Look the Part at Your Next Networking Event
Like many of you, I recently started attending in-person networking events again and quickly realized that it’s been quite some time since I had to pick an outfit for something like that! There are parts of my closet that have gone untouched for a while now because my networking wear wasn’t being put to work. And, quite frankly, those clothes fit differently now, for a lot of reasons.
The first event was a Princeton-Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon where the featured speaker was a NJ Supreme Court Judge. What does that call for? I wanted to be slightly conservative, but with a splash of panache. I found a black wrap dress with white chain detail. The wrap fit my waistline and the black fit the dress code. The accessories were key because I didn’t want to be too flashy, but I wanted to have a conversation piece (“Oh, I love your necklace/bracelet”). I was comfortable and fit in with flair.
The next event was an after-hours networking party at Imbue Creative, an advertising agency. Here, I felt like I had a little more freedom to be creative and dynamic with my look. I went with a khaki jumper and added some bling with a gold chain belt, chandelier earrings, a long lace kimono and black lace pumps. I felt fabulous and, again, was dressed enough to stand out (in a good way).
The last event was Babes in Business at Porta in Asbury Park. This all-ladies gathering is beautiful in its décor and presentation, and the young women in attendance are highly ambitious and energetic entrepreneurs. For a Babes in Business event, you must dress like a Babe. This called for a bubblegum pink baby doll dress with OTK black suede boots and a leather jacket that I bought from a consignment shop owned by a fellow Babe in Business.
As we begin to attend more of these events, I encourage you to look deep into your wardrobe. Don’t immediately go for the same suit you always wear. Give some thought to what the event is all about, who will be there and what you want your outfit to say about you.