WHY IT WORKS
Packing for a conference means forward planning – and for Davos, a good pair of snow boots, too
QI’m giving a presentation at this year’s forum in Davos for the first time, and am not sure even my smartest dress will cut it. Would be very grateful for some advice!
AThe World Economic Forum in Davos is fast approaching and I’ve been busy preparing clients for a long week of back-to-back meetings and speaking engagements while tackling the deep snow. Travelling for work, especially to a different climate from home, needs thought and forward planning. Conference centres are usually overhot, and your clothes need to look good from that all important breakfast meeting through to dinner at 9pm.
Packing is key for any conference, and I strongly advise going through your schedule with a fine tooth comb and planning outfits in advance; you want to arrive and feel ready to do the best job possible without worrying about your clothes. If you’re going to be up on stage, make sure your hemline is at a length you feel comfortable in both standing and seated. Wear elegant shoes that you can actually walk in: this isn’t the time to break in a new pair. If you don’t have time to change for evening events, carry lipstick and a sparkly pair of earrings in your bag to transform daywear instead.
If you’ll be photographed representing your company try to inject some colour into your outfit to stand out. Deliver a speech in a pillar box red dress to make a stronger impact, or pair a navy skirt with a bright printed blouse to join a panel discussion. Both will help your confidence reach the audience. Decide in advance what message you want to send with your clothes. Thanks to
below-freezing Swiss temperatures, Davos offers its own very specific set of problems. As you have to walk between each venue, a good pair of snow boots is key: Calzat’s boots have a clever fold-out traction system for extra grip if it turns icy. Don’t be afraid to layer up and look like the Incredible Hulk, either, as you can strip it all off and leave warm gear in a cloakroom once you’re inside. Sheryl Sandberg and Queen Rania of Jordan both strike the right balance of modern and feminine at Davos so do some research.
Finally, if you’re heading on stage, remember that the backdrop is bright blue – don’t wear the same colour, or you’ll disappear.
Wear shoes you can walk in: this isn’t the time to break in a new pair