People form their first impressions within seven seconds of meeting someone. Web Summit attracts more than 70,000 attendees, and your business casual attire can make or break these significant original moments.

Studies reveal that formally dressed job candidates receive dramatically higher competency ratings than their casual counterparts—97% versus just 14%. Hundreds of founders compete for investor attention at this massive tech conference, making business casual dress code understanding vital. Standing out appropriately matters just as much. A smart strategy combines polished professionalism with a memorable element—maybe even a distinctive color or unique detail that sets you apart without breaking dress code rules.

This last-minute piece will help you direct yourself through Web Summit 2025's fashion expectations confidently, ensuring people remember you for the right reasons.

Decoding the Business Casual Attire Dress Code

Business casual attire means different things in different industries. The tech industry's interpretation can help you avoid fashion mistakes at Web Summit 2025.

What business casual really means in tech

In my latest blog post, I had talked about inspirations for the founders and the different use cases during the Web Summit. Overall, in the tech world takes a more relaxed approach to business casual than other sectors. Steve Jobs proved this by delivering keynote presentations in a simple turtleneck sweater and blue jeans. Tech values comfort with style, unlike corporate settings where formality rules.

A good tech business casual outfit balances professionalism with approachability. You should feel comfortable all day while showing you mean business. Web Summit attendees typically go for smart-casual combinations. Many pair structured pants or dark jeans with collared shirts or blouses and add a well-fitted blazer.

Examples of acceptable vs. avoidable items

Acceptable items include:

· Blazers that make any outfit look sharp

· Chinos or dark, non-distressed jeans

· Button-down shirts and professional polos

· Comfortable yet polished shoes (you'll need them for long days)

· Knee-length skirts with appropriate tops

· Dresses that work for both comfort and professionalism

Items to avoid at all costs:

· Graphic tees or shirts with large logos

· Ripped or distressed jeans

· Athletic wear or sweatpants

· Flip-flops or overly casual sandals

· Anything too tight, too baggy, or too revealing

· Tennis shoes (unless they're sleek and professional)

How Web Summit's vibe influences your outfit

Web Summit creates an atmosphere that mixes professional networking with startup energy. You can choose between two styles: business casual or bold and memorable. Some people wear lime green tailored suits or eye-catching costumes to stand out, but most stick to polished business casual.

In spite of that, one unique element in your outfit can make you memorable without crossing professional lines. A signature accessory or color can reflect your personality and brand. A Forbes journalist at Collision conference stood out by wearing light blue cowboy boots with spikes and rhinestones—they were comfortable and caught everyone's eye.

Lisbon's November weather brings temperature changes, so layers work best as you move between daytime sessions and evening networking events.

Last-Minute Outfit Ideas That Work

“Confidence first. Accessories second.”

— Francesca

Outfit SOS: Outfit Feedback & Inspirational Board

Quick View

Outfit SOS: Outfit Feedback & Inspirational Board

€20.00

Running late, stuck in the fitting room, or tired of the same old looks? You are at home, and you are not sure if your outfit feels professional or if something’s just... off?

Get real-time expert feedback on your looks or pieces and get an inspo board to find new ideas— so you walk into your conference feeling bold, polished, and ready to shine.

Send up to 5 outfit photos via WhatsApp, and get a Pinterest board with some inspirational looks that fit the event! Web Summit is now the focus!

Last-minute packing for Web Summit shouldn't stop you from looking great. These business casual combinations will help you look sharp and professional even if you're rushing to pack.

Blazer + jeans combos for men and women

A blazer-jeans combo is your best friend at tech conferences. Dark-wash jeans without distressing work great with a structured blazer. Men should pick an unstructured navy blazer with patch pockets over dark denim and a button-down or quality t-shirt. Women can rock a tweed or textured blazer with straight-leg jeans. Note that a suit jacket differs from a blazer - blazers have more texture and casual details like patch pockets that pair better with denim [1].

Dresses and skirts that balance comfort and polish

Women heading to Web Summit will find knee-length dresses or skirts with blazers hit the sweet spot. Smart casual dresses paired with comfortable boots give you both style and all-day comfort [2]. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics will keep you looking fresh through long conference days. A simple dress gets an instant upgrade with a structured blazer or cardigan you can take off as needed.

Branded t-shirts with structured layers

Your company's t-shirt fits right in at the conference with the right styling. A branded tee under an unstructured blazer or cardigan looks polished [2]. This style works especially when you have booth duty since your logo stays visible while keeping things professional. Men can pair a branded polo with rolled-up sleeves under a light jacket for a relaxed yet sharp look.

Accessories that raise simple looks

The right accessories turn basic outfits into eye-catching ones. A unique watch, tie, or statement earrings can spark conversations [2]. Men can add instant polish to a blazer with a white pocket square in a presidential fold [3]. Women can carry a structured neutral leather bag to show attention to detail [4].

A signature accessory in your brand's color can make you stand out. A distinctive lapel pin or unique shoes could work - just like that Forbes journalist whose rhinestone cowboy boots left a lasting impression [5].

✨ Book your Web Summit outfit check!
Get up-to-the-minute WhatsApp validation on your outfits and access your personalized Web Summit moodboard — so you can feel confident, stylish, and ready to network like a pro.

The offer is discounted for a limited time to help you enjoy the Web Summit at your best.
👉 Book your outfit advice and inspo now

Quick Fixes to Look Polished Fast

Web Summit starts tomorrow morning and you need to look your best quickly. You don't need hours to look polished—just a few smart moves will do the trick.

Wrinkle-free fabrics and emergency steamers

Wrinkles can ruin your business casual look. Smart packing with wrinkle-resistant fabrics saves you from last-minute ironing hassles. Polyester works great and keeps its shape during long conference days [6]. Wool bounces back to its original form after being packed [6]. Lyocell (Tencel) gives you a softer feel and absorbs 50% better than cotton while staying wrinkle-free [6].

A handheld garment steamer quickly fixes those overnight creases. You'll find steaming works better and faster than ironing [7]. The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam heats up in 40 seconds and its powerful steam removes wrinkles instantly [8]. The Beautural Portable Steamer makes a great travel companion—it works horizontally without leaks [8].

Shoes that are stylish and walkable

You'll walk a lot at Web Summit between stages, networking areas, and after-parties. Your feet need good shoes because poor fits lead to blisters, bunions, and can hurt your vascular system [9].

Sam Edelman Felicia flats work great for women with their heel elastic that adds comfort during long days [10]. Quality loafers help both men and women look authoritative while staying comfortable [11]. The weather might get cool, so ankle boots with good support could help—high-top styles keep your ankles stable [9].

Hair and grooming tips for busy mornings

Your look can change in just five minutes. Quick hair fixes work best when you go for the messy look—just run some styling cream through with your fingers and let the imperfection be part of your style [12]. Dry shampoo freshens up your hair without washing when time runs short [12].

Book your web summit package to get real-time WhatsApp validation of your outfits and your websummit moodboard

Your clothes need replacing once wear shows—worn items look worse on you than they do hanging in your closet [13]. Looking well-groomed isn't about vanity—it shows others you care enough to make an effort, even with limited time [14].

How to Be Remembered (for the Right Reasons)

Standing out among thousands at Web Summit 2025 takes more than just following the business casual dress code. You just need strategic visual elements that complement your pitch.

Adding one standout detail to your outfit

A distinctive element helps you catch attention quickly in a crowded venue. A Forbes journalist left such a lasting impression with his light blue cowboy boots adorned with spikes and rhinestones that an attendee noted, "he's the only person from the event I remember to this day" [2]. A signature accessory—a distinctive watch, unique tie, or statement earrings—naturally starts conversations with potential investors [2].

Color choices that match your brand

Your choice of colors triggers specific emotional responses in potential partners. Most people at tech conferences wear black and blue. Your thoughtful color selection can make you stand out instantly. Blue tones build trust—perfect for fintech ventures. Red shows energy—great for disruptive technologies. Green represents health—ideal for sustainability projects. Black projects power—fitting for luxury tech products [2].

Confidence as your best accessory

Authenticity matters most. "Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Be you" [2]. The right outfit boosts your confidence and helps you deliver your pitch clearly [2]. Looking your best naturally improves your self-assurance [15]. Your visual presence should create a powerful, pulled-together look that matches your craft while adding personality through color [16].

Conclusion

Web Summit 2025 gives you a great chance to build lasting professional connections, so your business casual attire needs careful thought. The guidelines above will help you create a polished look that shows competence and attention to detail, even if you're in a last-minute rush.

Tech's take on business casual lets you be flexible without losing professionalism. Dark jeans paired with a well-fitted blazer can work wonders. Strategic accessories will raise your overall look, and comfortable yet stylish shoes become invaluable during long conference days.

Your confidence remains your strongest asset. A good outfit naturally helps you project authority and stay approachable. Using colors that line up with your brand's values helps you stand out among thousands of attendees.

Business casual sets the foundation, but one distinctive element makes you memorable. This signature detail - be it unique shoes, a special accessory, or a bold color - creates a visual anchor for conversations while staying professional.

You need more than just an appropriate look. Create a visual impression that enhances your pitch and strengthens your brand's identity. An investor meets dozens of founders each day, so standing out appropriately could make the difference between being forgotten or remembered after Web Summit ends.

Pack smart and plan your outfits ahead. You can walk through Web Summit 2025 with confidence once you've found that sweet spot in tech business casual - professional enough for serious consideration yet distinctive enough to leave a lasting impression.