What's your conference style?

Chloe Smyth - senior account executive, Custard Communications

How does your style make you feel confident at work?

I like anything colourful and simplistic that can still show character and personality.

How would you describe your professional style?

Simplistic, feminine, on trend.

Where do you shop?

I'm a big fan of second-hand shopping, so everything is Vinted. My 2024 goal is not to buy anything new. A charity shop is my haven. If you can get it in a charity shop, then why not.

What are you wearing today?

An M&S dress from the charity shop and my shoes and ancient Topshop.

Jackie Boughton, director of commercial, The Barbican Centre

How does your professional style make you feel confident?

I dress to feel confident. How I look is how I feel. Dressing smartly gives me confidence. I wouldn't go to work dressed casually, because you don't know who you're going to meet, and first impressions mean everything.

How do you describe your professional style?

Formal. I like bright, bold colours. It's something the Queen taught me - wear bold, block colours to stand out.

Where do you shop?

The Pretty Dress Company – they do well-tailored fashion, a bit smarter than high street brands. But I shop all over.

Do you have any staple pieces?

Always wear pearls.

Who are your style icons?

Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly.

Francesca Fagotto, conference and events deputy manager at The Bridgewater Hall

What makes you feel confident at work?

Not being forced into a uniform. I like to feel comfortable but also look professional.

Do you like wearing bold colours?

Oh, I love big, bold colours and prints. I think just wearing grey brings everyone down. Women can wear bold colours to stand out in a room full of men who are wearing grey suits.

Where do you shop?

Mostly Vinted, but sometimes I shop at Mango or Next.

How would you describe your style?

Professional but edgy.

Brett Dempsey - account director, Northstar Meetings Group

What makes you feel confident in your work style?

If I look good, I think it reflects in my attitude at an event.

How would you describe your style?

Smart and sophisticated.

What are you wearing today?

Topman trousers, ASOS jacket, and the shirt is M&S. I do love ASOS and their next-day delivery option.

Kai Schomann, managing director of Hotel Republic

How does your professional style make you feel confident?

In the office, it'll be jeans and a sweatshirt, but client-facing it's always smarter.

This morning I thought, 'can I get away with wearing a t-shirt?', and I thought 'Yes, if I put a blazer on with it'. Our clients have also changed their fashion, so we want to match them.

How would you describe your professional style now?

Smart-casual.

Where do you shop?

At the airports a lot. I don't shop online because they never have my size. My standout brand is Burberry and they often have Burberry stores at airports.

What are you wearing today?

Tom Ford shoes, an M&S blazer, and my husband's t-shirt.

Henriette Speed, director and founder b (Just the Letter B) and Jo Beams, buyer community director, MICEBOOK

How does your professional style make you feel confident?

Henriette: The big thing for me now is comfort. When you're rushing around, you can't be uncomfortable.

Jo: Something long, like a skirt or dress. I like a button shirt and it has to be comfortable. I did 30 years in hotels that were formal and restrictive.

Do you think the more casual style translates to more causal business relationships?

Henriette: The business events industry is a bit more casual now and our dress sense echoes our audience.

Jo: Dressing how you want to means you can bring your authentic self to a conference.

How would you describe you professional style?

Henriette: Polished and put together, but still with my own personality poking through. I no longer have a work wardrobe or leisure wardrobe. Today I'm wearing an Arket shirt, an H&M skirt, and Cos shoes. My style is all about longevity.

Jo: I'd describe my style as smart casual - I'm wearing a Hobbs shirt and Jones shoes. The Chloe bag is a celebratory gift.

Nicholas Mansfield-Stuthridge, comms manager - projects and events with Admiral Group

What makes you feel confident in your style?

We're not a very corporate company so that means I can bring personal style into the professional world.

What's your personal style?

Casual with an injection of flair.

Where do you shop?

A bit of high street, but I'm also a big Etsy shopper, I like handmade, one-off pieces.

Who are your style icons?

I watch a lot of 'Get Ready With Me' videos because they show different styles and are inspiring with what you already have in your wardrobe.

What are you wearing today?

Linen trousers from Hollister, Moss Bros shirt, shoes are Levis.

Mark Green, UK business development manager at QEII Centre

How do you dress to feel confident?

When I'm client-facing, I like to be perceived as corporate but casual, a balance of 65 per cent corporate, 35 per cent casual. I want to be welcoming.

How would you describe your style?

A lot more casual than it used to be. I used to have a three-piece suit. But now I'm a little bit less corporate.

There are a lot of younger people coming into the industry and if I look too smart then might not look approachable. So I try to dress in a friendly, accessible way.

Where do you like to shop?

M&S, T.M.Lewin, Next, M&S. I also like wearing things that I've been gifted at events, like this jade bracelet.

Any style icons?

I don't consider myself fashionable at all. I go with the flow when it comes to my work wardrobe.

Gabrielle Austen-Browne, founder of Diversity Alliance

How does your style make your feel confident?

I like well-fitting, well-made clothes that are fairly classic over “in fashion” I also have a thing for fabrics, so I like silk, leather, and chiffon. I like texture and how clothes can feel on the skin. If my clothes feel good, I feel good. I feel inspired by clothes that help reflect how I want to show up that day e.g. do I want to feel powerful, do I want to feel relaxed and approachable, do I want to show vulnerability?

How would you describe your style?

I would say my style is edgy-classic. For example, I like to pair a battered leather jacket and biker boots with a really feminine dress. I love colour and you’ll usually catch me in something bright - neons and red is my fave colour.

Where do you like to shop?

Whistles, &other stories, the Kooples, All Saints and Zara and sometimes Cos.

Tell us about your outfit?

Today I’m wearing a fitted red, calf-length dress that is sleeveless, with a high neck paired with block heels Chelsea boots. Plus red lipstick, I’m never without my red lipstick - it helps elevate any outfit look.