What to Wear to a Conference :: Packing List & Outfit Ideas

January 26, 2015 by Wendy Woods 17 Comments

Deciding what to wear to a conference can be a tricky endeavour. During a weeklong conference there are usually multiple aspects to think about including what to wear to the conference itself, plus any evening events (planned or unplanned). There may even be daytime team building activities that come up so you’ll need casual wear to cover those off—throwing a pair of dark jeans and activewear into your case may be worthwhile just in case.

On top of all that there’s the inevitable need/want to make a good first impression with the many new people you’re meeting. And the long long days.

One of the easiest ways to simplify your life is to get past the idea that you can’t wear the same piece more than once over the course of a week. Trust me, no one will notice you’re repeating pieces as long as you change up the other items you wear with it. For example, if you wear black pants with a patterned blouse one day, I promise you no one will notice if you wear the same black pants with a white collared shirt the next day.

Instead, try to make sure each piece you pack is quite different. For example, choose one navy bottom, one light gray bottom, and one coloured bottom (like red or purple). This will give the impression you have more in your case than you actually do. If you pack two pairs of black pants there is no variance to those who see you daily even if you’re actually wearing something different.

I’m especially excited about this packing list because if you’re feeling hesitant about what to wear to a conference this packing list directly aligns with the pieces we suggest in the online shopping service. I hope the option to use the online shopping service as a work conference packing option relieves any lingering stress you may have.

With proper consideration you will easily be able to dress (with many available outfit options) for a weeklong conference with a minimal number of pieces in your suitcase… and of course you can always add and subtract from this list depending on the length of your conference.

In a carry-on size case you’ll pack:

one suit jacket (or blazer if your conference is more casual)
one cardigan
one suit pant or skirt (or co-ordinating bottom if you choose the blazer)
two co-ordinating bottoms
seven blouses
one day-to-evening dress
one outerwear
one tote bag (or other daytime bag)
one evening clutch
one pair statement earrings for evening
one pair stud earrings for day
three other accessories (jewellery or scarves)
one pair patent pumps (good for day or evening)
one other pair pumps (to give pressure points on your feet a break)
one pair closed-toe flats

Add-ons to consider:

one pair dark jeans
activewear
a second dress

The pieces you pack may look like this…

If you’re into going with less:

{if you want to really simplify your life, you can pack even less. An experienced minimalist packer would easily subtract these items from the above list.}

– one pair of shoes
– one bottom
– three to four shirts
– one bag