It’s the age-old question: WHAT DO I WEAR?
When it comes time to pack for a blogging event or conference, the first thing I consider is what outfits I feel good in. And then I think, what will I be comfortable wearing all day?
What makes you feel comfortable and confident? Those are the outfits you want to bring. The last thing you want to do is go out shopping and buy a bunch of stuff that isn’t really you, because you think it’s what you’re “supposed” to wear.
During the day, you can wear pretty much anything you are comfortable in. Shop your closet. You will see some people dressed “business casual,” but you will also see plenty of jeans. You will most likely find me in jeans and a sweater. Here is a photo from last year of the day we arrived. We were all wearing jeans and a sweater or top of some sort. Lisa takes the cake with her “I’m cooler online” t-shirt.
You will also see some ladies in dresses and heels during the day. It’s really up to you — what are YOU most comfortable in? Go with your instincts.
If you feel like your wardrobe is a bit stale, consider adding some inexpensive accessories to pop your outfits. After all, the only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.
Quick. Can you name that movie?
Pick up a cuff bracelet or some bangles at Target or Forever 21. And long necklaces are all the rage right now. Or there’s also the scarf.
For the evening, you will probably want to glam it up a bit. This year, there is a cocktail party both Thursday and Friday nights. (See the agenda for all the deets.) Friday night is also the Tastemaker party. Be sure to RSVP! These are the nights to bring out the dressy jeans or a slinky dress.
Last year I wore my trouser jeans and a sweater and red patent leather pumps. Here I am with my roomies, all dressed up and ready to paint the town red. (Don’t ask me why we we’re partially beheaded. And I have no clue what was going on with my hair.)
There were lots of slacks and dressy blouses. And there were little black dresses and sexy strapless numbers. Amy from Mom Advice took the prize though. Look how adorable she was. That dress is to die for, and I love how she dressed it down a bit with accessories.
Photo credit: Secret Agent Mama
You will also want to bring cute pajamas or sweatpants to hang out after hours. Saturday night is the pajama party, and that’s the night to get comfy and watch a movie or just visit in the lobby like I did last year.
But before that, there is the final closing keynote and the Harry Connick, Jr. performance with a meet-and-greet afterward, so you’ll probably want to wait to put on your PJs until after you’ve had your picture taken with “The Vice-Chairman of the Board.” But that’s totally up to you.
If you have any questions, I’ll be glad to answer them in the comments, but the most important thing is to be yourself and have fun! Remember, a confident woman is a beautiful woman.
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This may seem like a silly question, but is the PJ party an invite-only thing? I hadn’t heard anything about it until reading your post so I wasn’t sure. I’m glad you posted this–I am totally stressing over my wardrobe and complete lack of style. ugh.
Girl,
Thanks for making me feel comfortable and relieving some stress. Wasn’t stressing too much about wardrobe, but then again..
You rocketh,
Dedra
The movie quote is Steel Magnolias! One of my all time favs!!
Thanks for the advice! So excited!!
Ugh, I will have to say I hate my picture there in the middle of you and Sarah. I like that outfit but I will never have my hair professionally styled where it is so flat on my head and the picture has the same effect as this year’s picts – Must go back on diet after Christmas free-for-all. UGH and more ugh. Oh, well, good motivator I guess.
Hi Jo-Lynne,
Thanks so much for the great post. I am going to Blissdom, which is my first conference, so this post was very welcome.
I bought a couple dresses for the cocktail parties, but now I think they may be a little too dressy. Could you take a quick look and let me know your honest opinion? It’s posted here: http://clickclackmom.com/2010/01/blissed-out/
Thanks in advance! I look forward to meeting you in Nashville!
Thanks!
Amy
This sounds like so much fun. I hope I’m able to go!!! Thanks for the advice. =)
Rachel, the PJ party is open invite. As are both cocktail parties AND the Tastemaker party!
Ding ding ding! Staci got it!
Great advice, especially the parts about wearing what’s comfortable and makes you feel confident! See you in just a few weeks.
HULLO! Steel Magnolias
LOVE this post! and those SHOES wow!
You are just too cute!
can’t wait!
You were beheaded because clearly the photographer was trying to get the shoes. That’s a great dressy casual look. That’s where I fail. I’m fine on super-casual, and I’m okay up a notch, but the middle ground is tough for me to put together/buy.
Jennifer, interesting. I think that middle ground is my favorite. (I also like ultra casual. It’s dressy-dressy that I hate.)
This outfit is really just a sweater and trouser jeans. I’d wear that to church or anywhere. I think the shoes are what really makes it. But I often am afraid to wear those shoes b/c I fear they are too much. They were perfect for Blissdom though. I will probably bring them again this year!
Rachel, I almost snagged a picture of your shoes from last year! I loved those. Are you bringing them again?
Amy, I commented on your blog, but in case people reading these comments are wondering, I think that’s totally fine. You can always wear flats or bring a cardigan if you want to dress it down a notch. I look forward to meeting you!
I’ve seen some ladies having t-shirts made for the daytime portion – with their Twitter name or blog name/address. Thoughts on that?
I’m probably going to be wearing jeans and a nice t-shirt or top during the days so I am comfy, but not too casual.
As for the cocktail parties…no clue yet! My body wants to be difficult in shedding the postpartum 15 pds that I didn’t get rid of when my youngest was born 6 months ago!
Tamara
http://www.theunexperiencedmom.com
Tamara, good question! That’s entirely a matter of personal preference. Frankly, I’d never do it b/c I always have cute clothes that I want to wear.
But it is a cute idea, and it would probably be helpful for others attending the event to recognize you.
Oh that is WAY more dressed down than I thought it would be…WONDERFUL! I am not a cocktail dress kind of gal, but some nice trouser pants and cute top will work great for me.
Thanks, Jo-Lynne!
I heart those red shoes. And I’m having blogger envy–perhaps if I start one now I can blog my way to blissdom next year! Have fun!
What great advice! Thanks again for another great post on Blissdom! Us, newbies, really have no idea what to wear.
~Liz
You are the best self-esteem boast ever! Thank you so much! I was thinking of wearing that same dress, but switching accessories and a shrug instead.
I agree though it is whatever everyone feels most confident in. Definitely not something to stress out about since there will be all different degrees from casual to dressy.
LOVED your shoes!! So cute!!
Can’t wait to see you again!!
I’m so glad I read this because this is the first I’ve heard of the pj party too! Thanks for the tips!
Whew, I feel a lot better after reading this. I need rules and a dress code, so this helps immensely. Thanks, girl.
BTW, with the Thurs and Fri parties–are some people just skipping the cocktail parties for Tastemaker and such? Or going to both, or what??
Ashleigh, you can go to them all!!!
Seriously, it all works out. They are usually staggered somewhat, and you can go with the flow. If you’re having fun at the first one and don’t want to leave, you can hang out longer. Or you can move on to the next one. But please come to my Tastemaker party!!!!!! 
At Type-A Mom, I just wore jeans and either a pretty shirt or a shell with a biz jacket over it. Boots during the day (which I sortof regretted later because I sprained my ankle taking photos during the Biltmore tour). I was not the best dressed, but I was certainly not intimidated by the variety of clothing there. Many were in Tshirts and jeans. Most everyone just looked like “THEM” – be yourself!
You are a doll for posting this! It really helps to see pics of what other people are wearing. At home Im always wearing jeans. Always! Im actually excited to dress up for the cocktail parties.
Sounds like a lot of fun.. Where did you get those red pumps I love them? If you don’t mind me asking?
Erika
Erika, thanks! They were from Nordstrom last spring.
I’m at the age comfort is more important than looks. Jeans and sneakers here. Opryland is huge I won’t be doing heels.
Thanks for tips. I din’t know about PJ party??
I’m so glad you posted this. I know you think you are just a dabbling fashionista but you’re my go-to fashion girl. Thanks!
I put a lot of thought into my clothes for SITScation and I still looked like a hot mess. For my next blog conference, I’m going to go with regular clothes that I feel comfortable in and not try to impress people. I just have to trust that people will like me no matter how I dress.
Cool post. Confidence really is the best “accessory”… But it should be center stage!