FinCon First Timer: What’s the Dress Code for FinCon

10/11/2017

Easily the number one question first timers ask is “what’s the dress code for FinCon?”

It gets asked every year in the Facebook group. And for good reason, the last thing you want to do is show up massively over or underdressed. This was definitely one of my biggest questions leading up to my first FinCon.

Which is crazy! You shouldn’t get bogged down on dress code, but I know it stressed me out, and I’m sure it stresses you out too.

So let’s answer it.

The Official FinCon Dress Code

There isn’t one.

But, if I had to boil it down to one simple phrase it would be: Be yourself.

It’s a safe bet to stay away from both ends of the spectrum (it’s not a tuxedo red-carpet affair, but you also may want to leave the pajamas at home).

Below are some specifics about what people wear, but if you are still curious, I’ve organized a bunch of pictures at the bottom of this post as examples of past FinCon events.

The Vast Majority

Most people go for somewhat below business casual.

Blue Jeans + T-Shirt
Blue Jeans + Blouse
Blue Jeans + Button Down

Did I mention blue jeans?

If it’s in a warmer location, you’ll also see lots of shorts.

Most people dress in what makes them feel comfortable. Since the majority of the time, you’ll be interacting with other attendees it tends to be more “laid back” and less “dress-to-impress.”

Exceptions

As with every rule, there are exceptions and some people do go more towards the ends of the dressing spectrum.

Speakers

You’ll notice that on average most speakers will go business-casual or even one notch above that. However, they often change after their talk or dress down on other days.

And of course, there are even exceptions to this. We’ve had lots of speakers deliver their talk in shorts and flip-flops.

Deal-Makers and Pro-Networkers

If you’re at FinCon to make deals or brand-partnerships with other companies, you may want to class it up a bit. You’ll see more people dressed up for the Pro-Networking event. You’ll also see some people dressed up who are looking to partner with brands and companies in the Expo Hall or just in the hallways around the hotel.

The “This Is My One Time Per Year” People

A lot of our attendees work from home (often in their pajamas). Sometimes they’ll dress up because this is their one chance a year. They like dressing up every now and again, so this gives them an excuse.