"What are you going to wear to Blissdom?"

How do you set yourself apart in a room full of bright, talented, funny women? Why, with your wardrobe, natch.

So what are you going to wear at Blissdom?

You know me — I ordinarily wouldn't give a lot of weight to comfort when putting together a fashionable outfit. But if you're going to go the distance at a blogging conference, a certain amount of comfort is going to be necessary. So my first recommendation for Blissdom attendees this year is leggings.

I can hear some of you protesting from here. And I understand. I also used to be against the legging. I adamantly declared that they should be worn as TIGHTS, not PANTS. But let’s be clear: footless tights and leggings are two completely different things. Footless tights are just that – tights. They typically end mid-calf and are great for wearing under skirts. Leggings are thicker. They are ankle-length and are, in fact, pants. HOWEVER. When wearing leggings, the crotch area most definitely needs to be covered. This is non-debatable.

So leggings are going to get you through the day of sessions, but what to wear with them? The boyfriend cardigan is the go-to sweater of the season. It can be layered over a turtleneck or a t-shirt. You can wear it buttoned or open, or button a few of the middle buttons to create an hourglass silhouette. You can even steal the First Lady's look and add a belt.

Ballet flats are probably the most common shoe to wear with leggings, but wearing them tucked into knee-high boots is very new-millennium. Try a pair of flat riding boots if you don't think you can do heels. And contrary to what some misguided fashion writers are saying, you absolutely CAN wear leggings with heels. Pumps, booties, high-heeled sandals or gladiators all give your look a rock-star edge, and will create a kickin' cocktail party look.

Last year at Blissdom, I brought cute little cocktail dresses for the evening parties, but I discovered that most attendees didn't change from their day clothes. This year, I've decided to do day-into-evening outfits. Switch out a cardigan for one that's a little more fun. Throw on a pair of high-heeled ankle boots or oxford booties. Add a pair of chandelier earrings, a cuff bracelet or a funky cocktail ring and you're all set!

If you want to wear a dress to the cocktail party, stand out in the crowd in something that's not black. Go for a cute strapless dress with a fitted cardigan. Or try the universally flattering wrap dress with a cropped jean jacket. Either look would look be finished off nicely with your knee-high boots.

As always, the most important rule for dressing fashionably is to wear something that you feel confident in. And you won't walk with confidence if you aren't comfortable in what you're wearing. Jeans that have to be tugged up or shirts that need to be tugged down are best left at home. The most adorable dress on the rack won't be so cute on if you spend the whole evening trying to hide your bra strap.

So pack up your superhero pants that make you feel invincible and I'll meet you at Blissdom. (I'll be the one in heels.)





PS - If you have specific fashion questions or style conundrums, email me at kalisah@gmail.com. I'll see if I can't answer them in time for Blissdom.