What To Wear is a regular column focusing on conference style and the professional.
Former President of the United States Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at Salesforce Dreamforce 2019, November 19-22, in San Francisco, California.
Salesforce Chairman, Co-CEO, & Founder Marc Benioff will also introduce keynote speakers such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, World Cup & Olympic Champion Megan Rapinoe, The Huffington Post Founder and Thrive Global Founder & CEO Arianna Huffington, Gucci President & CEO Marco Bizzarri, and Actor & SameYou Founder Emilia Clarke aka Daenerys of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons.
Fleetwood Mac will also set the stage on fire and headline Dreamfest this year for a benefit concert to support breakthroughs in children’s health via UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
Salesforce will hold numerous breakout sessions for its more than 170,000 attendees. Content will be tailored specific to industry, themes, roles, & products and will be ongoing throughout the 4-day conference along with panel discussions, fireside chats, and hands-on training. Topics include Is 5G the Future?, From Protests to Policy: Youth Demand Climate Action, Brain Health and Resilience, The New Decade of Data, Trust and Engagement, and CEOs Advocating for Equality. The Cloud Expo will return to Dreamforce with live demos.
If you are going, use Dreamforce 2019 as an opportunity to express your individuality and still invite a fun, professional & confident visual presentation.
Here are six inspirational style guides for #DF19. I chose to focus on a polished jumpsuit and pant looks for guest speakers and attendees. My advice is to choose whatever style best conveys your personality, so if you enjoy wearing dresses, skirts or suits rather than jumpsuits, trousers or jeans, go for it. The following style principals can still be applied.
If you’re a guest speaker, be mindful that you are in the spotlight and what you wear can either distract or support your message. There are several factors to consider: one of the most important is to be aware that you need to be clearly seen by attendees sitting in the first row to the last, as well as appear undistorted in up-close video or Instagram shots, and don’t forget live streaming instant video such as Facebook Live or Insta Stories. The right neckline, silhouette, color, and pattern/print are crucial.
Below are two Fall-inspired guest speaker (or #DF19 after-party) looks. The first look is a puff-sleeve jumpsuit in classic black accessorized with unique, gold metal chain-strap, black, suede slingback pumps; tube hoop earrings, and a chunky, gold, chain link bracelet, plus a complementary tan, parka jacket; architectural-inspired, black, leather, tote bag; and comfy, black and white sneakers to be worn post-talk, as preferred.
H&M Jumpsuit / Staud Bag / Luv Aj Earrings / Monica Vinader Bracelet / Ganni Parka / By Far Pumps / Asics Sneakers
The second guest speaker look is an all-gray, monochromatic look including a luxe, suede/leather/herringbone hybrid jacket (or swap for a sport coat) layered over a color-blocked, light-weight, crewneck sweater paired with complementary textured, flat-front trouser dress pants. Accessories include a sleek Vincero matte gray, chronograph watch and charcoal gray, suede boots.
AllSaints Blazer / Mango Sweater / Ted Baker London Pants / Vincero Watch / AllSaints Boots
If you’re an attendee, I recommend taking comfort as well as style into consideration when planning what to wear. The day is a long affair, and being distracted by throbbing feet, a fussy handbag, a tight belt, or fidgeting with your look in any way is no fun. Below are four fashion-forward, professionally-polished, yet versatile looks for #DF19.
The first look features an on-trend, relaxed-fit, plaid blazer layered over a light-weight, cashmere sweater in black paired with high-waisted, straight-leg, black, denim jeans and accessorized by modern, metal eyeglasses; low-heeled, corduroy booties; and a handsfree, black, leather backpack for ease of movement throughout the day. Swap the sweater for a blouse or tee and the boots for heels, loafers or sneakers, as preferred.
H&M Blazer / Topshop Jeans / Warby Parker Eyeglasses / Everlane Sweater / Calpak Backpack / Madewell Boots
The second attendee look features an ombré, braided, classic, crewneck sweater paired with dark blue jeans and accessorized by complementary suede/leather, colorblocked sneakers and a modern, zip backpack. Add the optional navy, textured bomber jacket and travel size umbrella to accommodate weather fluctuations.
Mango Sweater / H&M Jeans / Zara Jacket / Troubadour Backpack / Lifetex Umbrella / Magnanni Sneakers
The third look features a cozy, teal, cardigan sweater layered over a basic tee paired with trendy, casual, leather trousers. Accessories include a gold, chain necklace; moc-croc boots; and Everlane’s convenient, new, sustainable ReNew Traveler Tote bag, plus a Yeti bottle (or use the one that will be gifted to attendees). 100,000+ single-use plastic bottles will be conserved by providing Dreamforce attendees with a reusable water bottle that also supports clean water access for 8,000+ people in Bugulula, Tanzania.
Carlson Sweater / H&M Pants / Monica Vinader Necklace / Uniqlo Tee / Everlane Bag / Yeti 36oz Bottle / Bleecker & Bond Boots
The fourth attendee look features an on-trend, plaid shirt jacket (aka shacket) layered over Unbound Merino’s hi-tech, temperature control, wrinkle-resistant, eco-friendly shirt in black paired with casual, cotton, corduroy trousers and accessorized by a timeless, leather belt; Converse Chuck Taylor, leather boots; plus retro-inspired sunglasses for outdoor activities.
H&M Shacket / Unbound Merino Shirt / H&M Pants / Salt Sunglasses / Nordstrom Belt / Converse Boots
Credits: Featured image & logo courtesy of Salesforce/Jakub Mosur Photography. Dreamforce visual style guides created by Corporate Fashionista.