What to wear to a networking event?

Will I be overdressed in business attire? (black pants and a nice sweater?)

I know jeans are not appropriate, and I don't really have any khakis ... I do have brown pants ... ???

And I have one of those unemployment seminars on Wed. When I went to a job fair at the nys dept of labor a few weeks ago, I was the ONLY one in a suit. I'm guessing I'll wear something similar to what I wear to the networking event ... but I just wanted to vent about how much I do not want to go to the dumb DOL thing, and how I know I will be the only one there who looks interested in impressing anyone.

What kind of networking event? And what type of job are you looking for?

I go to networking events all the time for my job and wear a suit. I would dress professionally and maybe a jacket instead of a sweater with your nice pants.

I am a firm believer in dressing for the job you want, and not the job (or situation) you have!

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Posted by NinaChris07

What kind of networking event? And what type of job are you looking for?

I go to networking events all the time for my job and wear a suit. I would dress professionally and maybe a jacket instead of a sweater with your nice pants.

I am a firm believer in dressing for the job you want, and not the job (or situation) you have!

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I'm looking for a communications job - internal communications mainly. It's a public relations professionals of li event at a bar / restaurant - a mingling thing. I have a suit that is not stuffy -- black pants and a jacket that isn't a matching jacket but you would never know ... maybe that with a sweater underneath?

Since you go to networking events a lot - do you mind if I ask for a few tips on how to mingle??? I've never really been to an unstructured one like this. I've been to meetings but not bar events where I am going to have to introduce myself - very nervous!!!

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Posted by Mimacat

Maybe something like this?

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i LOVE that. I ALWAYS used to wear dress pants with button down's with a sweater over it like that or sweater vests

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Posted by JBoothIn2008

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Posted by NinaChris07

What kind of networking event? And what type of job are you looking for?

I go to networking events all the time for my job and wear a suit. I would dress professionally and maybe a jacket instead of a sweater with your nice pants.

I am a firm believer in dressing for the job you want, and not the job (or situation) you have!

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I'm looking for a communications job - internal communications mainly. It's a public relations professionals of li event at a bar / restaurant - a mingling thing. I have a suit that is not stuffy -- black pants and a jacket that isn't a matching jacket but you would never know ... maybe that with a sweater underneath?

Since you go to networking events a lot - do you mind if I ask for a few tips on how to mingle??? I've never really been to an unstructured one like this. I've been to meetings but not bar events where I am going to have to introduce myself - very nervous!!!

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O ok - I would say if you have an interesting or different colored jacket, that would go nicely with your pants, that would work (so its not a full suit) -or a nice sweater. A sweater and pants or a sweater and a skirt. (If its an evening event, most people will be coming right from work, so that's how they will be dressed...).

Networking events are hard, especially if you don't know anyone! I usually go with someone from my firm but I will give you some tips. You just should know that you have to go outside of your comfort zone - few people actually like to walk into a room where they don't know anyone. When you walk in, tell the person who is organizing it or checking you in that it is your first time. They might introduce you to sme people. Other than that, I would go up to people, maybe where there are 2-3 people standing together, walk over and introduce yourself. That's the hardest part, after that, everyone will ask you questions, and the conversation will start and before you know it, you will be speaking and meeting people. Maybe as you order a drink, overhear other's conversations, and if they are talking about something you have an interest in, feel free to butt into the conversation. Also look at people's name tags and company names for conversation starters.

HTH

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Posted by Mimacat

Maybe something like this?

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That's cute. I don't have a white button down if you can imagine such a thing, and I've been meaning to buy one -- so maybe tomorrow I will go to Marshall's and get one. I have a new blue sweater from the gap I am loving and think I'll wear with black pants .... Thanks!

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Posted by NinaChris07

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Posted by JBoothIn2008

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Posted by NinaChris07

What kind of networking event? And what type of job are you looking for?

I go to networking events all the time for my job and wear a suit. I would dress professionally and maybe a jacket instead of a sweater with your nice pants.

I am a firm believer in dressing for the job you want, and not the job (or situation) you have!

---

I'm looking for a communications job - internal communications mainly. It's a public relations professionals of li event at a bar / restaurant - a mingling thing. I have a suit that is not stuffy -- black pants and a jacket that isn't a matching jacket but you would never know ... maybe that with a sweater underneath?

Since you go to networking events a lot - do you mind if I ask for a few tips on how to mingle??? I've never really been to an unstructured one like this. I've been to meetings but not bar events where I am going to have to introduce myself - very nervous!!!

---

O ok - I would say if you have an interesting or different colored jacket, that would go nicely with your pants, that would work (so its not a full suit) -or a nice sweater. A sweater and pants or a sweater and a skirt. (If its an evening event, most people will be coming right from work, so that's how they will be dressed...).

Networking events are hard, especially if you don't know anyone! I usually go with someone from my firm but I will give you some tips. You just should know that you have to go outside of your comfort zone - few people actually like to walk into a room where they don't know anyone. When you walk in, tell the person who is organizing it or checking you in that it is your first time. They might introduce you to sme people. Other than that, I would go up to people, maybe where there are 2-3 people standing together, walk over and introduce yourself. That's the hardest part, after that, everyone will ask you questions, and the conversation will start and before you know it, you will be speaking and meeting people. Maybe as you order a drink, overhear other's conversations, and if they are talking about something you have an interest in, feel free to butt into the conversation. Also look at people's name tags and company names for conversation starters.

HTH

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Thanks! I think the people on the board might introduce me to some folks -- I'm not a member and I discussed the event with a few people over email, so I would think they would recognize the name and help me out! Thanks again.

i agree with the collar shirt, sweater or blazer...better to be over dressed then under!

you're going to be great....just stay confident and you'll start talking to people in no time!