What to Wear to BlogHer '09 (And Why to Stop Worrying About it Already)
by Susan WagnerBlogHer's 2009 conference is in less than six weeks, which means we're entering a phase that totally stresses me out; I like to call it the what-the-hell-do-I-wear? phase. In the past week, I've started stumbling across the first of what will be far too many posts written by women who are convinced that they need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe in order to fit in at BlogHer.
Let's get one thing clear: You do not need to buy new clothes for this event. Nor should you feel any pressure to look some particular way when you show up in Chicago.
There are no rules about what to wear to BlogHer; I can promise you that if you're making the trip to Chicago in July, you will see absolutely everything, from suits to shorts, at the conference. BlogHer is all about inclusion, which means that no matter what you have on, your voice matters, and you will be welcomed into the conversation.
At least a third of you think I'm lying through my teeth right now, don't you? I'm not, but let's talk about strategies for BlogHer -- or, if you're not attending BlogHer this year, for any time you're meeting people from the Internet who know you through your words rather than through your closet.
Alexa at Flotsam is asking a couple of fairly standard questions: "What does one wear at BlogHer? Does one change in the evenings? Change into what, exactly?"
Let's start with what to wear during the day: Wear what you're comfortable in. If you're a jeans-and-tee kind of girl, don't buy yourself a bunch of dresses -- wear jeans and a tee. BlogHer -- or any meetup with Internet peeps -- is about being yourself, not dressing up as someone else.
Of course, there are caveats: If you're coming to BlogHer to look for work, think about how to present your most professional self; pair your tee with dark wash, mid-rise jeans, for example, rather than that low-rise pair with the hole in the ass.
If you're coming to BlogHer to get away from your everyday life, think about bringing those pieces that you wish you could wear everyday but that just don't work for you -- the sweater you don't want the kids touching or the dress that is just not quite appropriate for the office.
More caveats: Road test everything before you pack your suitcase -- does that blouse really work with those pants, or is it too long/short? Better to know now than when it's the only thing you have to wear for the entire day. If you're going to buy new things to wear to BlogHer (or on any trip, really) wear them once before you hit the road. New clothes are so appealing, but you want to know that things are comfortable and functional before you're stuck in them all day with no other option.
Also! Pack comfortable shoes for day. I don't even have to say that, do I?
Back to Alexa's questions: "Does one change in the evenings? Change into what, exactly?" Okay, here's where I confess: This list of parties? Makes me a little nervous. Because suddenly I feel like I'm in tenth grade again and don't have a date to the prom, which shouldn't matter because the prom is for juniors and seniors but everyone in my class is going, except me, which probably means I'm a total loser.
Do not pretend you don't know what I'm talking about.
What do you wear at night at BlogHer? Again, wear what's comfortable. Don't feel like you have to bring a cocktail dress just because there are parties that start during the cocktail hour, but if you're an LBD kind of girl, pack it. Wear what will make you comfortable, physically and psychologically.
What will I be wearing? The same thing I wear every day, honestly -- dresses and skirts, and maybe a pair of cropped pants. I'm bringing cardigans because I'm always cold and flats because heels are too hard to walk fast in.
Kaiser Mommy at Room 704 is planning her conference packing; go see what she's looking at wearing. Ciaran at Social Luxe Lounge is also planning; I want the orange print dress she's coveting.
Do you have packing tips for BlogHer, or questions about what to put in your suitcase? Let's hear them!
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Comments
This is my first time
This is my first time attending, and I think part of my anxiety is the idea that literally thousands of people will have cameras on-the-ready for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT.
I'm not a shopper, and I think some people go to absurd lengths to prepare for this conference where clothing is concerned. We're already spending money on hotels, registration, travel, and food - A LOT of money.
In order to combat my hatred for shopping (for a three day event? No.) and my ability to look like a boxcar hobo no matter what I try, I'm making my own clothes. I broke out my sewing machine last week, and made three simple summer dresses with fabric I had laying around the house. This week, I'm reconfiguring shirts I already own into cuter versions of their former selves. I'll probably hit up the thrift stores and see if there's anything worth cutting and reassembling.
So far I have almost five new outfits, and I've spent a total of $8.64 on bias tape, thread, and elastic.
I'm going totally "Pretty in Pink" on this conference.
Knotty Yarn
Surly and Passionate
perfect!!!
Danielle, I love this approach -- and I think you're dead on: It costs a lot to go to BlogHer, and while it is money well spent (trust me) a new wardrobe is NOT a necessity.
I cannot wait to see your Pretty In Pink wardrobe -- will you promise to track me down during the conference? Please???
Friday Playdate
will you promise to track me
will you promise to track me down during the conference? Please???
Sure! I'm also going to post my creations to my blog sometime in the next couple of weeks, including but not limited to the dress I made out of Ikea sheets. I promise I don't look like Pippi Longstocking. I'll send you the link!
Knotty Yarn
Surly and Passionate
I'm so glad that you wrote
I'm so glad that you wrote this post. I'm a jeans and tee shirts kind of a girl, and I was really stressing over whether or not I needed to buy dressier stuff for the conference. Now that I know I don't, I just need to try to own my (lack of) fashion sense.
Procrastinating
This was seriously what I needed to hear, but I still need clothes!! I didn't even know what LBD (little black dress) was until I googled it. My favorite wear is Threadless shirts, but really I'm getting too old for that!
And I have to sit on a panel and SPEAK OUT LOUD. Egads!! What do I wear? How do I get the frogs out of my voice??
Angela at mommy bytes
BlogHer Contributing Editor in Mommy & Family Cribsheet
you'll be great!
And you know, we could totally do a virtual closet makeover before BlogHer, if you're up for it ...
Think about it! It would be fun!
Friday Playdate
I'd be up for it...
I'd love a virtual closet makeover!
PhD in Parenting - http://phdinparenting.com
Threadless tees!
I love Threadless tees, too! In fact, I'm looking forward to visiting their brick & mortar store while in Chicago for the conference. Maybe we could get a group together and go shopping. Rock those tees! :-)
A. L. Venable is a Random Citizen. She primarily writes at Dimple and a Smirk (dot) com and Our PDX Network.
It's the Shoes...
For me it's trying to find a pair of shoes that are cute but comfortable enough to let me run around the conference while I'm doing all of my volunteer duties. Blisters would spoil my fun. Maybe I should bring my fuffy slippers? Those are my blogging work shoes in the evenings when I blog. :)
Condo Blues Frugal green living that's big on style and small on budget http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/
I'm worried about packing
We're going to be gone for a whole week because we're heading to Chicago early to play tourist. That's a lot of clothes to pack when you are playing tourist vs not playing tourist. I'm not a good packer. I once, as a child, went away for the weekend and was not informed we'd be going to a wedding and ended up wearing the world's worst outfit ever. I'm still scarred. So I overpack. Always. And yet always forget something rather vital in addition to packing a whole lot of clothes I never wear. Sigh.
Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.
Funny you should mention that ...
I'll be back later today with a What to Pack post -- stay tuned ...
Friday Playdate
Oh good!
Because I need help. Lots of it. :)
Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.
Anything with layers
is my motto. A sweater or a light jacket is a must for the folks like me who are in that stage of life where the blood moves awfully slow. Jeans, capris, really it's all okay, but have something with long sleeves for the air conditioning.
Virginia DeBolt
BlogHer CE
Web Teacher
First 50 Words
I want to see Pretty in Pink too!
www.queenofquirky.com
Danielle,
I'm so jealous of people who can sew. I can't wait to see your pretty in pink. Can you track me down too?
I'm probably going to do the unthinkable
and wear what I wore to BlogHer 2007. After all, it's the same city.
And I, alas, am going to be the same blogger.
The Opiate of the Masses
Mamarazzi
@poppybuxom
Maybe I will skip the cocktail dress
But I still need some shoes. Flip flops just won't do it for me...
CanCan
Mom Most Traveled
www.MomMostTraveled.com
Little Black Dress / LBD GIVEAWAY plus a $250
gift cert!
I hope this doesn't seem spammish but I thought this comment column would be a great place to mention this -- visit http://MuffintopLess.com for details on how you can win LBD plus $250 gift certificate for clothing - total value $350! I think an LBD is a must for a conference like this and this dress is packable and won't wrinkle plus it sucks in your curves and has little bike shorts built in (and a built in bra) - BEST LBD ever!
Can't wait to meet everyone at BlogHer!
Carole Hicks
a/k/a MuffintopLess
Fashion tips
The packing tips are great no matter where you're going. Whenever you travel in the summer, I think it's so important to find a lightweight and smash-proof cardigan you can roll up and put in your everyday tote and pull out whenever the air-conditioning or summer-evening breezes get too much. And I loved the glimpse into such stylish suitcases. Y'all have a great time.
Cathy
cathylwood.wordpress.com
Layers
I completely agree about wearing layers. I've never been to Blogher but i've been to many conferences and they are almost always extremely air-conditioned. So even if it is 100 degress, bring a sweater of blazer, you will probably need it. Its better than taking a chance on shivering all morning.
Jen
http://connectwithyourteens.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the advice
My first time coming as well. This was helpful. I have one idea in mind for the day I am speaking versus the day I am not. Overall I am so NOT a clothes person (and biking shorts, hiking gear don't count -- that I love...)...but am always about being myself. So alas - we'll see what I fit in the bag knowing I'll be hanging out in Chicago another 2 1/2 days to R&R with my partner.
Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company
http://www.thepaulagcompany.com
What to wear?
MaNiC MoMMy ... THeRe'S a MeTHoD To HeR MaNiC
Well, I wasn't freaking out about it. Till now.
It's the hair & makeup
I'm feeling pretty comfortable about my clothes and shoes, but I have to admit I'm stressing a bit about the pressure of doing my hair & make up both days. I just don't do that in my day to day life because no one sees me!
Visit me at http://somebodyhealme.dianalee.net