What Should You Wear to a Networking Event?

What should you wear to a networking event? That’s a good question because the answer depends on the event and your purpose for attending. Are looking for new customers, a job, or to connect with influencers? Is the event after hours at a local watering hole or is a business luncheon at a fine dining establishment? What you should wear to a networking event isn’t one size fits all.

What Should You Wear?Dress for the Event

The last thing you want to do is be out of place because you over or under dressed. Vet the event before attending. Where is it being held, what time of day, and who’s attending might help inform you as to what to wear. If it’s a regular event are there photos from previous events? If you know someone attending seek their advice, if not contact the organizers and ask them for suggestions.

Fit Your Purpose

Why are you attending the event? If it’s to prospect for business what would you wear if you were calling on prospects? If you’re looking for a job what would you wear to an interview? Fit your apparel to your purpose.

Look Professional

Regardless of the event, dress as a professional. If it’s business casual, don’t take that to mean blue jeans, instead wear slacks, or a skirt and a jacket to set yourself apart in a professional manner. If it’s business attire, wear a business suit. And if it’s after hours blue jean casual add a jacket to your ensemble. Professional also means cleaned and pressed. The wrinkled wash and dry top isn’t okay, don’t do it.

Don’t Over Accessorize

Leave the excess jewelry and that beret or ball cap at home. Dressing flashy with accessories that reflect light around the room may bring attention upon you but it may not be the attention you want.

Dress Your Age

Are you middle aged? Was the last six-pack you had bottled by Budweiser? If so, stay away from the skinny jeans, yoga pants, and midriff exposing tops. Do not show too much skin. Revealing clothing may attract attention, but it ain’t the good kind. Trust me.

Be Comfortable

It’s hard to be at your best in ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothing. If it’s too tight, too loose, or too anything leave it off the list. And be sure to wear shoes that don’t restrict blood flow to your toes. It is a networking event, and you want to be able to walk around and meet folks without wincing in pain at every step.

Pick a Color

It’s best to stay with conservative tones. It’s hard to go wrong with black, gray, navy, or brown. Stay aware from flashy and shiny.

What’s Best for You?

What’s best for you is something you feel comfortable in, that fits the occasion, and creates a professional image. You determine this by researching the event as well as knowing your purpose for attending. If you enjoyed this post, you might also appreciate these.

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker. It makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like, Attending an Event? Don’t Just Sit There.

Photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

 

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