It’s that time of year again as my fellow image colleagues from around the world and I congregate for an annual confab to learn from and with one another.  This year, the annual conference takes us to Vancouver, British Columbia, a cosmopolitan city with strong Asian influences in a country that prides itself on being mannerly in the English tradition.  Yet, with all this looming excitement, on many a colleague’s Facebook personal pages, the question rages on, “What should I wear to the conference?”

It’s a loaded question for an image professional to ask of anyone because it reeks of insecurity.  But I kind of get the point.  No one in this particular occupation of fierce visual judges wishes to be judged harshly in that white-hot spotlight by hundreds of pairs of eyes of one’s colleagues.  Now, I’m sure posting a question or comment like that on Facebook may be to incite conversation.  But with so much public [and private] fury and fuss about how to fit in around others who treat it like a competitive sport, I would remind anyone that, “Venus doesn’t glitter when she stands next to you.”  Stevie Nicks wrote that line about stars in the limelight, and it couldn’t be truer about people’s image in other highly competitive settings.

This is on my mind today because it’s conference packing day.  I know if you’re reading this you can totally relate to the situation.  You might attend conferences within your own professional field.  Or you have to think long and hard about what to wear to particular meetings or presentations where you may be featured or are speaking.  Either way, planning out how to make a statement takes work, and you don’t want to screw it up.

My living environment has had positive effects on my personal style.  Living in Silicon Valley, I now reserve wearing suits for presentations.  Well, guess what?  I’m attending this year’s conference as a student – ready to soak up information and intent to help my clients be their very best.  Wearing business suits isn’t going to help me absorb four day’s worth of information any better.  So, I’m representing Silicon Valley style, along with my Chicago roots, by my wardrobe choices:  three very tasteful sport coat outfits, and two of my favorite sweater outfits direct from France.  I love my suits; but what is coming to Vancouver in my suitcase reflects my evolved personal style and with the intent to impress no one.  Each outfit is appropriate for the setting, and each one will remind me of my comfort zone.

Every time I happen to catch a gaze at the patterns, textures and colors in my jackets, sweater knits, shirts, and trousers, I will be reminded of the complex tapestry they all reflect of my personality and style.  The feeling and knowledge of how well everything fits my body will remind me that, “Yes, I am here.”  Preparing for a big event is never hard when you’re prepared to face your truth and wear it from the inside out.

Designing and managing your image is the secret science to your success.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men, women, and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.