This is a guest post by Helen Reynolds.
Every year, in the run-up to the One Woman Conference, the chat in the Facebook group follows a pattern. It gradually evolves from deep, open and supportive conversation about what we’ll learn, and what will be the key lightbulb moments, to clothing chat along the lines of – what the HECK should I wear for this event?
A 2-day event of any kind can be tricky to plan for. So here’s my advice on what to wear for a 2-day event – using the One Woman Conference as an example.
The One Woman Conference is unique
Anyone who has attended the conference before (and there are many, many that have, it’s such a great event they just can’t stay away!) know that there is no need to over think this question. They understand the vibe. They get that this is is quite possibly the most unjudgmental space you might ever find yourself in, and that literally anything goes.
Now, I know that this blanket advice isn’t terribly helpful if it’s your first time attending, and of course you might be planning to attend an event that has a different vibe – so I have prepared five packing tips for you.
Here are 5 things to consider when you’re deciding what to wear to a 2-day event.
1. Layer up
For practical reasons, it’s a very good idea to wear layers. Big rooms will sometimes feel warm and other times rather chilly, and if the content’s especially engaging or inspiring you may find yourself fired up with enthusiasm – or getting chills of new insight!
At the OWC, the team are always very attentive to your needs, but it’s practically impossible to keep a room at the ideal temperature for 400 women, so make like the Scouts and be prepared.
- Bring a cardigan if you like cosiness and a hug.
- Opt for a blazer if you feel your best when you are at the smarter end of casual.
- A big scarf that you can wrap around yourself is a good idea, just pop it in your conference bag when you don’t need it.
2. Wear heels… but only if you like!
Wear heels if they are your thing but please don’t feel obliged. At the OWC you don’t need to be smart, flats will serve you very well, whether loafers, pumps or trainers.
At any event, if you’re not a fan of heels then don’t squeeze yourself into them. There are lots of smart options for flat shoes that will help you stay relaxed and focused on the content instead of your aching legs! Be comfortable, be you.
3. Make comfort a priority
Whatever you wear in the daytime, if it’s not comfortable, you will be annoyed with yourself. The days can be long (in a good way!) and you don’t want to be distracted by tight waistbands or stiff, itchy fabrics. Make sure that whatever you choose is 100% comfortable.
4. Come prepared for different sessions
Find out in advance if the event you’re attending will have any components requiring a change – an outside element, or a formal dinner, for example.
At OWC the very fabulous (optional) evening activity that takes place every year (it’s the bit that everyone talks about most the next day!) requires you to be able to move freely around the room. Definitely ditch the heels for this part.
5. Dress for YOU
And, finally, and most importantly please dress for YOU. In my work, supporting women to discover their own, true style, I teach the importance of dressing for you first, then to adapt your style to the occasion. But how on earth do you do that if you don’t know your true style?
First of all, ask yourself this hypothetical question:
If you’d got the dress code wrong at any event, would you prefer to be over-dressed or under-dressed?
- If your preference is over-dressed, consider building an outfit around great jeans or well-fitting trousers, boots, a fabulous shirt or blouse in a colour you love, a blazer and a scarf.
- If you are happiest at the casual end of the spectrum, maybe try trainers, comfy jeans or leggings, a cosy jumper (with a t-shirt underneath in-case you get too warm.)
- Dresses or skirts are a good option if you like to express your femininity, or if you don’t like yourself in trousers/jeans. This doesn’t mean corporate-style workwear. That level of smartness isn’t necessary at this event, but a beautiful dress with a cardigan or blazer, worn with trainers, boots (or heels if they are your comfort zone) would work very well.
As I said earlier, what I want you to take away from this advice is that you need to show up to the One Woman Conference – and the same goes for any event – as YOU.
Not as an imposter.
Not as the person you wish you were.
Be you. Be comfortable, be real.
Incidentally, by the end of the two days, you are very likely to feel like a new woman. And you might feel ready to reflect this change through your clothes. A touch of colour, a beautiful print or some sexy shoes can make all the difference to how you feel. It’s all possible – just do it your way.
Want more style advice to empower and inspire?
If you’d like more specific style advice to help you to explore your own, authentic personal style, I’d love to send you my free video series, ‘5 Easy Style Tips To Look Your Most Fabulous Self’.
Every day for five days you will receive a short video that explains each vital element of style. By the end of the series, you will have a much clearer idea of which colours, styles, cuts, fabrics and accessories will work best for you.
You can access the free video series by clicking here.
Enjoy the conference!
About Helen
Helen Reynolds is one of our BeFruitful mentors, and works personally with Jo to put together her powerful outfits for the stage.
As an image consultant she’s helped hundreds of women to turbo-boost their personal style and develop killer confidence. Her speciality is in helping women who have lost their way with style and need a boost find clothes they love – and which love them back.
Find out more about her work and access free resources to help you find your style at www.helenreynoldsstyle.com
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