Ask Angie: convention booth attire? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: convention booth attire?

Laura V

(website)

Hi,

Hoping you can offer some advice. I'm going to a pet convention in Chicago next month to launch my product, the Doggie Doo All. My question is, like always, what should I wear??? Here's the issue, my male partner is going to wear a polo shirt with our logo on it and jeans. Done and done. My thing is that I don't want to wear a polo. Of course I need to display the logo on anything I wear but my digital transfer company can put the logo on anything. I can wear jeans, it's a pet convention and we'll be at our own booth. However, I want to look like the CEO and inventor that I am. I was thinking slacks with a shell and a cardigan over it with the logo on the cardigan but that seems too boring. Should I try and match my partner??? I really don't want a polo shirt :(((
Please help. I want to look hip but also professional.
Thank you.

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Deb

Sal

Veteran

I have this issue with athletics meets, I try to avoid polos too.
How about a jacket with a logo on it, with a simple tank and jeans.....
Good luck, I hope it goes well for you!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Can you put your logo on a graphic tee with a neckline that flatters you? Then pair it with a pencil skirt (instead of jeans) to take it up a notch, and some pointy toed flats or low wedges? http://youlookfab.com/2013/04/.....algic-tee/

Or instead, pair it with jeans and a jacket worn open so the logo still shows.

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Anonymous

I totally understand not wanting to wear a polo shirt (kind of been there, and it wasn't pretty), so it's nice that you have the option to get the logo on something you'd rather wear.

I like Suz's suggestions a lot. For another idea, could putting the logo on a lightweight sweater with a good neckline for you work? If matching your partner is a big concern, that might look a little more unified since you'd both be in tops without anything layered over them. Then you could wear a pencil skirt, trousers, jeans, whatever, on the bottom and add some comfy but cute shoes.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I am with you all the way about polos. I hate wearing polos! BUT. This is your company, and ultimately, this is your paycheck! So... take it with a grain of salt, you might do better to wear that logo on something very visible and professional-looking, even if it isn't your style ideal.

That being said, I think the tee with the flattering neckline, the jacket, and the midweight sweater are all great ideas, as long as the garment itself is quality.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I used to wear university logo wear to necessary functions. The piece that worked the best was a lightweight fleece vest. Since most convention centers are too dang cold anyway, if you have an embroidered logo, that could work too.

Emily

Veteran

What about a lightweight, logo-ed sweater over a collared shirt, worn with jeans and smart flat shoes?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of the logo tee - especially if it's done large in a graphic manner in center so it's very visible (not sure what the logo looks like of course). You're likely going to want fun, stylish t-shirts for giveaways anyway, right? Then I'd wear an open blazer or other fashionable jacket or vest in colors that go with the company colors. It would be important for that topper to be really open in style though so it doesn't hide the tee too much. I might also get a couple of pins made so I could attach one to my jacket and have in the future to logo anything necessary on the fly. I'd probably wear nice jeans and slightly dressy or at least on trend (comfortable) shoes. Dalmation print slip ons or something like that could be fun.

Diana

Veteran

How about a schoolboy style blazer? Like this:
https://www.jcrew.com/womens_s...../03171.jsp

I think it's a little less formal than a suit blazer, will go with jeans if you want, and matches the preppy vibe of a polo. Choose a color that matches or complements the logo and whatever color your partner is wearing.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I wish you every success with your new product at the convention.

Laura, what types of outfits make you feel fabulous? That's where you start. And then we'll nail the details. The logo transfer is the easy part.

unfrumped

Veteran

I sure like Angie's suggestion about finding what makes you feel like the dynamite CEO.
I also wonder, who's your audience--is it buyers from stores that might stock your product? Is there any useful information about what degree of professional/reliable/ approachable/creative/identifiable "look" works best at your particular convention? I'm thinking marketing and not just personal expression here--or getting the right combination.Or if there even is one. Because that might even raise the question of what your male colleague should wear, and why.

Angie_T

Laura, I want to submit another idea.

I have gone to dozens of shows over the years....both consumer and trade. And I rarely see female upper executives wearing branded clothing. There are always lots of folks working in booths in branded apparel and especially men, because it's so easy for them to do. But when I go in a booth and see a woman who is polished from head to toe, wearing a well put together but comfortable ensemble and a credential....I assume she's the boss.

Have you thought about not wearing branded apparel? Maybe instead, make a branded lanyard or credential holder that is branded?

Just an alternative thought!

Angie_T

Incidentally I love love LOVE your invention!

rachylou

Veteran

How about a scoop-neck, knit top with logo? Or wearing the polo over another shirt (that always makes the polo look more cool).

Laura V

(website)

I love all your feedback and wonderful pictures too. Just bounced the idea of skipping the logo altogether for myself and my partner said. "Sure! But you gotta wear heels!"

So, I was thinking...what if one or two days I wear the logo and maybe one day I don't. Does it even matter? Am I completely overthinking this?

Hmmm...I feel so free of that logo! Thank you for that suggestion.

I will probably wear my Joe's jeans one day with blouse and jacket...love the pencil skirt idea. Just ordered one from Joyous. Have some time and a huge relief now. Now, on to shoes!

Deb

Veteran

May I suggest you dress smartly in whatever makes you comfortable and professional, and wear a name tag with your company logo on it. Don't do the polo..... Not only are you promoting your product, you are promoting yourselves. All the best with the convention and congratulations on your invention.