I’ve been to all sorts of writers’ conferences over the years and thought I’d share my fashion experiences with you.
DO:
1) Wear something comfortable. You’ll be wearing it all day, and if it’s something that’s a little too tight or pinches, you’ll be miserable.
2) Wear something “professional.” You’ll be meeting professionals in the field you’re already in or want to join. Think of a conference as a long business meeting (but more fun!) where you’ll network with other writers and “interview” for writing jobs with agents and editors.
3) Bring a jacket or sweater. Often the meeting rooms are chilly. If you get cold easily, like I do, then you’ll find yourself rubbing the goosebumps off your arms instead of taking notes.
4) Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll find that you could be doing a lot of walking. No matter how pretty those shoes are, if your feet hurt from walking from the parking lot, to various meeting rooms, to restaurants, and back to your car, they’re not the right shoes. You don’t want blisters as a souvenir of the conference.
DON’T:
1) Wear shorts and t-shirt, unless you’re at a writers retreat at the beach or park. (If you are, be sure to bring plenty of sun screen and insect repellent.)
2) Wear flip flops. It’s too easy to trip while wearing these, and nothng would be worse than finding yourself falling into the lap of an editor. Not exactly the right way to meet. Sandals, though, are fine.
3) Forget to check the weather! If it’s supposed to rain and you forget your umbrella, you might really look like what the cat dragged in. Not a good look for anyone. Check the temperature too. You don’t want to freeze or sweat to death once you arrive.
4) Dress like your main character. Please don’t. I don’t think J. K. Rowling ever dressed (in public, anyway) like Harry Potter…unless it was a costume party. Only then is it okay.
How do I know about these fashion tips? Well, except for the last one, I think I’ve done them all!