What to Wear For Networking Events
How Your Outfit Can Give You the Confidence Boost You Want While Networking
Here at POPSUGAR, we've been known to stow a pair of heels under our desk to quickly slip into in the event of a last-minute meeting or an after-work happy hour. So we can only imagine how much extra care it takes to put the pieces together when networking is a daily occurrence. Such is the case for Allison Green, the Director of Cause Marketing for Habitat for Humanity International. Between traveling to meet with brand partners and attending events, her day-to-day is filled with networking. With a large-scale marketing initiative kicking off this Spring for Habitat called "Home is the Key," as well as a new position on a local board of directors, Allison knew she needed an upgraded wardrobe to boost her confidence for the whirlwind season ahead.
To help suit Allison in a few choice outfits that could work overtime during this chapter of her career, we connected her with stylist Kendall Farr from White House Black Market. With plenty of sophisticated but still on-trend separates to work with, the brand is the perfect match to help Allison look and feel her best — no matter how busy her calendar gets. Keep reading to discover how Kendall empowers Allison to pick and polish a professional style that's right for her and her lifestyle.
ADD PERSONALITY TO YOUR SUIT
As Allison is constantly interacting with new people, it's incredibly important for her to come across as presentable but in a way that makes others feel comfortable around her, not intimidated. "I want to always look approachable, yet polished," she shares. To achieve this, Kendall loves a streamlined suit for day-to-day, but not just any suit — one you can have a little fun with.
"Rather than a classic blazer, a moto jacket styling has an easygoing chic factor that still reads as polished," Kendall says. In a pretty pale pink hue and matched with slim-fit trousers, the suit-like effect is striking and unexpected and anything but stuffy. Bonus: For every Comfort Stretch Slim Ankle Pant purchased, White House Black Market donates $5 to Habitat for Humanity, up to $125K, to empower women by helping them build strength, stability, and self-reliance through home-ownership.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO EMBRACE FEMININITY
We're far from the days when femininity was considered a weakness in the workplace. Feel empowered to channel it if that's what you want! Since Allison likes to wear pieces that make her feel feminine, Kendall matched her with an updated skirt suit that embraces this side of her for speaking engagements or media events.
"The moto jacket has a nipped waist and a feminine three-quarter sleeve length that pairs well with a soft tulip skirt and romantic tie-front blouse," Kendall states. To help Allison add further personality, Kendall finished the look with a pair of pink pumps.
COMFORT BREEDS CONFIDENCE
There's nothing worse than wearing something uncomfortable or high-maintenance, especially when you're constantly on the go. "I travel for my job, so I need pieces that are effortlessly chic," Allison notes. To accommodate, Kendall likes looking to easy, no-fuss pieces that look pulled-together and allow you to hit the ground running.
"A soft jersey dress has a move-with-you quality that won't fall apart while you travel," Kendall says. Then, look to details to add personality and to pull together a cohesive look: a graphic print, complementary accessories, and sleek black heels to tie everything together.
IT'S ALL IN THE LUXE DETAILS
For the amount of networking that Allison does, it's imperative that her work wardrobe consists of multitasking pieces that can go from desk to dinner. It's in these instances that Kendall likes turning to an elegant suit that stands out with the help of luxurious touches.
"This cream jacket and pants have a couture-influenced, custom feel that translates for evening," she says. From there, weave the look together with gold accents. "I paired the suit with a soft, ruffle-front blouse in a fabric with gold accents. Gold sandals and a gold bag complete a standout look for a fundraising dinner."
Credits: Photographer: Darnell Wilburn; Art Director: Rachel Hortman; Stylist: Kelly Martin; Hair and Makeup: Keka Heron; Manicurist: Priscilla Parker; Production: Sasha Bar-Tur