What Would You Wear to an Image Consultants Conference?

Talk About Dress for Success Stress

Help! 20 outfits for 4 days

Countdown to my annual AICI image consulting conference. This year it’s being held in a tropical destination, Hawaii…I’ve never been and can’t wait! I always come away from conference with fresh insights, inspiration and new program ideas. Best of all is reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. While I’m excited to be going, if I’m totally honest I’m feeling some anxiety as well… and it has to do with what to pack. I need to follow my own advice.

the most stylish people in the world

While the investment to attend conference is steep (AICI conference registration fees, airfare, 5 star accommodation, extra fees for pre- and post- conference sessions) that doesn’t begin to compare with the dollars that are spent on wardrobe in advance. This conference is being attended by the most stylish people in the world, image consultants, experts who get paid to give fashion advice and tell others what not to wear.

Changing 5 times a day

Some of them will be changing their outfits 5 times a day. You can be sure they’ve been planning their wardrobes for months, probably since they returned from last year’s conference.

Shopping here I come

As I live in a northern Canadian city, dressy summer clothing is a minuscule part of my wardrobe. My Canada summer wear is more on the casual side and leans towards hiking, biking and outdoorsy kinds of activities such as summer festivals and concerts. So I have planned several shopping excursions to make sure I have the right stuff to pack.

Follow the dress code

Thankfully, a memo that went out a few weeks ago from the AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) organizers suggesting the conference dress code. Since “business casual” is the dress code for this Hawaii conference, a formal suit is not necessary. Dresses may be worn instead of a two-piece outfit.

What’s a Muumuu?

Muumuus are also appropriate (Hmmm, I don’t’ own one, must add it to my shopping list once I get to Hawaii). Tropical-print dresses are appropriate. Sleeveless tops or sleeveless dresses are OK (thankfully I bought a couple of sleeveless dresses to wear with a peplum jacket for my recent TV. appearances… they will also work for conference by substituting a shrug for the jacket).

Terry’s been warned

We’re staying at the same hotel as the rest of the AICI image consultants so Terry’s image can’t let me down either. (Freudian slip – I mean let him down.) Conference dress for success dress code for men – button-down shirts (usually short-sleeved, but long sleeves are OK, too). Good-quality aloha shirts in muted colors and subtle patterns are popular. (Terry, that means no deafeningly loud Hawaiian shirts, OK.) Khaki pants or dress slacks. Terry may be doing some shopping.

Aloha Wear

For the gala event, “Aloha wear” for both men and women. (I’m not big on prints however I did purchase a sarong wrap dress in a tropical print that is very flattering and plan to wear this for the gala). Terry is still Googling “Aloha wear” advice. At this rate he will still be shopping when we reach Hawaii.

Can you loan me an extra suitcase?

Ok, I’m feeling better now. My conference wardrobe is now hanging in my closet complete with new jewelry, wraps, shoes and handbags. Now that I’ve done the planning, I’m going to relax and enjoy the experience. Just hope everything fits in to my suitcase(s), If not, I’ll just help myself to some of Terry’s space (he wants to travel with just his swim trunks and snorkel gear). Oh well, if by chance I’ve missed something, there is a fashion mall within blocks of our hotel. Aloha!