When you’re deciding what to wear to a networking event, it’s important to ensure that you dress in a way that represents you and gives off the right perception. This means that if you’re networking with other industry professionals to seek out new opportunities or broaden your industry connections, you should give off the perception of a polished industry professional; not someone who just rolled out of bed or just got back from the beach.
Take note of the vibe of the event and dress in a way that is reflective of your personal brand, and think about how you want others to see you.
Pay attention to the vibe
Networking events range in formality, so dress accordingly. If you’re attending a networking event for creatives or freelancers, you’ll probably be able to opt for more casual attire like a jumpsuit or jeans. If you’re going to a networking event for accounting or legal professionals, this will likely be more formal. (Think slacks, blazers, and/or suits). When you’re deciding what to wear to a networking event, it’s important to research the event to get a better feel for what is expected of your appearance.
When in doubt, add a blazer
Nothing brings together a professional outfit quite like a blazer. A blazer with built in structure like a good cut of fabric or darting will make a huge difference in your wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down to meet your needs. This is crucial when it comes to what to wear to a networking event because a good blazer can be worn both to a casual event with jeans, or can be dressed up with slacks, a skirt, or a dress for a more formal event.
For the most versatility, opt for charcoal, black or navy. These colors will give you the widest range and ability to wear the blazer with different outfits.
I talk about the third piece rule a lot, and this is the perfect place to put it into action. A structured and well fitted blazer automatically pulls an outfit together and makes it feel more formal. If you’re trying to keep your business casual attire professional, wearing a jacket will always help.
Opt for shoes that you can easily stand in for the whole event if need be
Networking events often require a lot of standing, so make sure that you opt for a pair of comfortable shoes. With that in mind, shoes do make a difference in an outfit, so make sure that they look nice too. This could mean a pair of nice sandals (these are the ones I’m wearing) if it’s a more casual event, or pumps or nice flats for women, and for men, think about trying a pair of shoes such as wingtips or simple leather boots. The goal is to have a shoe option that appears polished and put together, and can be worn in a variety of situations while always remaining comfortable.
Make sure you’re comfortable
Confidence is the best accessory, and if you’re confident in what you’re wearing, you’ll feel more confident in yourself. When deciding what to wear to a networking event, you want to look good, but don’t opt for looking good at the expense of your comfort. Make sure you’re in clothing that both looks and feels good. If you’re uncomfortable in shoes that you can’t stand in, or in clothing that’s too tight/ill fitted, you won’t have a good time. People will be able to sense your discomfort and/or the fact that you’re not enjoying yourself, which could make them shy away from you.
Make sure that you’re dressed appropriately, but don’t try to break in new shoes at an event. Try on your outfit ahead of time and make sure that everything fits and feels good. This way you won’t have to worry about your outfit and you can focus on networking with other industry professionals.