Ladies, What Do You Wear for a Presentation?

When it comes time to decide what to wear for a presentation, there are a number of questions that need to be answered. Whether the speech is being given virtually or in person, choosing the right conference attire is of the utmost importance. Those who take the time to choose the right presentation outfit will remove one of their main worries from the equation and be able to concentrate on their material and delivery.

Once the type of speech you are preparing for has been established, there are a few follow-up questions that need to be answered. These are the queries that will help you decide what you wish to convey to the audience.

What Do You Want to Project With Your Style?

This is where the speaker has to decide whether she is looking to convey a sense of authority or whether she would prefer a more down-to-earth look. In fact, a speaker must always project that she is both credible and approachable using visual messages that say: “I know my stuff but I’m human and you can ask me anything”. 

The audience also has to be closely considered. Are you going to be speaking with a group of young, female entry level employees who are more likely to connect with someone who is dressed less formally? Or will you be speaking to a group of established executives who expect you to look serious and professional? The answer to this question will determine what you wish to communicate, aligned with audience expectations.

How Will You Stand out in the Crowd?

As we know, people make judgements about you in a very few seconds. Does your chosen conference attire represent the most important aspects about you? Could someone tell your experience, position, values, skills and accomplishments… just in the first glance? For example, if you are a corporate executive who is looking to project an appropriate sense of authority you will want to choose an outfit that is tailored and stylish. Skirted and trouser suits in a noticeable color and current style are great in this regard. The tailoring lends you credibility, and the color, (rather than traditional grey, black, navy or brown) gives the impression you are updated in outlook and ideas.

On the other hand, there are some who may play a professional role that is less dependent on this business style of dress. If you are known for blogging or communicating in a less formal way, or if you are a counselor or coach, the clothing that you choose might reflect that. Simple A-line, full skirted or sheath dresses, shirts or blouses and trousers in good quality fabrics and simple styles are great choices and come in a variety of colors.  

What to Wear for an In-Person Presentation 

The outfit that is chosen will often depend on the nature of the event in question. Let’s take a closer look at the most common conference types and what should be chosen for each.

• Virtual Events: Zoom, TV and Video presentations

This is where a lot of women are tripped up. They are lured into dressing just the top half. Take note of TV anchors who are not likely to be wearing sweatpants to read the news. Studies have shown that the simple act of dressing from top to toe for a virtual event can have a major effect on our self-confidence. The audience is not going to know whether you’re wearing track pants or your best slacks but guess what? You are going to feel that difference!

The outfit that is chosen for these types of events should never detract from the message at hand. Don’t make the mistake of wearing something that is going to require regular adjustments. Beware scarves that slip around, jangling bracelets, buttons that pop or strain, wide sleeves that get caught and hair that is constantly falling in the face. This will draw too much attention away from the actual speech.

Because the online screen shows you as a two- dimensional image, a simple silhouette such as a straight shoulder line with tailored or slightly padded shoulders will improve your visual posture and your upper body shape. A top that glides over your curves and soft vertical lines will be more flattering than anything bulky or gaping. Avoid ruffles, kimono or wide gathered sleeves at the wrist, wide lapels, turtlenecks and tall collars. They are all pretty in real life but take up too much room on screen. Your lower chest to waist isn’t always visible onscreen so keep any details high. Collared, or updated bow or tie blouses are a good choice as is a simple necklace and button earrings. The camera likes bright colors such as tangerine, red, salmon, emerald green, teal, gold, turquoise, mid blue and periwinkle.  Black, grey, light beige and white are not lively enough to command attention. However, you need the color to enhance you rather than overwhelm you. Solid colors or small patterns and florals are always correct because they do not dazzle the viewer or fight with the details behind you; high contrast vertical and horizontal stripes are more tiring for the eyes.  

Makeup is important onscreen so that you don’t fade into the background, but don’t overdo it! Most cameras these days are high definition and show every detail. Blush needs to be light and extremely very well blended to look like skin. Eyes require a defined eyeliner and well applied mascara with separated lashes, as blobs can be easily seen. Very natural upturned false eye lashes can open up the eyes, but thick lashes can look too heavy and take attention away from the eyes. Avoid deep back shadow and keep any eye shadow, if any, extremely subtle and well blended.

• Keynote Speeches

Take inspiration from celebrity speakers, TV hosts or Ted Talk speakers in these instances. If you would like the attention to be focused on your speech and not what you are wearing, there are some simple steps to take.

Structured fabrics and styles which flatter your figure are a great choice, rather than fabrics flowing like curtains, boxy or dramatic and shapeless fashion styles. It is best to choose a wool blend or polyester that doesn’t crease and keeps its shape. Simple jackets and trousers, trouser suits and tailored dresses are useful for this reason.

If your message is innovative or controversial there are three considerations to think about. It is important to project confidence, present yourself as being current, and to convey a high level of expertise: Tailored clothing and impeccable grooming project Credibility; bold colors project Confidence; and a trend haircut and polished makeup project Elegance and Sophistication. 

Color choices are pivotal in these instances. For example, bold colors like bright blue, green, gold and red are colors that are commonly used because they are striking. They go a long way towards projecting the necessary confidence. Also, when they are paired with a core color such as white, cream or black for example, the high contrast adds authority to the speaker. Emma Watson’s classic, silver belted jacket for her gender equality speech at the United Nations was unusual but approachable and credible. Her hair was pulled back showing her facial features to best advantage. 

Will you be Seated or Standing?

Footwear needs to be carefully considered when it comes time to decide on an outfit. If you are going to be standing for your presentation, you will want to choose comfortable, yet stylish shoes. Let’s say that you enjoy wearing your tallest stilettos. They may look good, but they are going to hurt your feet if you are standing for a significant length of time. You can always find lower heels and fashionable footwear. 

If you have any further questions about the proper presentation outfits, be sure to contact the good folks at London Image Institute. They are more than happy to answer any queries that you may have, ensuring that you choose the perfect conference attire. Their team of experts is no stranger to getting women prepared for their biggest speeches!