Some invitations to networking events skip the dress code, leaving you to figure it out on your own. Your outfit is the biggest factor in what impression you make when you walk in. If you overdress, you might feel out of place. And if you underdress, you risk looking like you don’t take things seriously.
If you’ve got a conference or job interview on your calendar, you need a simple formula to dress your best every time. Read on for an in-depth guide to what to wear to a networking event so you can make a great impression.
How Formal Should a Networking Outfit Be?
There’s no universal dress code for networking events, but business casual is a safe place to start. You can then adjust your outfit based on the industry, the venue, and the time of day.
Start With Business Casual
“Business casual” doesn’t require a full suit, but it’s not your typical weekend wear either. It’s a more relaxed take on traditional corporate wear that keeps you looking effortlessly professional.
Business casual looks for men typically include:
- Button-down shirt or fine knit
- Tailored trousers or chinos
- Optional blazer or jacket
- Leather shoes or loafers
Consider the Event
Business casual can mean something different depending on the industry. Use this as a rough guide for industry events you may encounter:
- Finance, law, and corporate: At these events, you’re expected to bring your A-game. This is when it’s appropriate to wear a suit or, at the least, a blazer with a tie.
- Tech and creative: A more relaxed, smart casual men’s outfit works for these more easygoing events. And you don’t have to wear a blazer.
- Coffee chats: Keep it low-key with chinos and a button-up shirt if you’re meeting up for coffee or a casual lunch. This easygoing outfit helps you appear friendly and approachable.
When in Doubt, Overdress
If you’re stuck between two options, pick the more formal one. It’s much easier to dress down on the spot than dress up. If you need to take your outfit down or notch, try these quick adjustments:
- Untuck your shirt: This works best with less formal shirt styles, such as a polo or button-down. If you untuck a very formal shirt, you risk looking too undone.
- Lose your tie: Slide it off and tuck it in your pocket when you get a chance. Better yet, leave it in the car.
- Unbutton your collar: One button is plenty if you’re trying to look more casual.
What To Wear to a Job Fair or Networking Event
If you want to build an outfit that works for your networking event, you have to choose four pieces that work together. Nail them, and you’ve got a standard look you can lean on for similar occasions. Try this formula to help you pull together outfits in no time.
The Core Look
Here’s what goes into a typical business casual look for a networking event or job interview:
- Top: Stick with a collared dress shirt. If you want something a little less stiff, swap in a fine-knit polo.
- Bottom: Add tailored trousers or dark chinos. Make sure they’re hemmed so that the break rests at the top of your shoe.
- Layer: Throw on a blazer or a sport coat. This ties everything together and makes the outfit look intentional.
- Accessories: Add a pair of nice dress shoes and a matching belt. A nice dress watch is a great finishing touch.
While these four pieces are key for creating business casual outfits, it’s really all about the fit. You could wear the nicest designer labels, but if your blazer’s pulling at your shoulders or your trousers are baggy, you won’t look put together.
As far as color goes, stick to neutrals like navy, charcoal, and gray. They’re easy to mix, photograph well, and don’t stand out too much.
The Shoes
Pick your shoes based on how formal the event is. Try one of these three options for your next conference or seminar:
- Dress shoes: These are the right move for formal, corporate events. Black or dark brown Oxfords are a safe bet, but we also like derby shoes for more relaxed settings.
- Loafers: This footwear is right at home in business casual settings. They’re polished enough to look put-together, and comfortable enough to stand in all afternoon or evening.
- Leather sneakers: These are good options for creative and casual crowds. Make sure they’re clean and skip the bright colors for professional occasions.
Style Inspiration for Networking and Conference Outfits
You can’t wear the same outfit to every type of networking event. Match your look to the setting to show potential new connections you’ve done your homework before you even start a conversation. Here’s how to dress for three of the most common scenarios.
Job Fair or Interview-Style Event
Treat these like job interviews. Stick with the classics and wear a navy, charcoal, or black suit. These colors are good choices because they look professional and everyone accepts them, no matter what industry you’re in.
Pair your suit with a white or light-blue dress shirt, and finish with black or dark brown dress shoes. Skip anything trendy or colorful here.
Conference or Seminar
These events give you a bit more room to breathe as far as the dress code goes. A blazer over a dress shirt looks great without a tie, especially paired with tailored trousers and loafers. This outfit benefits from a personal touch like a patterned pocket square, colorful socks, or a watch with some personality. You still look polished, but less buttoned-up than if you wore a full suit.
After-Work Mixer or Meet-Up
If the event happens later in the day and at a more relaxed location, your outfit should suit the vibe. Layer a sport coat over a knit or button-up shirt and swap the trousers for chinos or dark-wash jeans. Finish the look with leather shoes or clean, neutral sneakers. Steer clear of anything that looks like it belongs at the gym.
5 Networking Outfit Mistakes To Avoid
These five common mistakes are worth checking for before you walk in the door:
- Wearing baggy pieces: Baggy clothing looks sloppy, and anything that’s too tight looks like you’ve outgrown it. Avoid both of these by choosing well-fitting pieces that suit your body and look professional.
- Reading the room wrong: Showing up to a relaxed happy hour in a full suit just doesn’t look right and, similarly, rolling into a corporate mixer in weekend casual clothes sends the wrong message. Match your outfit to the event to avoid looking out of place
- Showing up in gym clothes: The branded polos, gym sneakers, and hoodies you wear at the gym or on the trail have no place at a networking event.
- Not paying attention to detail: People notice little things like wrinkled clothing and scuffed shoes. It looks like you don’t pay attention and can give people a negative impression of your work ethic.
- Overdoing your accessories: Adding one bold accessory, like patterned socks, gives your outfit some personality. Wearing three or four at once looks like you’re trying too hard and can be distracting for other people.
Dress for Success With Men’s Wearhouse
If you have a networking event scheduled, you don’t have to figure out your outfit alone. Men’s Wearhouse associates offer in-store styling to help you find the right pieces for the occasion, whether that’s a suit, a blazer, or a fresh pair of dress shoes. And once you find the final look, our tailoring and alteration services make sure everything fits perfectly.
Men’s Wearhouse has what you need to confidently attend your next networking event. Stop by a store or shop online, and let us help you find an outfit you’ll feel great about.
FAQ
What if the Invite Doesn’t Mention a Dress Code?
Check the event page online, if there is one, or ask the organizer directly. If you can’t find anything out, assume the dress code is business casual and adjust your outfit from there based on the industry and the venue.
Can I Wear Jeans to a Networking Event?
This depends on the setting. Dark-wash jeans with no rips or heavy fading work fine for a relaxed after-work mixer or a creative meetup. Pair them with a blazer or a collared shirt and nice shoes. Skip denim entirely for anything formal, like a job fair or a corporate event where people expect a suit or dress pants.
How Far in Advance Should I Plan My Outfit?
Give yourself at least a few days to plan your networking event outfit. When you’re not scrambling the night before, you can try everything on together and check that the pieces fit the way you remember. This also helps you catch anything that needs a quick trip to the tailor or the dry cleaner.
If you’re wearing new dress shoes, break them in ahead of time. This is always worth it, because the last thing you want is painful blisters halfway through an event full of new connections.
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