Back in 2016, I was going to my first-ever SaaS-related conference and I had the strangest moment. I was going from Atlanta, where I lived, to San Francisco, my hometown, for a tech conference, and I had no idea what to wear. Casual night out in Silicon Valley? No problem. Formal business meeting in Atlanta or Nashville? Attending a summer wedding? Vacationing in Europe? All over it, outfit ideas for days.
So naturally, I googled it.
And found... basically nothing.
The worlds of fashion and tech were still miles apart and no one was talking about fashion trends for women in tech the way they do in other industries. And frankly, there weren't a whole lot of women leaders in tech (yes, even in 2016) to look to for guidance.
Needless to say, I was disappointed and just winged it as best I could. Something approaching a less stuffy take on business casual. But I probably could have been mistaken for a high school teacher. I promise that not a single person (including myself) remembers anything about my appearance from that week.
Nearly a decade later, I certainly have a better handle on my own style, and a much more versatile wardrobe, but this little thread always tugs at the back of my mind before an in-person event.
What to wear.
Now, however, this isn't coming from a place of vanity or trying to impress.
It's all about the art of making an impression.
And there are indeed lots of blog posts and Pinterest boards to give you some inspiration. None of which existed for tech conferences back in 2016.
I learned something really special from a Women in Technology (WIT) Atlanta meeting a few months back that sticks with me:
In rooms full of people, a sea of neutrals, blues, and the ubiquitous black blazer, while you're buzzing around the room, shaking hands, exchanging info and networking, and promising to follow up or come find someone later, standing out visually makes a huge impact.
Being memorable, easy to spot in a crowd, or maybe even a little outrageous, has a unique way of sticking in people's minds. Which makes the likelihood that they will follow up with you or come find you after much higher.
(Yes, there really was a guy matching this description at a Healthcare Informatics conference I went to.)
So, if you want to convert one of those single-serving conference encounters into an actual professional connection, be bold. Be a little loud. Throw on the neon Dunks or wear a fascinator to the after-party or even swap out the generic nametag lanyard for one of our own and use it as a conversation starter.
I promise, people will remember you.
.svg)
