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Do you have an upcoming business dinner or networking event? Do you always ask yourself ‘what do I wear?’ I recently attended a networking event held by a vendor I work with and asked myself the same question.
I am providing a list of helpful ideas and considerations in helping you to find a look that is comfortable, professional, and appropriate. Whether you can just ‘shop your closet’ or add a little garment to your wardrobe, consult these easy ideas you can always incorporate to make you feel well dressed.
Here are things to consider before choosing your business dinner or networking outfit
Here are a list of things I think through before choosing an outfit. Though we can never be certain, try to go through the list of questions before thinking of what to wear.
- How formal is the venue? Is it a nicer restaurant or more like a familiar coffee shop?
- How formal is the event? Is it a evening soiree or more of small group informal gathering?
- What is the weather like outside? Or in the venue? For instance, are you going to be walking from a humid outdoor temperature to a freezing cold conference room?
- Is it a daytime or nighttime event?
- What is the season? Warmer such as in Spring/Summer? vs. colder such as in Winter/Fall
- What is your role at this event? Are you leading it? Are you an attendee? Are you networking or interviewing? How important is it that you influence those you are going to interact with?
- How formal is your industry? Is it more casual like in software, or is it formal like law or finance?
- Who might you be interacting with? Executives, colleagues, vendors, people from other industries?
Here’s a tip: Always take a cardigan or blazer with you if you are unsure of how formal the event is. You can add them to make the outfit more formal or take off for a more casual look.
Here are 3 looks that are comfortable, professional, and appropriate
I have some suggested looks that work for most business dinners and networking events. I also suggest some swaps you can make to customize it to your specific event or needs.
Look #1: A black cardigan over a black dress
This is perfect if the venue is a bit more formal, such as a nice restaurant or conference center.
Try using a black cardigan over a black dress. For a varied look try different colors and fabrics to match the season or temperature. Check out the different colors.
Pair a black dress with a cardigan for an instant professional look that is chic for an elegant networking event. If you need even more formalwear, try a blazer on top. Check out the dress.
These have become my go-to flats for work events. They are so comfy, and perfect if you may need to walk through halls of a building or conference center. Yet, they still look sophisticated. Check them out.
Look #2: Blazer or jacket over a white shell and jeans
This is a great outfit if you need to combine a bit of polish with a more casual venue. It gives you a somewhat stylish, formal but relaxed vibe in the same statement. Also great for industries, such as tech, where the vibe can be more informal. If the venue is more formal, consider swapping out the jeans for black or grey pants. Maybe even khaki for a daytime look.
A white V neck T shirt or blouse would also work underneath. I would go with a dark wash for the jeans. You can also vary the color of the jacket to lighten up the look. Check out the jacket color options.
Look #3: A printed blouse and black pants
This is a nice outfit if you are looking for a business casual dress code. A printed or floral blouse adds a bit of femininity with a touch of professionalism. Consider adding a cardigan that adds polish without being too formal such as a jacket would do. For daytime looks consider swapping the black pants for khaki. Try varying the cardigan colors for energizing your look.
This printed short sleeve blouse is perfect for when the weather heats up such as in spring or summer. Check out the different colors and prints.
This long sleeve blouse is perfect for spring or summer if you suspect it will be cold inside your venue. You could go with a darker print for a colder season or an evening look. Check out the color and print options.
This black comfy slimming pants are perfect for showing off your elegant shoes.
These low heel pumps have been my go to work shoe for years. I use them when I want a little height, want to look classy, yet still need to walk comfortably. Check them out.
Take a lot of Zoom calls? – check out my zoom outfit ideas
Do you work from home? Check out loungewear that still looks put together.
Business socializing is an essential part of your career. Boost your confidence when you look put together but still feel comfortable. May your career be filled with comfort, leisure, and joy!
