What is the Dress Code for This Year?

[scottcooks]

Keep in mind that Home Office folks love to meet and greet, and you may possibly have breakfast next to Marla (she was at our table) or Lisa Flynn (she sat next to me) and you want to look nice, not 'wish you looked better'.

Be professional. You are CEO of your own business. How do you want to come across to people? You never get a second chance to make a first impression...Always dress well: it makes an attractive person even more attractive, and an ordinary person less noticeable!

 

[gaddischef]

Keep in mind that Home Office folks love to meet and greet, and you may possibly have breakfast next to Marla (she was at our table) or Lisa Flynn (she sat next to me) and you want to look nice, not 'wish you looked better'.

Be professional. You are CEO of your own business. How do you want to come across to people? You never get a second chance to make a first impression...Always dress well: it makes an attractive person even more attractive, and an ordinary person less noticeable!

well said!

 

[DebbieJ]

Also, I keep hearing "what you would wear to a show". I never knew we were supposed to dress up for shows. I usually wear a nice pair of jeans and a logo shirt. I pull myself together, but I don't get dressed up. Am I doning something wrong. I was never trained on anything.

I hear ya. Tonight I wore a solid color v-neck knit shirt, denim capris, and flip flops to my show! I have gotten more casual the longer I do this. I usually wear khaki type pants or capris and a solid color knit shirt with closed toe shoes.

 

[raebates]

Keep in mind that Home Office folks love to meet and greet, and you may possibly have breakfast next to Marla (she was at our table) or Lisa Flynn (she sat next to me) and you want to look nice, not 'wish you looked better'.

Be professional. You are CEO of your own business. How do you want to come across to people? You never get a second chance to make a first impression...Always dress well: it makes an attractive person even more attractive, and an ordinary person less noticeable!

Such good points, Scott.

I live in a very casual area, so I almost always wear jeans to do my shows along with a PC logo top--lightweight knit or polo when it's warm; sweatshirt when it's cold. I would never think of dressing that way for NC. When I meet Marla, Jean, Lisa, or Doris, I want to feel confident and poised. After all, they always look professional and put-together.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I have planned to be more casual this year at NC. I usually wear slacks with sweater sets or nice shirts and healed sandals. This year I'm pretty much wearing capris, sandals and a nice shirt. I'm kinda frustrated with my wardrobe right now. I've lost weight (which is a good thing!) but my pants are all to big for me now, I went shopping for new ones, but my problem is that I am short and even with heals the petite pants are still too long and I just don't have time to hem them - so capris it is this year.

 

[dannyzmom]

I'm kinda struggling with this. I am going to take a couple of skirts/church clothes, but I am not a dressy person. I am a stay at home mom to three boys, and before staying home I was a nanny for 2 years. My wordrobe has been shorts and capri's (and maybe jeans for the one month it is actually cold here). Even our church is a jeans and a polo type environment. I have one pair of dress pants that I wear to church sometimes.
Also, I keep hearing "what you would wear to a show". I never knew we were supposed to dress up for shows. I usually wear a nice pair of jeans and a logo shirt. I pull myself together, but I don't get dressed up. Am I doning something wrong. I was never trained on anything.

I was taught that we should dress for success. Present the image we would like people to see. Personally, I intend to make it to the executive level one day (the sooner, the better) and thus, dress as professionally as I can afford to at conference.

It makes me feel good, it puts me in the professional frame of mind. I know if I showed up to NC in jeans, I'd "feel" like I was in jeans...in other words, I'd feel totally relaxed and casual and not business-focused at all. I plan to keep my head in the game and dress as such.

I have dress slacks and a logo button down oxford style shirt for Monday (my travel day and most casual) and pantsuits for the the other 3 days. And an FYI - I bought my pantsuits at a consignment shop dirt cheap. You don't have to spend big bucks to look professional.

 

[dannyzmom]

Keep in mind that Home Office folks love to meet and greet, and you may possibly have breakfast next to Marla (she was at our table) or Lisa Flynn (she sat next to me) and you want to look nice, not 'wish you looked better'.

Be professional. You are CEO of your own business. How do you want to come across to people? You never get a second chance to make a first impression...Always dress well: it makes an attractive person even more attractive, and an ordinary person less noticeable!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[wadesgirl]

Paulette and Wadesgirl, thanks for the input on clearance shopping. I am an avid garage sale shopper and love a great deal. My problem is that I only have one pair of dress slacks. I am tall and extremely long legged. I can't find dress pants for any less for $50 and in a pinch I can't find that great of a deal. I have nice tops, b/c that is what I usually wear around here, but I really only have jeans or shorts to go with them. I have a pair of dress knee length shorts, but they are brown, and that would then require me to take another pair of shoes with me (I am taking 2 and they are both black).
I know it will work out. I am just trying to pack really lightly and only do carryons. I am spending all of my budget to go and to pay for childcare for my 3 kids while I am gone and DH is at work.

I'm taking two pairs of capris and wearning them for the four days! There is nothing wrong with that, no one will notice. If you are concerned, you can always take a small bottle of Febreeze and spray them at night to keep them smelling good.

I def agree with dressing for success! I don't "dress up" for shows but I do wear something nice. You won't see me in formal wear with heels, up do, etc. But I do usually wear a nice bare of dressy sandels or shoes, slacks or capris and a nice top, small amount of makeup and my hair pulled back.

 

[LeslieSGI]

I have planned to be more casual this year at NC. I usually wear slacks with sweater sets or nice shirts and healed sandals. This year I'm pretty much wearing capris, sandals and a nice shirt. I'm kinda frustrated with my wardrobe right now. I've lost weight (which is a good thing!) but my pants are all to big for me now, I went shopping for new ones, but my problem is that I am short and even with heals the petite pants are still too long and I just don't have time to hem them - so capris it is this year.

Capris (and other "high water pants") have been a godsend for the vertically challenged these past several years! Here, I can get away with wearing them about 11 months out of the year. I never liked the "Business Length Bermudas" back in the 1980's - I wanted to but they never worked for me. (What was the point if you needed to wear pantyhose with them?)

Anyway, Capris Rock! Back to your regular thread.​

 

[Chef Gilles]

Maybe it's because I'm a guy but why be so concern about dress codes? Be comfortable! As it was mentionned, you are your business' own CEO. When I do shows, I only wear white shirts and mostly dress pants but for meetings, I'll probably wear nice clean denim blue jeans or coloured ones with a nice shirt. Why do I need to impress the tops guns at PC? I need to impress and look successful for my customers and potential customers. I will meet no potential customers at conference so I will just dress comfortably and cleanly. But then again, I'm in Canada eah! Enjoy conference girls and don't stress over clothes!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Maybe it's because I'm a guy but why be so concern about dress codes? Be comfortable! As it was mentionned, you are your business' own CEO. When I do shows, I only wear white shirts and mostly dress pants but for meetings, I'll probably wear nice clean denim blue jeans or coloured ones with a nice shirt. Why do I need to impress the tops guns at PC? I need to impress and look successful for my customers and potential customers. I will meet no potential customers at conference so I will just dress comfortably and cleanly. But then again, I'm in Canada eah! Enjoy conference girls and don't stress over clothes!

that sorta says it all....

 

[dannyzmom]

Maybe it's because I'm a guy but why be so concern about dress codes? Be comfortable! As it was mentionned, you are your business' own CEO. When I do shows, I only wear white shirts and mostly dress pants but for meetings, I'll probably wear nice clean denim blue jeans or coloured ones with a nice shirt. Why do I need to impress the tops guns at PC? I need to impress and look successful for my customers and potential customers. I will meet no potential customers at conference so I will just dress comfortably and cleanly. But then again, I'm in Canada eah! Enjoy conference girls and don't stress over clothes!

Actually, every year you hear about tons of consultants who end up signing new recruits while at National Conference.

 

[Candice]

would it be bad to bring a pair of flip flops with me in case my feet start to hurt in my other shoes?

 

[pampchefsarah]

would it be bad to bring a pair of flip flops with me in case my feet start to hurt in my other shoes?

Personally - and you can take it or leave it, because I know I'm in a very small minority - I think flip flops are great . . . for the beach, for the park, for stomping around your own yard, etc. But, inside, especially in a business or formal setting, where others have to hear that annoying noise for which they are named(!), I consider it very inappropriate. Like I said, though, that may be just me.

You know, I only wear two pairs of slacks during the work week, with a pair of jeans on Fridays. Why do I feel I have to have a different pair of pants every day of NC? Thanks, Amanda, you just saved me a bunch of money I don't have to spend!

I agree, also, with wearing your nicely, and putting on some make-up. I have empirical proof this makes a huge difference in how people view you. I wore logo wear, and carried my catalog tote one day. Have done this in the past many times. This day was different, though, because I had fixed my hair and put on make-up for an event I was doing. While running errands after the event three different people approached ME about PC!! Usually, nobody says a word!

 

[etteluap70PC]

Personally - and you can take it or leave it, because I know I'm in a very small minority - I think flip flops are great . . . for the beach, for the park, for stomping around your own yard, etc. But, inside, especially in a business or formal setting, where others have to hear that annoying noise for which they are named(!), I consider it very inappropriate. Like I said, though, that may be just me.

You know, I only wear two pairs of slacks during the work week, with a pair of jeans on Fridays. Why do I feel I have to have a different pair of pants every day of NC? Thanks, Amanda, you just saved me a bunch of money I don't have to spend!

I agree, also, with wearing your nicely, and putting on some make-up. I have empirical proof this makes a huge difference in how people view you. I wore logo wear, and carried my catalog tote one day. Have done this in the past many times. This day was different, though, because I had fixed my hair and put on make-up for an event I was doing. While running errands after the event three different people approached ME about PC!! Usually, nobody says a word!

I agree with the Text in bold 100%

 

[dannyzmom]

I agree with the Text in bold 100%

So do I. :thumbup:

 

[cookie325]

If you're worried about your feet hurting, see if you can find a cheap pair of ballet flats to wear. I found some made by Dr. Scholl's that are specifically designed to fit in a small purse and to be worn when heels become too painful. I found them in the clearance section at Wal-Mart for $6.41. I also came across some Crocs the other day at Big Lots on sale for $10. I bought both because, well...just because. Crocs are always comfortable for me, and these look like ballet flats so I can wear with my dress clothes and both will easily fit in a small tote bag.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

I bought a pair of heeled crocs that are awesome! I'm taking them with me. I never wore heels because my feet hurt at the end of the day. These heels are Heaven! My feet feel better in them than they do in some flats. AND they are very classy looking. I'm wearing them with a pair of black slacks and a blouse that is black with a black lace over it. I'm here for a business conference, so I like to dress for success.

 

[nene960]

would it be bad to bring a pair of flip flops with me in case my feet start to hurt in my other shoes?

I am wearing nicer flip flops most of the time. They are super comfy and outside of tennis shoes they are the only shoes I can wear for an extended period of time. I don't see anything wrong with it. Most nice shoes aren't comfortable anyway

 

[wendyt]

I hear your frustration on the petite pants. I'm also very petite and lost weight recently. I plan to wear capris also.

 

[Shawnna]

I will be wearing capri pants and nice tops. I will also be wearing heels...I wear heels all the time...but I will be bringing my nice pair of sadals...which some might consider to be flip flops. When I think of flip flops I think of old navy...that is where I buy all my flip flops...but there are similar shoes that are dressier.

 

[etteluap70PC]

I am wearing nicer flip flops most of the time. They are super comfy and outside of tennis shoes they are the only shoes I can wear for an extended period of time. I don't see anything wrong with it. Most nice shoes aren't comfortable anyway

If that is how you are most comfortable than go for it.

But I beg to differ on the nice shoes. I saved up and went to a "real" shoe store and found nice shoes that actually feel good! They are even heels and I NEVER wear heels.

 

[raebates]

Yes, make sure your feet are comfy. I will say, though, that the pumps and heels I'll be wearing are very comfortable, even when I wear them all day. I have jeans and funky sneakers to change into for after hours, but that's just because I'm faster in my sneaks.

 

[nene960]

If that is how you are most comfortable than go for it.

But I beg to differ on the nice shoes. I saved up and went to a "real" shoe store and found nice shoes that actually feel good! They are even heels and I NEVER wear heels.

Oh, I am sure there are shoes out there that are more comfortable! I'm just too cheap to spend the money on them!. I can handle wearing them to church, but not 8 hours with lots of walking lol

 

[cookingwithlove]

I am wearing nicer flip flops most of the time. They are super comfy and outside of tennis shoes they are the only shoes I can wear for an extended period of time. I don't see anything wrong with it. Most nice shoes aren't comfortable anyway

You should try Danskos!

 

[cookn' katie]

I am taking nicer shoes to wear, but throwing my leather flip flops in my bag, because I would rather have comfort over blisters and be limping around!!. And when you say flip flops are you meaning cute nicer flip flops or Old Navy flip flops. There is a definate difference!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I am taking nicer shoes to wear, but throwing my leather flip flops in my bag, because I would rather have comfort over blisters and be limping around!!. And when you say flip flops are you meaning cute nicer flip flops or Old Navy flip flops. There is a definate difference!!

I agree - my dressiest sandals I guess could be termed "flip-flops" depending on peoples definition. Who knows...I may be wearing flip flops part of the time without even realizing it!

 

[chefjeanine]

I agree - my dressiest sandals I guess could be termed "flip-flops" depending on peoples definition. Who knows...I may be wearing flip flops part of the time without even realizing it!

Me too. I have a pair of Rockport's that are "flip-flops" but definitely were not $5 at the corner store.

 

[cookn' katie]

Talked with my AD today, she is wearing capris and nice flip flops almost every day!

 

[PamperedchefDaly]

Last year was my first year at NC and I really stressed about the dress code. I was so stressed that I almost didn't go. This year I have a different attitude. I wear jeans all the time. I don't own dress clothes. I work in a school kitchen, so I don't have "business clothes." I go to a church that's very casual (even the pastor doesn't dress up). I did buy one pair of black dress pants, which I will be bringing with me again this year, along with a pair of black twill pants. That's going to have to do.

As far as shoes, I am wearing my black Birkinstock clogs. I have arthritis in both feet, and if the Birk's start to hurt, I am switching to my black flip flops. Sorry, but that's the way it is.

I especially took note of the "dress du jour" last year. There was everything from super dressy to super casual. And the bottom line? It really doesn't matter. For what it's worth, I saw many women with their "business shoes" taking their shoes off before a workshop and applying Band-aids. So how professional looking is that?

The most important thing to remember is that we are at NC to LEARN.