What to wear for networking events Forum

[crisgcia]

Some female opinions would be much appreciated, but gentlemen are also welcome to reply. How are you usually dressed for networking events given by the law school or organization?

[BlueLotus]

Some female opinions would be much appreciated, but gentlemen are also welcome to reply. How are you usually dressed for networking events given by the law school or organization?

business formal--black skirt suit with nice frilly blouse, panty hose and solid black pumps, light jewelry. i know it's boring, but you don't want to stand out for what you wear at these types of events.

[B.B. Homemaker]

Standard business attire, though if I go to a specifically LGBT event, I get a little more colorful with my shirt, tie, and sock choices, within reason.

[jayessbee]

Depends on how serious business the event, and your school, is. Business casual is a good baseline no matter what. Slacks or chinos and a tailored shirt or sweater/cardigan for guys; ladies can add a dress/skirt and blouse to the mix, or anything that isn't too casual or too revealing (if you have to ask, the answer is probably yes - this goes for guys as well). The color of your clothes don't really matter as long as the print isn't casual; so no plaid, but a shirt that's a single shade of red will probable not be a problem. Make sure the top and bottom are contrasting or (better yet) complimenting; no mono-color outfit or crazy mixes.

What's great about business casual is that it can be less or more formal depending on the event. If it's a bit more, through a blazer on top, a snazzy bow-tie, and your good to go; if it's less then you can forget the blazer and tie at home, roll up those sleeves, and show off the wicked muscles you get from lugging heavy-ass casebooks everywhere and raising that hand all day in class.

If the event is serious business, a formal suite is the way to go. Be different though, add layers where you can and what makes sense based on the season. Formal is also where you can really get into adding extra bits to your outfit to make yourself stand out.

Brown or black belt is standard, pick whichever one goes with your shoes. Standard dress shoes or boots should be fine (just make sure they are clean and well polished). Ladies get more variety with shoes and belts too.

Jewelry is a personal thing, but in general less is more; something subtle and elegant, I think, is the best bet. Jewelry is also an excellent conversation starter, so pick something you can actually talk about. Forget that dinky high-school or undergraduate ring at home though, unless you went to an Ivy for undergrad that is. Watches are a good addition no matter what since you don't want to get caught checking your cell, and trying to spy one of the wall clocks can also be seen as rude. Guys should definitely invest in a decent pocket-watch (conversation starter and time-piece, all in one).

Hats are another accessory to consider (for guys and gals), as well as scarves (also for guys, though be careful on the design and thickness of the material) and shawls depending on how (in)formal the whole thing is (not for guys, unless it's LGBT and they have a sense of humor). Just don't get too ridiculous (again, if you have to ask, the answer is probably yes).

No matter what, make sure what you are wearing actually fits. Don't be that person who is swimming in their clothes. One, it's disrespectful; Two, you look like a dork (or a 90's businessman); Three, it's uncomfortable. Find a tailor/jeweler and get your sizes, then go buy things that fit, or get your current stuff resized.

TL;DR: Don't be boring, but don't be stupid. Add color and extras to make yourself memorable; add conversation starters to get past that awkward ice-breaker stage. Make sure your clothes fit for a good impression. Have fun, and don't forget to follow up afterwards or all your hard work will be for nothing (unless you decided to go in a boob toob and Daisy Dukes).

[A. Nony Mouse]

I really don't agree that a pocket-watch is a good accessory for a guy, and hats aren't supposed to be worn indoors, so ditch them unless it's an outdoor reception or something.

[Easy-E]

Depends on how serious business the event, and your school, is. Business casual is a good baseline no matter what. Slacks or chinos and a tailored shirt or sweater/cardigan for guys; ladies can add a dress/skirt and blouse to the mix, or anything that isn't too casual or too revealing (if you have to ask, the answer is probably yes - this goes for guys as well). The color of your clothes don't really matter as long as the print isn't casual; so no plaid, but a shirt that's a single shade of red will probable not be a problem. Make sure the top and bottom are contrasting or (better yet) complimenting; no mono-color outfit or crazy mixes.

What's great about business casual is that it can be less or more formal depending on the event. If it's a bit more, through a blazer on top, a snazzy bow-tie, and your good to go; if it's less then you can forget the blazer and tie at home, roll up those sleeves, and show off the wicked muscles you get from lugging heavy-ass casebooks everywhere and raising that hand all day in class.

If the event is serious business, a formal suite is the way to go. Be different though, add layers where you can and what makes sense based on the season. Formal is also where you can really get into adding extra bits to your outfit to make yourself stand out.

Brown or black belt is standard, pick whichever one goes with your shoes. Standard dress shoes or boots should be fine (just make sure they are clean and well polished). Ladies get more variety with shoes and belts too.

Jewelry is a personal thing, but in general less is more; something subtle and elegant, I think, is the best bet. Jewelry is also an excellent conversation starter, so pick something you can actually talk about. Forget that dinky high-school or undergraduate ring at home though, unless you went to an Ivy for undergrad that is. Watches are a good addition no matter what since you don't want to get caught checking your cell, and trying to spy one of the wall clocks can also be seen as rude. Guys should definitely invest in a decent pocket-watch (conversation starter and time-piece, all in one).

Hats are another accessory to consider (for guys and gals), as well as scarves (also for guys, though be careful on the design and thickness of the material) and shawls depending on how (in)formal the whole thing is (not for guys, unless it's LGBT and they have a sense of humor). Just don't get too ridiculous (again, if you have to ask, the answer is probably yes).

No matter what, make sure what you are wearing actually fits. Don't be that person who is swimming in their clothes. One, it's disrespectful; Two, you look like a dork (or a 90's businessman); Three, it's uncomfortable. Find a tailor/jeweler and get your sizes, then go buy things that fit, or get your current stuff resized.

TL;DR: Don't be boring, but don't be stupid. Add color and extras to make yourself memorable; add conversation starters to get past that awkward ice-breaker stage. Make sure your clothes fit for a good impression. Have fun, and don't forget to follow up afterwards or all your hard work will be for nothing (unless you decided to go in a boob toob and Daisy Dukes).

Bad advice bolded

[RamenNoodle]

What really needs to be settled is the "full vs. half windsor" debate. Personally, I use the half windsor unless I really want to feel magnanimous.

[rinkrat19]

Your school should specify a dress code. NU wants biz-cas at some events and biz-formal at some events. If they don't specify, ask. If they really won't give you one, they're retarded and just wear a suit.

Biz-formal: Women should have a dark, plainly-cut suit, pants or knee-length pencil skirt, hose, and 1-3" closed-toe heels in black or nude leather. No cropped jacket, capri pants, interesting trim, bold stripes or patterns, short skirt, super-tight skirt or pants, statement jewelry. Color on an otherwise plain shell or shirt is ok if the suit is appropriately boring, but ivory is always the safest bet. Pinstripes are ok if narrow and extremely subtle on a dark color. 1/2" platform in otherwise boring heels is ok if it's subtle. Minimize cleavage (don't need to wear a turtleneck to hide the girls, but the eye should not be drawn), and wear a cami if the edges or texture of your bra shows through your shirt (or NEVER unbutton your jacket).

Biz-casual: Knee-length skirt or dress pants, similar blouse or shirt to biz-formal. If sleeveless, must cover bare shoulders with a jacket or cardigan. Can be a little more interesting with colors and patterns. E.g. a patterned blouse/solid skirt or patterned skirt/solid blouse, etc. I have, myself, worn a lime green skirt with a navy-and-white patterned blouse and white blazer and gotten compliments on the outfit, but some might think that was a little much. A safer version would be solid blouse and a tweed or floral-patterned skirt and a cardigan.

For a networking event, you could probably just carry a padfolio, but for interviews, have a plain black leather tote. Nameless brand or Coach or MK is ok, but rolling in with a LV or Fendi or something is over the top and you risk looking like a spoiled princess.

[romothesavior]

Depends on how serious business the event, and your school, is. Business casual is a good baseline no matter what. Slacks or chinos and a tailored shirt or sweater/cardigan for guys; ladies can add a dress/skirt and blouse to the mix, or anything that isn't too casual or too revealing (if you have to ask, the answer is probably yes - this goes for guys as well). The color of your clothes don't really matter as long as the print isn't casual; so no plaid, but a shirt that's a single shade of red will probable not be a problem. Make sure the top and bottom are contrasting or (better yet) complimenting; no mono-color outfit or crazy mixes.

What's great about business casual is that it can be less or more formal depending on the event. If it's a bit more, through a blazer on top, a snazzy bow-tie, and your good to go; if it's less then you can forget the blazer and tie at home, roll up those sleeves, and show off the wicked muscles you get from lugging heavy-ass casebooks everywhere and raising that hand all day in class.

If the event is serious business, a formal suite is the way to go. Be different though, add layers where you can and what makes sense based on the season. Formal is also where you can really get into adding extra bits to your outfit to make yourself stand out.

Brown or black belt is standard, pick whichever one goes with your shoes. Standard dress shoes or boots should be fine (just make sure they are clean and well polished). Ladies get more variety with shoes and belts too.

Jewelry is a personal thing, but in general less is more; something subtle and elegant, I think, is the best bet. Jewelry is also an excellent conversation starter, so pick something you can actually talk about. Forget that dinky high-school or undergraduate ring at home though, unless you went to an Ivy for undergrad that is. Watches are a good addition no matter what since you don't want to get caught checking your cell, and trying to spy one of the wall clocks can also be seen as rude. Guys should definitely invest in a decent pocket-watch (conversation starter and time-piece, all in one).

Hats are another accessory to consider (for guys and gals), as well as scarves (also for guys, though be careful on the design and thickness of the material) and shawls depending on how (in)formal the whole thing is (not for guys, unless it's LGBT and they have a sense of humor). Just don't get too ridiculous (again, if you have to ask, the answer is probably yes).

No matter what, make sure what you are wearing actually fits. Don't be that person who is swimming in their clothes. One, it's disrespectful; Two, you look like a dork (or a 90's businessman); Three, it's uncomfortable. Find a tailor/jeweler and get your sizes, then go buy things that fit, or get your current stuff resized.

TL;DR: Don't be boring, but don't be stupid. Add color and extras to make yourself memorable; add conversation starters to get past that awkward ice-breaker stage. Make sure your clothes fit for a good impression. Have fun, and don't forget to follow up afterwards or all your hard work will be for nothing (unless you decided to go in a boob toob and Daisy Dukes).

This is an odd mixture of solid advice and really stupid advice. Yes, fit is important. And yes, a nice dressy watch looks solid with a suit. But lol @ wearing a hat or scarf to a networking event. And a pocket watch? Just... no.

OP, at a law school networking function, you will see men wearing everything from way-too-casual business casual (think polo and slacks) to the most formal business attire (solid charcoal suit, white dress shirt, and a solid tie). Women seem to have less clear delineations between casual/business casual/business formal than men do, but you can feel comfortable and fit right in if you straddle the line between business casual and business formal. Dress pants + dress blouse or professional skirt + dress blouse will work fine. Maybe a casual blazer too. As mentioned by another poster, cover your bare shoulders, and make sure your skirt is an appropriate length. I know that comes off as paternalistic/misogynistic coming from a guy, but unfortunately, it's something to bear in mind in our conservatively-dressed profession.

I think you should avoid a padfolio for a networking event. It comes off as very try-hard. I mean, what notes are you going to take? You're there to shake hands and chit chat.

[CaptainLeela]

Welcome to TLS

[shock259]

lol @ pocket watch.

And I would wear a suit unless told otherwise.

[kwabbs]

Rule of thumb.. if you are questioning whether you should wear it, you probably shouldn't wear it.

[Easy-E]

What really needs to be settled is the "full vs. half windsor" debate. Personally, I use the half windsor unless I really want to feel magnanimous.

Don't wear a full windsor IMO. It's big and dumb looking, I see it as similar to wearing a contrast collar shirt or a 3 piece suit to a networking event/interview. Half windsor, or four-in-hand.

[Canada99]

What really needs to be settled is the "full vs. half windsor" debate. Personally, I use the half windsor unless I really want to feel magnanimous.

I don't think you know what 'magnanimous' means.