Monday
26Jan2009
What to Wear to a Social Media or Blogger Conference
Monday, January 26, 2009 at 3:17AM
Colleen Padilla of www.classymommy.com and I in our little black dresses at a Blog World Expo partyJust like (I'm guessing) the majority of other women out there, when I've got a conference coming up I start planning my wardrobe about two weeks in advance. During those two weeks I go through three stages of wardrobe frenzy.
First Stage: Second Guessing
This stage is usually induced by a group hysteria on the interwebs. Jeans or no jeans? If we're building our brand and potentially business networking is casual totally out? What about the cocktail parties and social events at night? Will everyone be wearing cocktail dresses while I'm the putz with the pants on in the corner? We don't want to be underdressed but we don't want to look like we're trying too hard either. My choice in luggage quickly goes from a weekender bag to the largest suitcase I own. And then there's that minor (not!) detail about shoes.
Second Stage: Think Personal Brand
After the initial whirling dervish of wardrobe thoughts settle down a bit, I realize that I've been through this before. Now, if we're talking a commercial real estate conference (which I've been to in a former life) then a pinstripe suit would be appropriate. However, we're talking social media and blogging conferences, people. What is social media and blogging all about? The personal statements we make, our unique voices, our personal brand. Once I remind my self of this it's easy reframe my wardrobe planning from "What's everyone else going to be wearing?" to "I'm going to wear something that makes ME feel fabulous!" (or cool, comfortable, sass-ay...however YOU like to feel!).
For me this means skinny jeans, flats, and a fun top. Or black pants, heels, and a dressy top. I usually pack two outfits a day so I'm prepared for whatever mood strikes me fashion-wise. At night, it could be the same type of deal or a little black dress with a black pashmina.
Bottom-line: For what it's worth, when I meet you at a social media or blogging conference I would much rather see your personal style than an outfit you're not comfortable in but wearing because everybody else said they were.
Third Stage: Fuh-geddaboudit
After all is said and done when you're at the conference you won't have to time to think about what you're wearing or what others are wearing. Why? Because you'll be too busy connecting, bonding, and laughing with the people you've known online in the blogosphere and in social media. Trust me, when that conference adrenaline kicks in and you scream with abandon when you see one of your favorite bloggers and hug each other or jump up and down together? You'll see.
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Reader Comments (10)
Good points, Jessica! I thought of this too in the midst of begging for advice :-) I'll be seeking a few new pieces that make me feel comfortable, confident and classy - in a "mom of 3 kids, lost a few pounds, gotta hide the muffin top" kind of way :-)
Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.nets last blog post..http://mommysnacks.blogspot.com/2009/01/bloggy-giveaway_20.html" rel="nofollow">Bloggy Giveaway!!!
Whew!! I thought I was the only girl that had to pack two outfits for each day AND the shoes that would go with each outift. I mean really, its all about options right? I just like to have my options available, at home or away. I am however, just a tiny bit concerned about all these fees the airlines are charging for extra luggage. Hmmm, might have to adjust my thinking a bit and cut back on some of the shoes I pack...or not! :)
Ha! I am so with Andrea's quote except I have to add a kid to the mix. LOL! Thank you for this post. Blissdom is my first Bloggy Conference and I am so excited and totally nervous!!
Tia @ Tiasavingcentss last blog post..http://tiasavingcents.com/2009/01/25/10-off-10-at-oriental-trading-company/" rel="nofollow">$10 off $10 at Oriental Trading Company
Well, I haven't been to one of those conferences. BUT - I've been involved in some PRETTY BIG media events. I've walked the red carpet at movie premieres, played golf with sports figures, and even spent time at a party talking with Cojo (Stephen Cojocara) - talk about being worried about WARDROBE!!!! I can tell you this. Jessica, you are RIGHT on about wearing something that reflects who YOU are and not what everyone else is wearing. The key is to have a good solid core wardrobe. That way EVERYTHING you already own will look FABULOUS on you. You won't be going CRAZY with the "what to wear" syndrome. I do have to tell you that I was at the Sex & the City premiere & party in NY and thought that a pair of "those" shoes (you know, the Manolo, Jimmy Choo variety) was called for. Ten minutes into the party I found myself sitting down & UNCOMFORTABLE. The funny thing was that I probably got to talk with EVERY female celebrity there, because guess what? They were dealing with the same foot pain that I was (& I happened to score a GREAT seat with some open seating next to me). LOL, how funny to have Jennifer Hudson ask if she could please sit with me because her feet hurt. I think that was the ONLY instance where not taking my "usual" advice worked in my favor - sort of. Hey, it's more fun on the dance floor barefoot anyway.
Zippys last blog post..http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ChampagneLiving/~3/VZHaZ3DDHac/giveaway-whats-age-got-to-do-with-it_4982.html" rel="nofollow">GIVEAWAY: What's AGE Got to do with it?
You are already thinking about what you are going to wear?
Oh no, I'm not even there yet. I did well enough to make myself look presentable this morning when I left for preschool drop off and the office!
For BlissDom I will probably bring jeans and tops for daytime. And for the cocktail parties, maybe one sassy dress and one pair of nice pants with a nice top.
I'm all about comfort. But I promise not to wear my Birks. (Okay, I actually won't promise that you won't see me in a pair of Birks that entire weekend!)
Leighann of Soy is the New Blacks last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SoyIsTheNewBlack/~3/514094232/foodie-friday-yogurt-and-fruit.html" rel="nofollow">Foodie Friday: Yogurt and Fruit
I love this! I was ridiculously over packed for Photoshop World, and didn't wear most of it. Then my luggage weighed too much on the way home since I added a few books. Not good! At least I'm driving to BlissDom. :-)
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Homes last blog post..http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyHomeSweetHome/~3/eA_0t4eDzcA/" rel="nofollow">Project 365: Days 12-19
Wow! I thought I was the only one who traveled with a couple of outfits and sometimes, not even certain about those! It's all about the 3 pairs of shoes or more!
Thanks for all the information posted. But honestly, what it all boils down to is this, WHAT outfit makes you feel good?
Unfortunately, we live in a society that is judgmental by nature, it's called human nature. We can make the powerful choice not to be so and but view people from love, warmth and kindness. I am not sure about you, but the last thing I like to have done to me is to be judged because I don't have the "right" clothes on.
Thanks for sharing and looking forward to hearing more!
Nicole Gruendls last blog post..http://nicolegruendl.com/2009/01/some-of-the-most-common-single-parent-struggles/" rel="nofollow">Some of the Most Common Single Parent Struggles
Jessica -
You are a MIND READER!!!I have been dealing with this very thing in preparation for Blissdom!!! Aaaaccckk!! So glad to get your input (and everyone here too!) so I can go from there. Whew! Now to narrow my choices some more.:) Thanks!!
Alyson, the 3 P's Mamas last blog post..http://www.3psinapod.com/2009/01/27/chinese-new-year-fun-in-the-dfw-metroplex/" rel="nofollow">Chinese New Year Fun in the DFW Metroplex
So true! I was already thinking I'll probably *know* what everyone will be wearing at Blissdom since we're already buds online! It won't be a surprise! ;)
oh amandas last blog post..http://ohamanda.com/?p=995" rel="nofollow">Bloggy Giveaway Day 2: Raspberry Baby Sling
[...] as though it was written with me in mind was from Jessica of Jessica Knows. In her post titled, What to Wear to a Social Media or Blogger Conference is exactly what is on my mind with BlissDom just around the [...]