What to Wear to the Startup Grind Conference
The Startup Grind conference is one of the most buzzed-about business conferences, ideal for all types of startups, business owners, entrepreneurs, and more. Whether you are a student looking to get a head start on your future or you’re a seasoned business owner looking for networking opportunities and increased brand exposure, this one-of-a-kind conference provides valuable insight and opportunities.
Dress Code According to the Startup Grind
According to the Startup Grind website, the popular Silicon Valley-based conference doesn’t have an official dress code. The conference FAQs section suggests wearing whatever makes you feel most comfortable, but also provides some brief advice to make a good, positive first impression. Though it’s not spelled out in so many words, your favorite worn-in sweatpants might be the most comfortable piece of clothing on Earth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wear them to the conference. Startup Grind proffers that most attendees typically wear casual business uniforms. This can open up some additional confusion, as business casual can mean different things depending on a specific workplace or industry. However, if you dress in a way that looks neat, polished, and pulled together, and you step it up from normal casual wear, you can feel confident in your look.
Wear What Makes You Comfortable to the Startup Grind Conference
One of the most important aspects of your clothing at the conference is to truly wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. For example, what if the trend for women is leaning toward pencil skirts and heels—but you never wear those things? You might feel self-conscious and less confident wearing something that’s just not “you.” If you normally wear a pair of boot-cut jeans, a nice top, and a smart jacket with flat dress shoes to workwear that. It will still look polished enough for the conference, but your confidence will shine through and you’ll be able to focus more easily on discussing your business, networking, and learning. If you are exhibiting, you may want to cut the stress and sport a business uniform shirt with dark pants and a jacket, or a company polo shirt with pressed chinos.
Conference Outfit Examples for Women
For the ladies, lots of choices in business casual clothes for women that would work for a conference such as the Startup Grind. Try your clothes on in advance to make sure all items fit well and that nothing is worn or in disrepair. It’s a good idea to bring items like an iron or portable steamer, lint roller, and mini sewing kit for emergencies to the conference, too. An outfit that looks elegant, simple, and professional will go a long way in helping your brand be remembered in a positive way.
- Pencil skirt and button-up blouse with low heels
- Button-up or flowy blouse with straight-leg trousers
- Dark jeans, dressy top, and blazer with ankle boots
- A print blouse and a light sweater with solid skinny pants or ankle-length slacks
- Light sweater with a rounded neckline and sport knit pants
- Black denim pants with a colored or print blouse and jacket
- Colored polo shirt, twill dress slacks in a neutral color, and loafers or flats
- Knee-length or calf-length skirt with a dressy top, sweater, or turtleneck
- Professional-looking sheath or wrap dress
- Wide-leg trousers with a fitted blouse or top
- Open-front sweater or cardigan with a dressy top and fitted neutral trousers or denim
- Pantsuit or skirt suit, or mix and match with a skirt or pants and a jacket
Business Casual Conference Clothing for Men
For the men, the choices are fairly simple.
- Chinos, khaki pants, or trousers
- Wool or synthetic-blend business casual pants
- Button-up shirts in white, black, pastels, or neutral colors
- Polo shirts
- Dressy tees under blazers or sport jackets
- Professional-looking round-neck or V-neck sweaters
- Dress shoes or dress-casual shoes
- Dark or black denim pants with a button-up or business casual tops
- Dress pants with matching or coordinating jacket
Conference Outerwear
A nice trench coat, a pea coat, or a simple jacket with clean tailored lines can convey a professional appearance. Skip trendy jackets, puffer coats, and athletic styles that will detract from your look. As long as it is considered business casual, a style such as a uniform jacket is an option.
Other Important Tips
There are a few other things to consider when it comes to your dress code.
- Location: The dress code culture at the Startup Grind conference is likely to be more relaxed. Conferences in other locations might be stricter on dress codes or assume a more formal look, such as a shirt and tie with a jacket and dress pants or a full power suit. Consider the location of any conference when deciding on how to dress.
- Industry or field: Another aspect that can impact how you dress can be your specific field. Those in more creative industries can often get away with a more creative or relaxed look, while those in fields such as finance or legal might want to step it up a bit more—opting for more of the business side in business casual.
- Minimize accessories and makeup: Keep jewelry, makeup, and cologne/perfume to a minimum. You want to stand out—but for the right reasons. Keep it classy and professional.
Look and Feel Your Best at the Startup Grind Conference
The Startup Grind conference is all about learning and growing. Keep it professional with business casual dress, and pay attention to the details—such as keeping your clothes pressed, shoes spot-free, and hair neat—and you can’t go wrong.