One of the first things that comes up when I’m getting ready for a writing-related trip is, What am I going to wear? I’m not a fashionable person. I just go for whatever’s easy and handy and comfortable. And that’s my conference strategy, too. Here are a few general clothing tips:
1) Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. This is not the place to break out a funky new shoe. Even the intrepid Betsy Bird has done herself in with the wrong shoes. By comfortable, I mean flat except for a little bump in the middle for some arch support. I wore the same bronze flats for four straight days, only changing to sneakers to work out or heels for the dressy banquet. Don’t mess with fashion for your feet except for a couple of specific events. The exhibit hall demands comfort.
2) Dress for heat. ALA is usually hot. It’s held in hot cities in the summer (to keep costs down), and the exhibit hall is crowded. So I’m usually hot whether I’m inside or out. I took one pair of khaki pants, a khaki skirt, and a couple of cool cotton sundresses. I only wore the khakis for flying. It’s probably smart to stuff a light sweater in your tote bag in case a session you attend is highly air conditioned.
Five of the seven Poetry Princesses (top: Kelly Fineman, me, Sara Lewis Holmes; bottom: Tricia Stohr-Hunt, Liz Garton Scanlon) at Jaleo for a wonderful tapas dinner. We’re a mix of pants and casual dresses, and we’re almost all going sleeveless. I’m telling you, it was hot in D.C.!
3) Follow your own style. I wouldn’t recommend jeans, usually, though there are some authors who can look more stylish in jeans than I can all dressed up. That’s so annoying. Anyway, casual, cute skirts and tops or simple dresses are what work for me. Throw on a necklace and I’m good to go. That’s my uniform for pretty much everything at ALA, and it goes easily from the exhibit hall to an event without much changing.
Here I am at one of my signings–simple brown sundress, cami, necklace, and my comfy bronze flats. That’s Amy Thomas with me, who took my class on Writing Children’s Nonfiction Books for the Educational Market and who’s now a published author. She came by to say hi and give me a lovely found poem thank you note!
You want to look nice enough that you’re not thinking, "What was I thinking?" when a librarian wants her picture taken with you. But you don’t want to overdress and look and feel awkward. And you don’t want to mess with falling straps, dresses that come unwrapped, or any other wardrobe malfunctions. Keep it simple and not too far out of your comfort zone. Whatever you wear, try to look confident.
4) For the ALA Newbery Banquet, let it shine. They call it librarian prom for a reason. The outfits range from stylish pants to (mostly) cocktail dresses, with a couple of bridesmaid dresses thrown in for fun.
Here’s me and Kelly Fineman ready for the Banquet. The only time I wore heels all four days.
Stockings–no. Bling–sure. Last year, I wore an OK dress, but I didn’t feel quite dressed up enough. This year, I bought an honest-to-God cocktail dress. I think that might be my first one. Don’t stress out, though. Nobody’s judging. Wear something you feel fabulous in and then forget about it and have a great time.
5) Relax. The fashion standards at ALA are not really that high! Most people are wearing casual
In line at a signing–this gives a fair view of typical exhibit hall attire.
pants/skirts and are not dressed up. It’s just that, if you have a signing or events to do or are meeting people from your publishing companies, you feel like all eyes will be on you. And to some degree, they will. If your usual wardrobe is already full of flair (like if you’re one of those people who can carry off a caftan and make it work), then you’re good to go. If you’re not, just keep it neat and comfortable, and maybe add something for a little flair (jewelry, handmade novel purse, whatever).
And remember this can be fun, but it’s a professional event for you. No supershort skirts, sheer blouses, belly tees, etc. You’re hoping to meet up, not hook up. And if you don’t dress appropriately for the event, librarians will think long and hard before inviting you to speak at their school or library.
And that’s it. Fashion advice from a not-very-fashion-forward writer!