CONFERENCE WARDROBE