Okay, so, CES. It’s a big deal, right? Lots of walking, lots of people, and you gotta look somewhat decent. I went last year, and let me tell you, figuring out what to wear was a whole thing.
First Try – Too Fancy
First, I thought, “It’s Vegas, baby!” So, I packed all this fancy stuff. I’m talking nice shoes, a blazer, the whole nine yards. I figured I’d be at fancy dinners and networking events every night. Boy, was I wrong. I showed up on day one, and I was way overdressed. Everyone else was in jeans and t-shirts. I stuck out like a sore thumb. Plus, my feet were killing me after walking miles through those convention halls.
Second Try – Too Casual
So, I pivoted. I went full casual. Think shorts, flip-flops, the works. I was comfortable, sure, but I also looked like I just rolled out of bed. I definitely didn’t feel like I was making the best impression. It’s not like I needed to be in a suit, but there’s a middle ground, you know?
Third Time’s the Charm – Business Casual (But Really Casual)
Finally, I figured it out. The sweet spot is what I call “business casual, but really casual.” Here’s what I landed on:
- Comfortable Shoes: This is key. You’re gonna be walking A LOT. I’m talking sneakers, but like, the nice kind. Not your beat-up gym shoes.
- Jeans or Chinos: Dark wash jeans are perfect. They look put together but are still comfy. Chinos work too, especially if it’s hot.
- T-shirts or Polos: A plain, well-fitting t-shirt is great. If you want to step it up a bit, a polo is a good choice. Just make sure they’re not too wrinkled or anything.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: It can get chilly in those convention centers, so layers are your friend. A light jacket or a nice sweater will do the trick.
- Backpack: You’ll need something to carry your stuff around. A backpack is way more practical than a briefcase.
I ended up wearing this kind of outfit for most of the show, and it worked out great. I was comfortable, I looked presentable, and I didn’t feel out of place. I even got a few compliments!
So, that’s my two cents on what to wear to CES. It’s all about finding that balance between comfort and looking somewhat professional. Learn from my mistakes, folks, and pack smart!