Jun 06, 2018 By Monica Sallay

What to Wear: A Guide to Stay Stylin' at Connections '18

in Events, Connections

Salesforce Connections '18 is the must-attend event for digital marketers and commerce and customer service professionals to learn how to connect with their customers in a whole new way. Taking place from June 12-14 in Chicago, Trailblazers across the globe will come together for three days of the learning, networking, and fun!

Now that thousands of attendees are ready to fly, ride, walk, or run to the Windy City, it's time to answer the age-old question of “what to wear?” Here are four style guides to have you dressed to impress and ready for any occasion:

1. From Plane Departure to Connections Arrival

Many of us are no strangers to the quick transition from travel mode to getting down to business. For those that fly, the minutes between the touchdown of a jet and touchdown of a deal win are minuscule. Lucky for us, the days of trudging around the airport in 4” heels and struggling to nap during airtime while donning uncomfortably stiff fabrics are done, finito, kaput! It would seem that “travel couture” and workwear wouldn't align in a million years, but in the age of athleisure, fashionable flats, and maximal stretch fabric, anything is possible.

From Plane Departure to Connections Arrival tip 1

Styling Tips: A pair of black leather mules are the perfect go-to shoes for staying comfy while walking across the terminal or strolling through the Expo Hall. When experiencing dipping temperatures while ascending into the clouds, wearing mules makes it easy to slip on some warm socks during flight, and then revert back upon landing. Mules with a slight block heel are great for a more formal look, while flat mules allow for a more relaxed feel.

From Plane Departure to Connections Arrival tip 2

Styling Tips: Many sportswear companies today make workwear slacks and button-downs ideal for those on the go. These pieces are made with the same moisture-wicking and movable stretch materials of sports performance gear. This marriage of comfort and class allows travel-to-office stylings to be more comfortable than ever. You can find these workwear hybrids at sportswear stores like Lululemon and UnderArmour nationwide.

2. From Day at Connections to Night on the Town

The fun of Connections doesn't stop when the sun goes down! With an epic musical performance planned and plenty of events happening around Chi-Town over the week, a transitional outfit is essential. The biggest misconception about styling day-to-night ensembles is that formal and fun can't match casual and comfy. Here are a few options that will take you from attending an engaging Super Session to networking at an industry mixer in no time.

From Day at Connections to Night on the Town tip 1

Styling Tips: Wearing a dress might not be the first thing you think of when you hear “comfortable clothing,” but it is probably at the forefront when you picture a night-out ensemble. Enter the dress' little sister: the tunic. A tunic is a bit shorter than a dress and pairs perfectly with some dark skinny jeans and a wide belt to accentuate the waist. Add a satin bomber at sunset when temperatures cool down for a trendy look.

From Day at Connections to Night on the Town tip 2

Styling Tips: Uncomfortable dress shoes are a thing of the past. Designers are combining the breathable fabrics and bouncy soles of running shoes with the design details and quality of formal footwear. Cole Haan's 2.ZERØGRAND Oxford with Stitchlite combines traditional wingtip styling and performance mesh fabric to create the perfect shoe for day-to-night wear.

3. From Outside Heat to Inside AC

The Windy City in June has temperatures that range from around 67°F to 87°F and everywhere in between. To make up for the climbing temps throughout the day, anywhere indoors tends to crank the AC for a pleasant and cool environment. However, some people are more sensitive to temperatures than others and the constant chill begs for a warm cardigan or shawl. Step out into the Chicago sun, and it's a whole different stylistic ballgame. In times like these, layering is key. Here are a few options to pair together and take off or put on as you please.

Styling Tips: Scarves are the most transformative fashion accessory. Drape one over your shoulders while watching a session or tie one around your neck while walking around the Campground. Lululemon's Vinyasa scarf features a whopping ten ways to style it using its snap and stretch material design. Temps warming up? Tie the scarf around your bag handle for a stylish touch.

Styling Tips: Style a cardigan underneath a casual, lightweight sport coat. Eddie Bauer sells a performance material sport coat that makes it easy to fit layers underneath. Because summer cardigans are relatively compact, simply fold the sleeves over the middle, fold the cardigan in half, and roll it up to fit in your backpack or briefcase.

4. From Everyday to Salesforce All the Way

It's Connections '18 and prime time to show off your Salesforce pride! From our signature Trailblazer hoodie to fun and funky Salesforce socks, it's all up to you on how to best style your love for the Ohana.

Styling Tips: One of Salesforce's key values is equality. Its strong stance and efforts in promoting equality everywhere are what sets us apart as the most innovative and forward-thinking company in the world. Add some flair to your outfit with pins representing one of the many Salesforce Ohana Groups like Outforce, Southasiaforce, BOLDforce, Vetforce, Women's Network, Abilityforce, and more!

As part of Salesforce’s commitment to equality for all, Connections welcomes Trailblazers of all gender identities. To ease introductions, we are offering attendees the option to self-identify by choosing a pronoun sticker and button for their lanyard. Don't forget to represent fairness for everyone with the Equality Ally stickers, too!

Styling Tips: There will be loads of free swag at Connections. Be sure to make room in your luggage for all the goodies received to help you remember this epic event!

At the end of the day, all we ask is that you come as you are and enjoy all of the learning, networking, and fun that will be Connections '18! In case you haven't already, be sure to register for all of the excitement and see you there June 12-14 in Chicago!