Best Outfits for Networking Events
The best outfits for networking events will feel comfortable yet look professional and stylish. Get style tips and outfit ideas to help you look your best at your next professional networking event.
Find Out the Event’s Dress Code
Review all information about the event, including reviews from prior attendees and pictures posted on social media to get ideas on how to dress for the event. While business casual is always a great rule of thumb, it’s good to have more information should you require dressier or more casual apparel.
Comfort Is Key for Networking
While you want to make a good impression, it would be harder to do so if the clothes you are wearing don’t fit well. Follow these tips for flattering and comfortable business casual outfits:
- Choose quality pieces made from good fabrics that are soft, comfortable, and breathable. A great custom dressy blouse or a pair of dress pants can still be extremely comfortable if they are made by a great brand.
- Make sure items fit well — try them on before the event to be sure. Choose great-fitting pieces and have them hemmed or tailored if needed for the best fit.
- Features like elastic waists, stretch fabric blends, and slits or darts all help clothing fit or breathe and contribute to making your professional clothes feel more comfortable.
- Pair more comfortable, casual pieces with dressier ones. For a great blend of a professional look and relaxed style that makes others feel at ease, consider pairing up items that are slightly more casual with those that are more business-appropriate. A good example of this is a pair of great-fitting dark denim jeans worn with a sport coat or blazer and a crisp button-up shirt or blouse. Guys may want to add a tie, while ladies might opt for a stylish silk scarf or another accessory to jazz it up.
Neutrals Never Fail
If you’re stuck on what colors to wear for your networking event, you can feel confident in your favorite neutral colors. Items like tan chinos and dark trousers are always a great option for bottoms, while button-up tops or blouses in light traditional colors like pale blue or pink never fail. Subtle shades of classic neutrals like off-white, icy gray, and blush pink all work well, too.
More Color Options
If you’re looking for power colors or something that stands out a bit more, you can slip those in along with some great neutral basics for a winning look:
- Red - A touch of red looks great with your professional outfits or custom business casual clothes for women. Think a great tie, pumps, or handbag.
- Green - Shades of subtle to medium green (save the neon for the weekend) feel peaceful and fresh. A green shirt, sweater, or jacket can make you feel great and help facilitate conversation when networking.
- Orange - Orange can be a little bold, but it also has a connotation synonymous with enthusiasm. A touch of orange in an accessory or fabric pattern can help give off the positive energy you feel about your brand or business.
- Purple - Purple conveys a sense of confidence, so it’s also a good choice for a networking event. Tops, sweaters, and accessories are good choices for this color.
Networking Event Outfit Ideas
If you’re looking for pieces to pair together for a networking event, consider these ideas:
- Sweater and button-up combo - A light v-neck sweater looks smart worn over a button-up shirt and paired with khaki pants or a khaki skirt. Men may want to wear a tie; women might want a thin scarf or brooch to dress it up.
- Polo and chinos - Classic polo shirts or company polo shirts and tan chino pants pair for a relaxed look that still looks polished. A polo with your company’s logo takes all the guesswork out of the brand or business you’re passionate about.
- Sport jacket, crisp shirt, and trousers - While you may not want to sport a full business suit to a more casual event, a streamlined sport coat or cute blazer is worn with a crisp shirt and pair of tailored slacks or trousers is a great combination.
- Business dress - A professional custom business dress like a sheath or a-line style can be a simple but impactful option for networking. A nice cardigan can finish off the look.
- Jacket, tees, and jeans - If the networking event is more on the relaxed or casual side, a nice fleece work jacket paired with a fitted tee and denim can work.
The Details Matter
When you’re ready to dress for a networking event, you’ll feel ready to take on the world with the right outfit. Once you’ve decided on the right look and accessories, remember to pay attention to the small details to make the best impression. Iron clothing, replace any missing buttons, polish shoes, and check business bags for wear and tear. With the big outfit decision and the small details taken care of, you’ll be ready to network with confidence! 