What to wear to a networking event
Wear smart casual with a blazer, a plain top and comfortable shoes, with pockets for your phone and cards so your hands stay free to shake hands and hold a drink. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident enough to start conversations.
Three outfits that work
Navy blazer, cream top, tailored trousers
- navy blazer with pockets
- cream silk-look top
- charcoal tailored trousers
- black comfortable shoes
- small cross-body bag
A blazer with pockets holds cards and a phone, and a calm top and tailored trousers look polished without being stiff.
Navy blazer, open-collar shirt, chinos
- navy blazer with pockets
- open-collar white shirt
- charcoal chinos
- brown leather shoes
- slim bag for cards
An open-collar shirt and chinos feel approachable, and a blazer gives enough polish for introductions.
Longline blazer, wide trousers, hijab
- navy longline blazer
- white long-sleeved blouse
- charcoal wide trousers
- beige hijab
- black loafers
A long blazer over wide trousers covers well, leaves room to move, and has pockets for cards and a phone.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Breathable fabrics and a light blazer; carry a handkerchief for warm rooms. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A blazer and a layer for the journey; many venues are cold at the door and warm inside. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm coat for the journey that you leave in the cloakroom, and a fine knit under the blazer. |
Do and don’t
- Wear a blazer or jacket with pockets
- Choose comfortable shoes; you will stand for hours
- Wear a name tag on your right side so it is seen when you shake hands
- Keep your right hand free and dry for greetings
- Wear anything that creases badly when you sit or stand
- Carry a large bag or coat while mingling
- Wear strong perfume in a crowded room
- Wear a lanyard on a delicate fabric
Check the night before
- Check the venue, dress code and time
- Bring business cards or a QR code on your phone
- Prepare a short introduction and two questions
- Wear shoes you have already worn
- Charge your phone and set it to silent
Questions people ask
What should I wear to a networking event?
Smart casual to business casual: a blazer with a plain top and tailored trousers or a smart dress. Adjust to the industry.
What shoes should I wear to a networking event?
Comfortable closed shoes such as loafers, Oxfords or low block heels. You will stand for most of the evening.
Should I wear a name tag?
Yes, on the right side of your chest, so people see it when they shake your hand.
What should I carry to a networking event?
Business cards or a QR code, a phone, a pen and a small bag. Leave coats at the cloakroom so your hands are free.
Pick Networking event in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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