This article was written by Danielle Carlson, Digital Marketing Associate for AIMS360
You’re considered the fashionista at work, everyone loves your amazing style! Your fashion sense may be strong, but when it comes to styling your first networking event you find yourself lost. You’ve nailed how to dress “business casual” for work, but how do you make a positive impression at an event? When it comes to a networking function, it’s important to make a positive and lasting impression. Translation? Don’t wear a wrinkled flannel and ripped, denim shorts on your first day.
Picking out clothing items for this type of event can seem difficult. You want to look professional, but you don’t want to jeopardize your sense of self and style. Being in the fashion business is intimidating, you want to look your best 100 percent of the time. If you’re having trouble finding business attire for work, don’t fret your AIMS360 family can help you! We’ve provided you some chic closet inspo ideas to help refresh your wardrobe but maintain professional looks.
Corporate Queen (Girly style)
If you consider your style to be very girly, cute and traditionally feminine then this category of work outfit inspiration is for you. Maybe you love wearing a crop top with a high waisted denim skirt on the weekend? That look sounds cute but isn’t appropriate to wear to work. Try swapping out that denim skirt with an A-line skirt or dress. Both are stylish, but the A-line is a bit longer in length and carries a more elegant vibe. When it comes to the shirt, replace the crop top with a nice blouse. Something that fits well and highlights your fashion sense. You can never go wrong with the classics, so try to pick a blouse that will match with anything. Show off your girly sense of style with statement bracelets and earrings. You can also never
go wrong with a beautiful, trench coat.
Sweet, Simple, Sassy (Minimalistic style)
Often minimalistic style gets criticized for being “plain” or even “boring” but that’s not the case. This sense of style is all about removing excess and not being afraid to embrace “cool toned/neutral” colors. If you normally wear a plain t-shirt with leggings or jeans and want a smooth transition from weekend to the office, I’ve got you covered. Switch out your leggings with a nice pair of black, straight-leg, high-waisted slacks or pencil skirt. Straight-leg slacks are the work version of leggings; they have the comfort of leggings, but the elegance required for the workplace. For the shirt, replace the t-shirt with a white blouse with different textures…it’s all in the details. Even a mesh cardigan over a plain cotton shirt would work.
I’m Not Bossy…I’m The Boss (Edgy style)
If you live in your leather jacket, thigh-high boots, and have been known to wear fishnets often, you probably fall under this category. Now, you enjoy looking cool, tough, and edgy but when it comes to professional clothes…you probably recoil. White buttons and slacks are not your preference and that’s okay, it doesn’t have to be. Try some faux leather, black leggings and wear them with a pair of burgundy boots. You don’t even have to ditch the leather jacket, in fact, I encourage you to wear it at the office, especially if the office A/C is always blasting! Just don’t walk in with fishnet tights, try swapping them out for black nylons instead. Be comfortable with trying new things, some items you find might surprise you.
The Risk Taker (Bold/artsy style)
Maybe you’re obsessed with fashion week and all the looks on the runway. Maybe you adore bold patterns and bright colors. If you’re not afraid of taking risks with your fashion looks then this section is for you. Don’t feel the need to ditch your love of color and eye-catching patterns just because you got an office job, just moderate your style a bit. Experiment with bright colored blazers, or even shoes with a wild pattern. Trying the blazer, or shoe, with the pop of color gives you the boldness you crave while remaining professional. We’d recommend not mixing more than two patterns on an outfit at a time unless the patterns are somewhat cohesive.
You’ve evolved from fashionista to Most Fashionable in the office, you’re ready to take on whatever networking event you attend! We’d love to see what networking outfits you came up, tag us and use our hashtag #aims360 and you could be featured on our Instagram story!
Take your new, fashionable closet to MAGIC. Look stylish as you walk the floor to network with other industry professionals. Please show off your chic look at our MAGIC booth 66408. MAGIC Tradeshow in Las Vegas is from August 12 to 15. We can’t wait to chat with you all and witness your fierce fashion sense. For more information about Sourcing at MAGIC visit //www.ubmfashion.com/shows/sourcing-magic.