When dressing for networking events I always feel torn. I want to show my flair for fashion but I want to remain relate-able. Lot’s of the events I go to are more business-focused rather than fashion-focused, and those are the ones that I get most excited/nervous/flustered by. I mean, I have always had a job that I go to and I get paid for. Marketing a business is new to me, and I at LEAST want to be comfortable with what I am wearing. When I dress well, I don’t have to worry about whether I am fitting in somewhere or not, and I can just be myself. Now that I have been to a few of these rodeos, I think I have a pretty good handle on how to dress appropriately for different types of networking events.
A few tips I have employed here today:
1. Wear something that flatters your frame and proportions. I have a few go-to dresses that I know I feel pretty bangin’ in. Not sexy bangin’ but put-together bangin.’ This dress fits me, the length is just right (as in not too short).
2. Try to add a little color or print so you stand out from the crowd and show some creativity. I love the color AND print on this dress so it’s a winner for me.
3. If you have to go from your dayjob to happy hour, wear colors that can translate from day to night. This is much more of a happy hour-appropriate dress without the jean jacket. The dress itself is dressier than I usually would wear to work, so I felt kind of special and pretty all day in it, which helped pump me up for the event.
4. Wear a little heel if you can. I could have taken it a step up with the shoes, but this is Austin. We are pretty casual and I had to walk a lot!
5. Bring some lipstick to touch yourself up with beforehand. Big FAIL on that one for me. Also, try not to let the slip layer of your dress twist around so that you feel bunchy and wonder why your slip-strap keeps falling down. Just a tip!
What do you guys wear to networking events?
Dress: Gradyn (Last Call), Jacket (above): Gap, Shoes: Miz Mooz (Stella Says Go), Belt: UO, Jewelry: Kendra Scott
Hi! I'm Laurel Kinney, an Austin-based personal stylist who loves working with smart, creative females who want to look and feel their best. I will help you find your true individual personal style so that you can better focus on what's truly important to you! Click 
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I want that dress!!! You wear it fabulously! Especially with the cute jean jacket and those heels. So pretty! And your tips were spot on!
Hey gorgeous, awesome dress! Even the pattern matches your hair colour
And good tips 
If I had such an event, I guess I’d wear something cute but classic. Exactly the style I feel good in, that represents me somehow, that is still not overdressed but chic and not boring. Your dress was an amazing choice ^_-
But now I’ll finish complaining 
Even if I now feel better ^^
And thanks for your comment! I’m feeling still ill, ran out of tissues, am coughing, trying not to cough loudly on stage because I’m having almost every night a show, exams at school, rehearsals at the theatre, parties I’ve gotta go to, well, same as always, only a little more and in a worse condition. Hay fever and a cold – stupid combination. And because of all that stress I don’t find the time to comment so often
i love everything about your outfit! you look a-mazing and the dress makes your hair look super pretty as well. the only thing i’m jealous about is that you can wear a sleeveless dress and not freeze your butt off!
xo.anna marie
That dress is gorgeous! I really like the way it swishes and swashes (not like a pirate, but like a flower in the breeze). I haven’t been to Last Call in awhile; I love that place!
YOU LOOK SMASHING. That dress is SO pretty! The colors, the pleats, that pretty belt you’ve paired it with… I just love this!
I love your tips Laurel, and the outfit is simply beautiful! I actually really love the shoes, I can’t handle much more of a heel than that.
I would want to get some networking on with you for sure (just go with it).
Dress is absolutely gorgeous on you & the print is so, so pretty! Fantastic tips and I definitely agree about wearing something that really flatters, gives instant polish and professionalism. What do I wear for networking events? Usually a fitted knee length dress, tights, and pumps. Hope your having a lovely weekend. xx veronika
Great dress! Having a few go-to power outfits are very important! Thanks for posting this.
I love your dress. It is indeed the perfect fit. Just found your blog and love your look.
I think one of my biggest challenges is dressing appropriately for my professional events, In academia, not a lot I have met are necessarily into fashion. I don’t want to be too flashy, but I also want to stay true to my style. Your outfit is just lovely! The print of your dress is classic yet makes a huge statement. Beautiful!
I absolutely love your spring time dress! I stumbled across your blog via the stylish housewife- love your blog
Oh my gosh oh my gosh I looooooove this dress! Such a cute print! You look fabulous.
I love the outfit. I know just what you mean about finding the right balance of style and appropriateness. When I used to work in a conservative business casual atmosphere this was a daily battle. I wanted to look good, feel stylish and like myself, but avoid too many raised eyebrows from my bosses. As such, I’ve accumulated a closet full of mid-legnth dresses!
I love the cut of the dress on you! And how it swings. It’s quite lovely. You know your navy and green Anthro dress with the lace? Yeah, I think I’m wearing mine tomorrow
great tips, when I read the first part of the post I had basically the same tips in mind. Also: try to really express what you stand for, both fashionwise and personwise. You have such a fun personality, so showing that is probably a big plus!
gorgeous dress!!!
Such a pretty, feminine dress! Love it
brunetteblogging.com
I concur with the rest of the commenters.
Lovely dress, Laurel!
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