How to Look Professional and Stay Warm at Outdoor Networking Events

Dressing for work can be a challenge when it’s freezing outside. We want to stay warm and comfortable while still looking professional. The same is true for outdoor networking events. It’s important not to freeze, but also important to make a good impression. These are people, after all, who are potential partners, employees, or employers. Hence, looking the part and playing the part is key here! Creating stylish looks with custom uniform work jackets can sometimes be a balance between comfort and professionalism, which can indeed be done. Check out our practical styling tips on how to stay warm while still looking professional at outdoor networking events. Even if it’s not the dead of winter, weather can be varying in the spring and autumn months, so you will want to be sure you have some insulation. Better to be safe than sorry!

Think Layers

One of the best ways to stay warm while still looking professional is to think layers. Wearing layers is one of the best ways to keep insulated while staying outside for long hours. If you and your team are expected to be wearing company-specific business logo work clothing then we recommend layering underneath your work shirt with classic insulators such as thermals, wool and cashmere turtlenecks, and even a light down vest. This way other networkers can clearly see what you represent without compromising on your warmth and comfort. Even if you don’t need to be wearing a custom work shirt, we recommend layering with the aforementioned pieces. If you are wearing pants, try wearing long underwear beneath them. If you will be wearing tights, choose wool tights over silk tights for an extra layer of warmth. Carefully choose the layers you wear so they are professional-looking warm pieces that don’t look too bulky when layered, and you’re sure to look and feel good, even while outside networking.

Long Coats and Jackets

Finding the perfect coat or jacket for an outdoor networking event is key. If your event is in winter, you will want to be wearing a longer overcoat style made from a reliably warm material, such as wool. Wool overcoats or peacoats look strikingly sophisticated and professional while allowing you the comfort and insulation you need to enjoy and focus on your work while at your event. Long overcoats are especially great because the extra length covers your legs, providing you with the elegance and warmth of a long overcoat. If you are going to a networking event with your team, then consider investing in uniform work coats for everyone to wear. This way you can represent your company, create cohesion with your coworkers, and stay warm while maintaining a professional appearance. If the weather is warmer, then consider wearing a custom uniform work vest underneath a heavy or wool blazer. The vest is light and the blazer will lend an extra layer for warmth and look professional.

Professional Accessories

Choose your outerwear accessories wisely when styling your outdoor networking event. Try to avoid chunky or run-down looking pieces, such as thick knit scarves or those faded gloves you’ve been wearing everywhere for the last decade. We recommend choosing outwear pieces made from warm materials and have a minimalist and sophisticated look. For example, a classic cashmere scarf in a neutral color is a perfect choice for an outdoor networking event. You’ll probably want to comfortably be using your hands during your networking event for taking notes, exchanging emails, using your touch screen phone or tablet, and more. With all that hand use, you want to be sure your digits stay warm. If it’s on the colder side, then choose dressier-looking gloves such as fleece-lined leather gloves or cashmere knit gloves. If the weather is warmer, but you still want to keep your hands warm, opt instead for fashionable fingerless gloves. Fingerless gloves allow you all the motions of your fingers while still keeping your hands cozy. If you want to wear a hat, be sure it looks professional. Something sleek and fashionable, such as a beret for ladies and a minimalist and fine knit hat for men.

Smart Fabrics and Colors

When dressing for your outdoor networking event, remember to choose your fabrics wisely. Fabrics such as polyester and cotton are not ideal for staying warm, whereas wool, cashmere, and silks are more appropriate for cooler temperatures. Natural fabrics also look more professional, too. When choosing colors, we recommend neutral tones such as black, navy, grays, and creams. With these tips, you are sure to look professional and stay toasty!

Networking events are important, so just because yours is scheduled to be outside doesn’t mean you have to catch a chill or look like a snowman. Following these tips will help you feel comfortable, warm, and confident during your event while still looking sophisticated and professional.