Conference Attire: Suit or Business Casual?

[psyguy83]

Hi everyone,

I have heard mixed opinions on this but would appreciate some feedback on attire for psych conferences. I am presenting a poster at ABCT and am wondering which is more appropriate. Thanks in advance

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[erg923]

Clown outfit: Will pull for people's "automatic thoughts"

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I've seen both at all the conferences I've attended. For a poster, either one should be fine.

 

[CheetahGirl]

Oooooo....I love attire questions!

I would set the bar high, be over-dressed rather than under-dressed...so wear a suit or if (you're like, 'gross!'), then an ironed, stain-free shirt, tie, non-high-water pants. If you're a woman (guess not, since your handle is @psyguy83), I say the same but business casual, if you're opposed to formal business dress.

I'm still old school, but I usually pump out a nice suit for conferences, and even when I see a patient for the first time. Never know who you will meet, and to whom you'll make a favorable impression...as well, as favorably representing your program, school, work.

I like Clown suits. But problem with those, is that you draw all the attention to yourself...and if your findings didn't lead to symposium guest speaker, than maybe just a regular suit would suffice.

#OnMy15-MinuteLunchHour

 

[Justanothergrad]

Dress professionally- whatever that means.

 

[erg923]

Dress professionally- whatever that means.

Scuba suit

 

[WisNeuro]

Either works. If you're planning on doing some heavy duty networking, I'd trend towards dressing up rather than down.

 

[PsyDr]

Jams shorts.

 

[MCParent]

Hi everyone,

I have heard mixed opinions on this but would appreciate some feedback on attire for psych conferences. I am presenting a poster at ABCT and am wondering which is more appropriate. Thanks in advance

Always suit, with some exceptions (eg when APA is in Orlando in August).

 

[smalltownpsych]

If I'm attending a conference, business causal. If I was presenting then blazer and a tie. I don't own a suit. Do people even wear those anymore?

 

[WisNeuro]

Hells yeah, I love me a snazzy 3-piece suit. Although I do have some damn good looking 2-piece traveler suits, too.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

If I'm attending a conference, business causal. If I was presenting then blazer and a tie. I don't own a suit. Do people even wear those anymore?

This is generally what I do as well. I may opt for a suit if I were presenting a talk or participating in a panel, but would be fine with "just" a shirt and tie for a poster or otherwise around the conference. I hate packing suit jackets and blazers for some reason.

I like the look of suits, but I always need to have them tailored, as none fit off the rack. So buying them is a pain.

 

[CheetahGirl]

If I'm attending a conference, business causal. If I was presenting then blazer and a tie. I don't own a suit. Do people even wear those anymore?

Chanel never goes out of style, baby. Although, you KNOW I can't afford them on my postdoc salary.

 

[WisNeuro]

I like the look of suits, but I always need to have them tailored, as none fit off the rack. So buying them is a pain.

That's what you get for being swole.

 

[MCParent]

If I'm attending a conference, business causal. If I was presenting then blazer and a tie. I don't own a suit. Do people even wear those anymore?

I own multiple suits, and owned multiple as a grad student.
You can fairly easily find a tailor to make a fitted or even custom suit (if you have an atypical build). Suit stores regularly have heavy sales, and tailors almost everywhere are used to making suits for people with budgets; only a small part of their sales base actually buys $500 fabric shirts.

 

[MCParent]

That's what you get for being swole.

As a swole, you can get insane deals if you know where to look. It's a complete myth that good custom suits need to cost thousands. 🙂

 

[AcronymAllergy]

As a swole, you can get insane deals if you know where to look. It's a complete myth that good custom suits need to cost thousands. 🙂

So I've heard. I really need to start actually looking into these places.

 

[Justanothergrad]

Always suit, with some exceptions (eg when APA is in Orlando in August).

In Hawaii I think I saw half the APA attendees wear swim suits.

 

[CheetahGirl]

It's a complete myth that good custom suits need to cost thousands

Agreed.

You know I'm getting my Chanel knock-offs from Century 21 Clothing Stores (for those of us in NYC).

 

[PBCocce]

When in doubt, over-dress.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I own multiple suits, and owned multiple as a grad student.
You can fairly easily find a tailor to make a fitted or even custom suit (if you have an atypical build). Suit stores regularly have heavy sales, and tailors almost everywhere are used to making suits for people with budgets; only a small part of their sales base actually buys $500 fabric shirts.

I think I gave up on suits sometime in the '90s. That was before I even went to grad school. 😛

 

[CheetahGirl]

I think I gave up on suits sometime in the '90s. That was before I even went to grad school. 😛

You working the psychologist cardigan and this underneath?

 

[smalltownpsych]

You working the psychologist cardigan and this underneath?

View attachment 210170

lol How did you know I went in for cardigans?
As long as I don't look like this guy, then I'll be alright.

 

[smalltownpsych]

This is the look I'm going for...

 

[entitlement]

ABCT tends to be on the more formal side, so I'd wear a suit. My rule is always a suit (or a blazer at least) if I'm presenting (I never wear a tie unless its a meeting/conference somewhere more stuffy, like DC or even New York). Business casual if its a large conference like ABCT/APA. For local conferences, at least here in California, I tend to just wear nice jeans, button down, boots.

 

[psyguy83]

Wow, thanks everyone for your responses. I think I will save the suit for the interviews (hopefully) and go with khakis, dress shirt, and tie. Cheers!

 

[PsychPhDone]

Wow, thanks everyone for your responses. I think I will save the suit for the interviews (hopefully) and go with khakis, dress shirt, and tie. Cheers!

You don't need a suit for ABCT unless that's your jam. Tie and nice shirt should do it. Consider jacket if you might run cold. Conference hotels suck at temperature regulation.

 

[DynamicDidactic]

You know I'm getting my Chanel knock-offs from Century 21 Clothing Stores (for those of us in NYC).

Knock offs? I always thought Century 21 has the authentic articles (of clothes).


FWIW, the range of dress will vary greatly at ABCT. Don't overthink it and if you are not a fan of ties, feel free to go tie-less.

This will be my first big presentation, so for one day I'll have a blazer and a tie.

 

[ClinicalABA]

I think you'd be fine with just a tie. I haven't been to that conference since it was AABT, but poster sessions are relatively informal, often with beer and wine available. Remember, though, you are representing your school, so check with someone there as to what is expected.

If you don't typically wear ties, make sure you know how to tie it correctly (knot appropriate to collar style; correct length; etc). Check your collar afterwards to be sure that it is down in the back and covers the tie- it's amazing how many people don't check this!

You should have at least one suit. Wait for a sale at a place like Men's Wearhouse, get a classic/all purpose cut (flat front, no cuffs) in a shade of blue or gray, and it should last you awhile. If you can pull it off (and I can't), slim cut modern fits look sharp, but you're taking a chance on (a) it still being in style in a few years; and (b) you still fitting into in a few years. At stores like this- ask for help- tell them what you need and what you need it for. Ask them to pick out an appropriate shirt/tie combo for you. Wait for the specific sale on what you need (e.g. 2 for one sale on shirts- 75 bucks for a shirt is steep, 75 for 2 is a good deal). Avoid those boxed shirt-tie sets from JC penny, Sears, etc- generally poor quality and inconsistent fit.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Knock offs? I always thought Century 21 has the authentic articles (of clothes).

I can't speak to C21, but many discount stores will offer "authentic" clothing from a designer label, but the line will be made specifically for discount stores. The textile quality is typically a step down and the fit can vary slightly.

For instance, Brooks Brothers Outlet stores sell "346" men's dress shirts, which are sold exclusively at their outlets. The shirts are decent quality, but they aren't the same quality/thread count/craftsmanship as their 1818 shirts. I believe they also offer a Black Fleece line, which is their version of Ralph Lauren's Purple Label or Calvin Klein's Black Label or "Collection" line; they look and feel noticeably better.

As for suits, there are "off the rack" (OTR), "made to measure" v. "Bespoke". The latter are both "custom", but M2M uses a standard sized template and tweaks from there, as opposed to bespoke where new templates are made specifically for you (multiple fittings are required for this route). Both are fine, with M2M being much less expensive. Fit and textiles matter the most. Paul Stuart is my current fav, but their stuff is $$$, whether it is off the rack or bespoke; great textiles and a twist on classic looks. Spending $ on a good tailor can make a suit look great.

Best advice is to find a decent quality suit and an excellent tailor. Get a few shirts tailored and a decent pair of shoes and upgrade as you can afford. Quality stuff (not necessarily "designer" names, which can be lower quality if you aren't picky) will last you much longer. /guy who loves clothes

 

[Pragma]

Depends on the conference and what you are doing there. Doing a big talk? Wear a suit.

Weather matters too. If it is in a hot location, generally you'll see some more relaxed attire (e.g., khakis and a polo).

If I am presenting I usually go suit/tie, but not always. If I am just hanging out there as an observer, then I might just do khakis and a dress shirt or sweater.