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Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:20 am
by Iconoclast
I apologize if this is covered somewhere - the advanced search is down and everything I found using the regular search talks about either formal (interview) attire or "what to wear at orientation."

I'm unsure what to wear at informal networking events (social mixer / bar review type events where local attorneys will be in attendance). I've got suits covered, and I have casual down to an art :) But when it comes to that area in between, I'm pretty clueless.

I'm thinking along the lines of a blazer, nice shirt (no tie), and jeans. (Something along the lines of what is pictured here: http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs ... m_vc=27656 ).

Am I way off base?

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:23 am
by twert
generally business casual is a suit dressed down to exclude the jacket and tie. this would probably be safer for networking events than jeans.

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:42 am
by awesomepossum
If lawyers are there, definitely no jeans.

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:44 am
by Rand M.
The jeans pictured there are waaay too casual. Generally, the darker the wash, the more formal the denim. That said, I echo what the poster above said, and think that it's best to avoid jeans altogether in such a setting. I think that real pants are probably even more essential than a jacket in this case. Dress slacks (flat-front) with a tucked in shirt of just about any kind fills the 'grey area' pretty well. Pants and button downs are appropriate for most rooms. Suit minus the jacket is all you need to create business casual.

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:49 am
by Iconoclast
Cool, thanks guys!

I'll skip the jeans and replace 'em with slacks.

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:53 am
by dougroberts
What I wear is usually dressy slacks (black or charcoal color) with white or so dress shirt tucked in and if weather-appropriate, a nice wool v-neck sweater on top, like those from BR.

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 10:37 am
by StudentAthlete
oxford, blazer, slacks... ties and suits are not necessary. hth

Re: Clothing (not suits) for informal networking events?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 7:49 pm
by vamedic03
Also, it's worth mentioning that you should get a 2 button navy blazer