Steal the Spotlight: Ultimate Guide to Trade Show and Conference Attire

It’s going to be a big event. You have prepared yourself from head to toe for the same and paid attention to every small detail, taking care of all that you need to make the best out of the crowd. But then you remember that you must pack yourself the perfect attire too to make an impression on your target audience. Well, planning and packing can be quite a daunting task, primarily when reflecting professionalism through your styling. Conferences and trade shows are formal events where appropriate clothing is essential to making a good impression. The most popular outfit styles at these kinds of gatherings are business casual, business professional, and business formal. Each type is selected according to the industry and the nature of the event, and each has its own set of rules. The epitome of elegance and tradition, business formal attire is usually reserved for the most formal of gatherings, such as award shows and evening activities related to the trade fair. This attire, which includes a dark suit, a white or light blue dress shirt, a tie, and polished dress shoes for men, and a fitted dress, skirt, or pantsuit with closed-toe pumps and a matching blazer for women, exudes a sense of respect and honor for the event. Simple and elegant accessories are ideal; think cufflinks or a simple necklace.

Nevertheless, a slightly less formal look is appropriate for business professional wear while maintaining a high degree of professionalism. Men can wear a dress shirt or a collared polo shirt with a blazer, dress pants, or chinos. Although not required, ties can give an air of formality. A jacket, dress slacks, or a skirt paired with a shirt are some options for women. Since trade exhibits require a lot of walking and standing, wearing professional-looking yet comfortable shoes is imperative. Business casual is a versatile and adaptable choice for trade show attendees. It allows for a professional yet comfortable look, with room for personal expression. Whereas women might opt for a blouse and trousers or a casual dress, males might wear khakis or dress pants with a button-down shirt or polo. It's imperative to wear comfortable shoes, and dressing in layers will help you adjust to the changing weather at conference locations. Choosing appropriate clothing for a conference or trade show not only guarantees comfort throughout the event but also helps create a positive impression. Finding a balance between your unique style and the picture of professionalism you want to present is crucial.

Until and unless there is an assigned uniform for you, it is quite a hassle to figure out what to pack to maintain that business-appropriate look all the time. We understand and, therefore, have curated this guide for you, where we have categorized the styling rules according to different seasons and occasions.

Can we wear only a particular set of clothes to business events?

No! To think that business events are all about suits and ties is a complete myth. While you can stick to the traditional way of formal clothing, like blazers, oxfords, chinos for men and pencil skirts or dress pants for women, you can definitely add and/or subtract something here and there to include your unique style.

To make this process easier, we have created a styling guide that is sure to ace the ‘dress for success’ theme, be it a trade show or a conference attire. In this guide, we will take you through all the gender-neutral tips as well as gender-specific tips on different occasions that will help you shine out in the crowd.

Choosing your attire according to the season

While most trade shows and conferences are climate-neutral, make sure your wardrobe choices are according to the weather. Because honestly, you don’t want to step out of the halls sweating or shivering all through your way. Here are a few tips on how to do the same.

During Summer

Wear it if it fits. It is of utter importance that you wear clothes that fit you well to avoid discomfort during the event. However, it becomes more urgent when it comes to shoes because of the heat and sweat, which are the perfect ingredients for a disaster. What’s worse is that if you have to walk long distances in your uncomfortable shoes, they can cause friction leading to blisters. Therefore, always wear comfortable shoes that do not constrict your movement. For additional support, you can also bring gel inserts. 
Avoid wearing very light clothing, especially if you sweat a lot. You want to avoid dealing with that, especially during business meetings and networking. In that case, you can also look for undershirts and underarm pads designed explicitly to absorb sweat. 
Keep a spare jacket or cardigan at all times. So that you can easily throw it on if you feel too cold inside a conference room.
Let your fabrics be breathable. Choose from options like cotton, linen, silk, and other lighter fabrics to stay comfortable throughout the day. Avoid fabrics like polyester, nylon, and rayon, which cannot absorb moisture and retain odor.

During Winter

Layer your outfit. The more layers, the more versatile the outfit is. Adding or removing a layer you like is also a great way to make yourself comfortable if you feel warmer or colder. Wear a nice sweater over a full-sleeved shirt or a blazer over a button-down. In this case, pullovers are a great option as well.
Remember, a professional yet warm coat. A warm overcoat can keep you warm and maintain a business-appropriate look even when you step out of the halls. You can also consider wearing a trench coat or a peacoat. 
Take care of your feet. For many of us, our feet get uncomfortably cold during winter. Therefore, carry your warm socks and professional shoes to these shows to avoid such discomfort by keeping out the chilly breeze.

Choosing your attire according to your role at the site

While choosing the appropriate attire, it is also important to consider your role at the event. Therefore, we have categorized these roles so that you can look your best regardless of your role.

When you are an attendee

• Add a touch of your personality with the code of professionalism you will follow. 
• Make sure that you dress according to what you plan for your first impression to be while connecting and networking on-site.

When you are the company representative on stage

• Choose colors that will flatter you and contrast the background rather than clash with it.
• Avoid noisy jewelry or shoes that squeak, as your voice has to reach the audience, not unnecessary sounds. 
• Your outfit should follow suit. Always be mindful of what your audience will be wearing.
• Play with colors. For instance, wear the color red if you wish to attract attention. Another instance could be when you wear the color blue, which conveys trustworthiness and wisdom. And so on. The choice is yours.

When you are running the company’s booth 

• Focus on grooming to look presentable and approachable, as you’ll be acting as the face of your company in the exhibit booth.
• Use corporate apparel and ensure your company logo is clearly visible.

Are there any specific DOs and DON’Ts for Men and Women?

Yes! There are several. Below is everything you need to know about gender-specific conference outfit precautions.

For Men

Stick with go-to colors 

When you need clarification on color-coordinating your outfit, stick with wardrobe staples. Staple menswear colors such as blue, white, gray, black, and brown can never go wrong. It most definitely wouldn’t be a great idea to try a bright color for the first time during a professional event.

Pay attention to your shoes and accessories

Usually, men tend to overlook shoes and accessories when it comes to choosing an entire outfit. Do not sideline them; rather, use accessories such as a belt and a bag along with a professional pair of shoes to create a formal impression and spread the message.

Dress smarter than you usually do

Until and unless you wear a suit and tie to your office daily, there is always room for improvement. For instance, add a blazer or a tie to your everyday shirts and sweaters, or replace those jeans with chino pants. There are millions of ways to work this out.

For Women

Stick with the staple

We know there are more options for women than men in building attire. However, certain professional staples never go out of style, such as blouses, cardigans, A-line or pencil skirts, button-downs, dress pants, wrap dresses, blazers, and button-downs.  

Tone down those accessories

Stay moderate with accessories. Keep it simple and classic, and whenever in doubt, always remember that sometimes ‘less is more’.

Let go of that pressure

You do not have to present yourself a certain way if you do not need to do so. Focus on how you would want to portray professionalism to the masses and execute it accordingly.

Steal the center of attention with the best exhibit booth designs

Now that you have the answers to all your questions regarding how to dress up for a trade show or a conference, it is time to help you with the best exhibit booth designer in the USA. And like everything else, we have an excellent solution for your search. Exhibits Studio is a leading exhibit booth designer with almost a decade of experience, making us a seasoned player in the industry. With the help of our skilled designers, we will create the most alluring exhibit booth design that will match your brand’s needs. Our professional staff will carry out every activity, from setting up the booth to taking it down, by providing you with the most user-friendly experience. Partner with us today and get your hands on your company’s star-of-the-night exhibit booth designs!