You have a great conference talk prepared, but what about your outfit? Choosing the right fabrics and styles can make a big difference in how you feel and perform on stage. Here are some tips to help you dress for comfort and confidence.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic can trap heat and moisture, making you sweat more and feel uncomfortable. They can also wrinkle easily and look cheap. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, or silk that breathe well and regulate your temperature. They also have a more professional and polished appearance.
While patterns and prints can be fun and expressive, they can also be distracting and unflattering on stage. Solid colors are easier to match and coordinate, and they create a more harmonious and balanced look. They also help you stand out from the background and focus the attention on your face and message. Choose colors that suit your skin tone, hair color, and personality, and avoid very bright or very dark shades that can wash you out or create too much contrast.
The fit and cut of your clothes can affect your posture, movement, and confidence on stage. You want to wear clothes that fit you well and flatter your body shape, without being too tight or too loose. Clothes that are too tight can restrict your breathing, circulation, and mobility, while clothes that are too loose can look sloppy and unprofessional. You also want to avoid clothes that are too revealing, too casual, or too trendy, as they can undermine your credibility and authority.
Accessories can add some personality and interest to your outfit, but they can also be a source of noise, irritation, or interference. You want to avoid accessories that make noise, like bangles, chains, or earrings, as they can distract you and your audience. You also want to avoid accessories that are too large, too shiny, or too colorful, as they can draw attention away from your face and message. And you want to avoid accessories that can interfere with your microphone, like scarves, necklaces, or brooches, as they can cause feedback or muffle your voice.
The temperature and lighting of the conference venue can vary widely, and you want to be prepared for any changes. Layering your clothes can help you adjust to different levels of warmth and brightness, and also give you some flexibility and variety in your look. You can wear a jacket, cardigan, or blazer over a shirt, blouse, or dress, and take it off or put it on as needed. You can also wear a vest, sweater, or shawl over a top, and change it for a different color or style.
The best way to know if your outfit works for you is to test it out before the conference. Try it on and look at yourself in the mirror from different angles and distances. See how it looks under different lighting conditions and with different backgrounds. Move around and see how it feels and behaves. Does it stretch, sag, or cling? Does it wrinkle, crease, or stain? Does it itch, chafe, or rub? And most importantly, does it make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to rock your talk?
If you're traveling to speak, consider bringing a back up outfit. I learned this the hard way when a hotel iron leaked rusty water on my shirt! Plus, you never know if the temperature will change at the last minute. Gotta prepare for the unexpected!
I pretty much wear the same thing every time I'm on stage. The colors may change, but the brands and style stay the same. It's one less thing to think about and I can better focus on delivering an amazing experience.