Networking Attire --

How to figure out your wardrobe when networking.

Written Mar 20, 2011, read 2559 times since then.

Can you believe that my first time networking was two weeks ago? I know what you are thinking; networking it is such a huge part in building a business. How could that not be what you do all the time? In any industry being relatable is a key, to being successful. I hadn’t gone to any networking events because I was just so unsure of what to do. Attending networking events is totally different than being a part of social media communities such as Twitter or Facebook because people join your conversation when they want to impart or encourage. But, in networking parties you actually walk over, introduce yourself and go from there, which adds a little pressure when wanting to meet new people. I am great in one on one conversation and making things fun for clients during out shopping experience but this was different.

Anyway, I loved it and I get it now, no big deal it’s just that first step out that’s a little bit like… what do I do. The networking event was put on by Girl Power Hour which is assembled by a woman named Darnell. As you know I am a designer/ owner and lead wardrobe stylist behind www.camiannalynn.com so the first thing that hit my mind was clothes, then make up, followed by hair or maybe it was clothes, hair, make-upJ .

Your appearance is key to how you interact with others. If you do not feel like you look great; you will probably shy away from conversation and be self conscious at least I am anyway. I need to be confident in the fact that I look great so I can forget myself and focus on others if that makes sense.

I want to give you some insight to picking the right clothes and looking/ feeling amazing at that next networking event so you can represent yourself and your company in the way that will propel you forward.

After the event I realized I did three things subconsciously:

I analyzed the location- What you wear is so much about where you are going. So I went to the website to see the venue which was the Gene Juarez salon downtown (so nice by the way). Based on that location I gathered that something chic and black is always more than appropriate. I began to visualize the Gene Juarez crew and what they wear, but I did not want to blend in with the staff so something extra was needed.
I thought about the weather- we live in Seattle and it’s not always nice outside, actually honestly it is very rarely nice out. More importantly than that it happened to be very windy that day with light rain. So wearing something without sleeves even though I was going to be indoors was not an option for me. I know that I personally get cold.
I figured out what people had worn in the past- Girl Power Hour is known for well dressed amazing women, so I pretty much assumed a dressed up casual dress or skirt or dressed down cocktail dress would work well.

Before your next networking events try these tips, you will be so glad you did.

I guess I should finish with what I wore; I ended up choosing a knee length black stretch dress with red and grey accents, I wore black tights and grey shoes on bottom.

Learn more about the author, Camille Turner .

Posted by Arden Clise, Seattle, Washington | Mar 24, 2011

Camille, I love the advice on how to think through what to wear. It's so true that when I feel comfortable with what I'm wearing I can relax and enjoy the mingling.

Your three steps were great - the venue, the weather and past experience with a group.

I recently wrote an article on how to graciously end a conversation at a networking event called "I'd like to freshen my drink and other little white lies." You might find it helpful since you're new to networking.

Thanks for the great article.
Posted by Camille Turner , Bellevue, Washington | Mar 24, 2011

Hi Arden,

Thank you so much for commenting on the article. I am glad that it was helpful and I really appreciate the feedback.

Your article sounds like a very good as well, I am sure there will come a time when I will need to make a graceful exit. Actually, I have already run into a few of those so I should get to reading.

Thanks again I look forward to connecting with you in the future.

Camille
Posted by Terry Murphy, Southamption, Hampshire United Kingdom | Mar 24, 2011

Thnx Camille, although targeted mainly at women no doubt (the references to make up gave it away), the general comment about feeling good is so true.

We used to say "look the biz" and my dress code has always been (it's less specific as it relates to both genders), dress as if there might be a picture of you in tomorrow's newspaper. Do you look as you would like your market to see you.

Keep up the good work.

--Terry
Posted by Paul Travis, CMC, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Mar 24, 2011

Wow, Cami -- it is so rare and special to hear someone say it was their first time networking!

It took me an entire first career decade to realize what goodness comes from meeting people, learning what their passions are and what they are looking for (whether a new job, new computer, or new babysitter!) and staying in touch with them to be of service in those areas or others that they might find valuable.

May you experience the same goodness, whether with strangers, your suppliers, or your customers. As a fellow Illinoisan (south of Chicago) I also want to you well in your new business!

Cheers, Paul

| Networking 20/20 | Connecting 20/20 |
Posted by Camille Turner , Bellevue, Washington | Mar 24, 2011

Thank you Terry and Paul.
Posted by Chloe Surdyk, Seattle, Washington | Mar 24, 2011

I'm attending my second networking event tonight. Thank you for the awesome pointers!
Posted by Camille Turner , Bellevue, Washington | Mar 25, 2011

Nice! I am sure you will look great, thank you for reading.
Posted by Lisa Cortes, Seattle, Washington | Apr 11, 2011

Hi Camille,

I am new to networking as well. I have attended a few events in the past with different groups but I had no idea what I had to add or how to benefit from networking meetings. As I move in a new career direction I see the benefits of just meeting people.

Thank you for the great tips. I will put them into play when as I develop my image.

Good luck with your endeavors!
Posted by Camille Turner , Bellevue, Washington | Apr 13, 2011

Thank you, you as well.
Posted by James V Jackson II, Coppell, Texas | Apr 26, 2011

Nice post Camile!