Not sure what to wear for a work conference

[Pinkrabitt]

I have to go to a big work conference this week. I don't normally do this sort of thing so not sure what people wear. I assume its business dress but slightly more dressed down? I guess men will just be in suits.

I have a couple of smart navy dresses that would work, or some more summery flowery floaty ones. My main issue is what shoes to wear? I don't want to wear heels but trainers would be too casual. I have some open toe nude wedges but not sure if open toes aren't smart enough.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks.

Avoid the floral dresses

go with navy dresses you mention and flats

Presuming that you aren’t a speaker?

Navy dress but take a jacket so you can put that on to look smarter if needed. Not the floaty dresses.

Of course open toed shoes are smart enough. Trainers will also be fine as long as they're clean and plainer design rather than fashion/sporty ones. Flowery dresses will also be OK. Very few people bother with 'suited and booted' now, even at high profile conferences.

I’ve noticed things getting more casual over the years, and yes, trainers are worn more these days but they are easier to wear with trousers. I would take plain, smart dresses and your nude open toes would be
absolutely fine. Trainers tend to go better with long dresses so perhaps take those as a back up?

Firstly it depends on the culture of your work. Are you an architect or a dentist? Barrister or landscape gardener? Physiotherapist or playwright? You’ll know the general level of dressiness - and your own place in any hierarchy. Are you attending in the hope of networking and promotion, or are you an authority flying in to give the opening presentation?

I attend a lot of academic conferences - where most people dress in a fairly relaxed way, but really, you dress for the impression you want to make.

I’d take the navy dresses - as long as they look fresh and up to date. Open toed nude wedges sound dire. Truly. Buy some loafers.

Are there any photos from last year's conference to see what people were wearing the general vibe. I would look at those if possible if not ask someone wbo went last year the general vibe.

Everyone wears trainers at the conferences I go to as there's so much standing and walking around involved. I usually wear some smart, wide leg trousers, a light blouse or loose shirt and my (nice, clean, white) trainers. PP makes a good suggestion of checking for photos from year to get a better idea.

Yes, people do wear trainers - but the OP’s perception is that they would be too informal for her. So it makes sense to offer alternatives.

Thanks all. I can't find any photos of last year's conference but good call.

There seems to be quite a wide range of formal to informal at conferences. I'm there to network, not speaking or anything important. So need to look businesslike but not overly formal and I also want to feel comfortable.

I know people say loafers with dresses but to me they look dreadful, like clumpy school shoes. I have some navy ballerina flats but they are fitflop brand so fairly casual.

I'll try to find a pic of the sort of dresses I have.

So navy dresses are both fairly plain, short sleeve, fitted waist.

I just can't see it working with loafers and think trainers are too casual. I have some smart white trainers with a navy stripe but think its too much of a mishmash of formal/informal.

I concur with most of what @TheGlamour has said. It very much depends on the culture and norms of your work. I would add that if I'm expecting to network I tend to dress a notch more formally than I would if I were mainly connecting with pre-existing contacts.

Networking is also the one and only context in which I - sometimes - wear heels (or what I consider heels, which in practice means a max. height of about 3-4cm, usually less). It’s my powerplay. Eye level or better with men who're prone to making assumptions or not recognising the expertise of a younger woman never hurts.

If it's the footwear that's causing you problems choose that first, then pick clothes to fit. If brogues feels like the right choice, but not with a dress then just choose trousers (which I'd do anyway, but just because that's my general preference).

Those dress are very plain.

Alternatives:
Shirt dresses
Pattern midi skirts and plain top
black barrel trousers and pattern too
black wide leg trouser with a patterned top
black skinny trouser and longer top

plus black flat form sandal or patent loafers

i buy dresses tips trousers and skirts from Vinted (hush, mint velvet next Oliver bonas)
I buy t shirts and shoes new

if ii want specifics of any of it happy to share