When I attended my first proper networking event in Tampa with Old Dominion University’s professional student organization, Propeller Club, last fall, I had no idea what to expect—let alone what to wear. And come to think of it, I didn’t have much of an idea what to wear even to the other mixers I had attended before. If I did know what to wear, quite frankly, I did not want to wear it. Plain top, black blazer and pants, with no room for any creative styling; I felt bored, unoriginal, and honestly just uncomfortable.
Then, there were the dress codes. Since my organization is meant to help business students network and professionally develop, we attend many mixers, networking events, and panels. Many of these events require professional attire.
I had no idea how to distinguish between dressing for “business casual” and just plain “business” attire (and what even is “smart casual?”). In fact, one of the most common questions I asked during my initial time with my club was, “What do I wear?” Guys would say “pants and a button up.” But I hate wearing button ups. How do I know whether I should wear a long dress or a casual pant-blouse combo with a blazer? How do I know if I am overdressed? Without the guidance of Pinterest boards and because there were hardly any other girls, there weren’t many places to go to for help.
At the gala on the last night of the Tampa conference, attendees showed up in anywhere from a prom dress, to cocktail attire to suspenders. On top of that, I heard real adults talking about how they had no idea what to wear since the dress code wasn’t very clear. There, I learned that it’s okay to feel confused, and that in reality, not knowing what to wear is a normal, common occurrence.
Once you take the stress away, you can focus on dressing appropriately, comfortably, and most importantly, confidently.
As a member of this professional business organization over the last few years, I have gotten so much insight on not only how to dress professionally, but also how to have fun doing it. I learned that the most important thing when it comes to professional dressing is understanding the occasion. Will it take place during the day or night? Outside or inside? Is it fancy dinner, or brunch and drinks at a rooftop restaurant?
Some important lessons I have learned:
- Keep dress, skirt, and pant length to almost or at least your knee.
I made the mistake of wearing a mid-thigh level dress to a conference, and believe me—I still get embarrassed looking at group pictures. Stay on the longer side, especially for a corporate/professional event.
- Keep it modest.
Modest does not mean ugly—you can still use your personal style and make bold statements through your apparel. Just be mindful! I used to be so worried about wearing sleeveless tops, but as long as you look professional, it really does not matter (for business casual). I definitely keep a blazer on me, just in case, though!
- Invest in dress shoes or heels.
Nothing completes your outfit like a pair of dress heels, or even platforms. I used one pair of beige platform heels all week, and it went with every single outfit. Get neutrals!
For the conference, I needed a week’s worth of professional/semi-professional attire. I had to do a lot of last minute shopping, but finally had a chance to build a wardrobe of cute, professional outfits that I had always wanted to wear.
While a lot of the nicer options are expensive, you can find dupes at your local department stores or even find your favorites at the thrift store. While I am not the biggest advocate for fast fashion–if it comes to it, even Shein has trendy yet professional pieces, like this brown bodycon dress, with an almost knee-length design and a bow shaped neckline. You can even find tops like this army green, ruched sleeveless blouse, and you can pair it with these pants in mocha brown. If your style is more feminine, I absolutely love these gorgeous maxi-skirt style combinations from Commense, an online retailer—trendy, cute, and playful!
Also, you can never go wrong with a black dress! I found a lovely, almost ankle-length, bodycon, sleeveless black dress with a high neck design at Target. It is unavailable now, but it looked similar to this Bloomingdale dress for a fraction of the price (and it’s prettier). I have received countless compliments on it, and I have found that it is quite literally perfect for every occasion. I wear it even when I have no idea how fancy the dress code is, and it is my go-to for conferences, meetings, interviews, and even nights out with friends at a fancy dinner. Your professional outfits can always be multi-purpose!
Secondly, make sure you have neutral tops and bottoms in your closet. Beige, white, black, tan, brown, and nude shades are all options to make your wardrobe as mix-and-matchable as possible. I borrowed a beautiful white, slightly above the knee-length Calvin Klein dress from a mentor, and it was absolutely perfect for the business/business casual dress code. You can recreate this adorable neutral look by adding only a blazer, or this skirt-top combination and you’re set for business casual attire. You can also recreate this cream and black outfit or this monochromatic blazer moment for a formal look.
Always keep about 1-3 blazers in your wardrobe, along with 1-3 pairs of dress pants, at least one of which matches a blazer, because these can instantly elevate your outfit from business casual to business. I brought two blazers, one top, two pairs of dress pants, and three dresses, and was able to mix and match throughout the entire five days with multiple outfit changes a day.
When it comes to differencing between business casual and business, business is a lot more formal. Think, suit and tie for men, matching pants and blazer sets for women. One example is this white monochromatic set. Typically, you would not wear a matching formal set to a business casual setting. Rather, you would take one piece of the set and mix it up with something casual. Indeed offers a short guide on their website to differentiate business casual versus business attire.
Lastly, if the event is a low-key, daytime gathering, or maybe a “no heels, no flip flops” kind of dress code (maybe a work brunch), your best options are long sundresses and light colors! Flowy, graceful and casual: matches perfectly with a fun, airy atmosphere.
I don’t feel as nervous as I used to be when I am going somewhere professional. Most of that relief comes from having outfits that make me feel cute and comfortable, even when I am talking to people I have never met! According to this 2011 research study by Autumn Heart, a masters student at ODU, there is evidence to show that wearing formal attire, or dressing up, has an influence on the wearer higher than loungewear or casual clothing. An article in Vogue also details former Sotheby’s executive Gabriella Palmieri saying, “A power outfit for me always begins with a great pair of heels.”
One of the biggest things affecting your mood and performance, in my opinion, is your confidence. It is extremely important to feel your best when you’re going to a networking event or a corporate job.
And finally, once you realize how much freedom you really have, it becomes easier to shop for the corporate world, and feels more like dressing up than dressing differently!
