How to Dress For a Business Networking Event

Business networking can provide your business the life support it needs. It is therefore important to always dress for success whenever attending one. 

How you dress when meeting potential investors, sponsors, JV partners or clients can have a significant effect on their first impression of you. And because you represent your business, whatever impression you project to others will affect how your business is perceived by them. 

Having said that, here are some practical tips on how to wear the right outfit to the next networking event or business conference you’ll be attending:

1.       Wear neutral colors.  Avoid wearing bright colors as they’re too loud and can distract people during conversations. Yes, you need to stand out to get noticed, just make sure that you’re not noticed for the wrong reasons. 

Opt for an outfit with neutral colors such as white, cream, navy, black or gray. To make sure that you don’t look too dull, accessorize. For men, a nicely colored tie would do. For women, a chic scarf, bracelet or a sleek clutch.

2.       Wear matching outfits. Try to match the garments you’re wearing by color design or texture. If you’re wearing a blouse with polka dots don’t match it with a pinstriped skirt. Well-matched outfits make you look competent and polished. 

3.       Minimal cleavage. Avoid wearing low-cut dresses which shows too much cleavage. If there’s an after-event party that you plan to attend, then try to cover it up with a scarf or a buttoned-up cardigan while the event is still ongoing.

Final Thoughts

Wear something that projects confidence, intelligence and competence without being too stiff; something professional, yet comfortable. Above all, wear your most confident smile.

Over to you..

Any more tips you want to add? Please comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts.