What to Wear to BlogHer {or any blogging conference, really}

You may have heard of BlogHer? What? No? It’s just the biggest blogging conference of the year. The original. The Grand PooBah.

There are always lots of conversations surrounding the event — what sessions to attend, which parties you were invited to, and of course WHAT TO WEAR!

Everyone is always up in arms about what to wear to BlogHer. Just take a look at the Twitter stream, and you’ll see what I mean. Let me put your mind at ease. YOU WILL SEE EVERYTHING. Some will be in jeans, some will be in business suits, and most everyone will be wearing something in between. No one is really looking at what you’re wearing. They are more likely to be elbowing you in the ribs and trying to grab your share of the swag. Just kidding. (Sorta. Watch your back.)

Anyway, I am definitely not saying that you shouldn’t put some thought into your wardrobe. I’m just saying you shouldn’t get all stressy about it. Here are some basic points that will help you feel comfortable and confident at BlogHer (or whatever blogging conference you might decide to attend this year!)

What to Wear to BlogHer

1. Be Comfortable and Be Yourself

Yes, I know everyone says this, but I mean it. It will be hot. It will be busy. There will be a lot of walking. You want to wear something you are comfortable in — something that looks like YOU. Don’t wear what you think the superstar blogger you look up to or the marketers you’re trying to impress will expect you to wear. Wear something that represents your personal style, but just turn it up a notch.

If you’re a jeans and tee-shirt kinda gal (raises hand!) then pack your favorite jeans and your cutest tops and pick up a new accessory or two to jazz it up. If you’re more comfortable in dresses, then rock those dresses!

Whatever your style is — conservative, whimsical, edgy, or glam . . . go with it. Your clothes DO say quite a bit about who you are, so be yourself at your very best.

This is the type of outfit I’ll be wearing for daytime conference sessions and events.

2. Pack Sensible Shoes

It is not unusual to see people at fancy parties in fancy outfits wearing flip-flops. That’s because those people have been to BlogHer before, and they KNOW that they don’t want to be That Girl walking around barefoot with her blisters bleeding all over the red carpet. (You think I’m exaggerating? Just you wait!)

If you do decide to wear those fab sky-high pumps you’ve been dying to debut, please OH PLEASE bring a pair of flip flops in your bag. You will thank me on Friday night around 10PM.

 

Which brings me to #3 . . .

3. Bring a Great Bag

You will want a bag that can hold a lot and looks great too. You’ll want to bring all the essentials — smartphone, wallet, business cards — and don’t forget to throw in some lipgloss and a powder compact since you may not have time to go back to your room and freshen up after lunch.

You also will want a place to stuff papers and swag that you’ll receive at sessions and in the expo hall. Tuck a reusable bag or two into your bag for swag. And don’t forget the flip flops!

If you have a tablet, I recommend leaving your laptop in your room. The conference sessions are usually crowded and there aren’t always tables for setting up your laptop. Plus, that baby is HEAVY and you will be doing a lot of walking.

 

4. Pack Something Glam for Nighttime

Even if you are a pretty casual girl, you will probably want to glam it up for the nighttime events. BlogHer is infamous for many off-site parties, but don’t forget the BlogHer sponsored parties. They are fantastic. So very fun, and there is no pressure to be on your game or to write about it afterwards. After a day of networking, it’s fun to kick back and party a little bit. I am choosing my off site parties very carefully this year, and I highly recommend sticking around the hotel in the evenings and enjoying the BlogHer sponsored parties.

Again, you will see a little bit of everything. Feel free to dress up your favorite jeans with a cute top and accessories. This is my kinda outfit, right here.

Or try dressing up some shorts. This look is so hot right now. I have some dressy shorts I’ll be debuting this weekend!

Of course you can go all out with a great dress.

 

 

 

Or keep it comfortable with a maxi dress. You could accessorize any of these for a great nighttime look.

 

5. Don’t Forget Your Favorite Skincare!

You will definitely want to remember to take care of your skin while you’re there. With the dry conference rooms and late nights, this is not the time to neglect your skincare routine. I love my Therapon Skin Renewal Travel System with Peptide Hydrator for traveling. It takes up very little space in my bag, and you can even tuck it into your carry-on as it meets the TSA requirements for liquids in carry-on bags.

If you have some extra room, throw in your NuPeel. What better luxury after a long day of networking and partying than a mini facial before bed? Your roommates will love you!

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!