When you picture the combination of high fashion and high technology, you probably think oil and water and “never the twain shall meet.” Saying “developer” and “fashionista” in the same sentence? Not likely. However, now that wearable devices are gaining popularity with consumers and big-name designers, “opposites attract” is perhaps a more accurate idiom for 2016.
Let’s consider Michael Kors. This hot brand has demonstrated interest in high-tech by creating chic lipstick tubes and compact mirrors that double as portable phone chargers. CuteCircuit, a London-based wearable fashion company favored by Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, has been popular at previous New York Fashion Weeks. CNBC recently shared a fascinating list of future trends to watch, with even more fashion-forward wearable tech surprises. The driving force behind these cool trends are developers, coders and engineers, and whatever they do—including what they wear—influences the rest of us.
Dreamforce 2015: One of technology’s hottest spots
If you are into developer watching, you’ll want to attend Dreamforce 2015. You’ll see a lot of them among the nearly 130,000 people from around the world that will soon descend upon downtown San Francisco; they tend to hang out at the DevZone.
Dress code for coders
Take a look at some tips from Fashionforce 2015, the first-ever Salesforce developer fashion show held in conjunction with the local Salesforce Raleigh User Group and featured by the Salesforce Foundation. This event raised nearly US$3,000 from corporate sponsorships, which donated proceeds to three nonprofit North Carolina Salesforce organizations: Carolina Tiger Rescue, Children’s Flight of Hope and the Triangle Volunteer Center.
The developers hit the runway in RTP at Fashionforce 2015.
Diversity in the DevZone
The exciting thing about this regional event with its theme of “What to Wear to the DevZone” was how it showcased the diversity of today’s developers, beyond just their individual styles.
Not surprisingly, the most popular ensembles in the show focused on the combination of comfort and technology—with options to dress it up if the mood strikes.
Female engineers striking a pose in their tees and hoodies.
Fashion tips for Dreamforce
The Dreamforce DevZone and Admin Zone are friendly places that encourage Salesforce employees to wear whatever they want. Like the fashion show, it is a diverse crowd that challenges the stereotypes of technology professionals. The rounds in Fashionforce 2015 opened with cool t-shirts from local vendor Oak City Collective, followed by American Giant’s “world’s best hoodies,” wearables and accessories from Apple and Google, and Dreamforce gala wear for men and women. Based on the feedback from the show, here are some tips to strut your geek-chic self at this conference:
Tip #1: Pack your favorite tees
Tees are long-time techie favorites and easy to pack for Dreamforce—plus, you don’t have to iron them. Most people are staying four nights (Sept. 15-18), and to save space in your bag, consider packing one or two less than you normally would to save room. You will easily score at least two free t-shirts in the vendor hall.
Tees are long-time developer favorites. This model is wearing a t-shirt from Oak City Collective ($25).
Tip #2: Bring your best hoodie
Hoodies are another techie favorite and highly recommended since they are easy to pack and can be worn multiple days over your tees when the convention center (or San Francisco with its unpredictable weather) gets a little chilly. Some rooms can be frigid, so it’s best to be prepared.
The Fashionforce models show how developers and hoodies are better together. Oak City Collective hoodies: $59. American Giant medium hoodie: $90.
Tip #3: Accessorize with technology
Portable Mobile Phone Chargers: You will run out of juice faster than you think, and it’s a huge annoyance to have to search for an outlet while attending a technical session or hands-on workshop.
Messenger Bag: Be sure to bring your own messenger bag or backpack to carry your laptop, devices, chargers, and conference swag.
Accessories like a messenger bag, a cool backpack or Google Glass help underscore geek chic. Briggs & Riley Messenger Bag: $200. Google Glass: $1,500.
Tip #4: Wear your wearables
Google Glass and Apple watches are cool to bring, but not required. Salesforce has been promoting some cool applications for the Apple Watch, so if you’re planning to build some of these applications on a wearable, then you should absolutely bring them.
This model wears the latest Apple Jawbone ($49.99 to $179.99) to be sure she gets all her steps in.
Tip #5: Geek out at the Gala
The geeks come out at night at Dreamforce for the Gala event. You’ll see a wide range of attire in the Tech Zones, and it’s important to wear what you’re comfortable with at this outdoor concert. This year, it’s at Pier 70 with music by the Foo Fighters and Gary Clark Jr.
Danh wears a sports coat (Ticknor’s in Raleigh) casually thrown over his t-shirt to dress it up for the gala.
Staying in the DevZone
At Dreamforce, I live in the DevZone. I’d like to invite you to my presentation on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. My session, called “Lightning Connect: Lessons Learned,” takes place on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. I will show you how to get external data in an easy “click-not-code” style.
And don’t forget to visit the Progress DataDirect booth #W837 at the Cloud Expo.
