Going to events and meeting new people can be a daunting task. The invitations are vague about the dress code and walking into a room full of strangers is less than inviting. I enjoy meeting new people and seeking out new professional opportunities, but gearing up for these events takes some prep work. Recently, I had the chance to attend a networking business dinner and a professional development conference. These two events had different purposes, and with that, there were different dress codes. I turned to my cousin, Emily, for some styling help. I drew some inspiration from her recent blog and put my twist on things. For the first event, I was representing the Society for Collegiate Leadership as the founding president. It was a dinner to network with classmates at The University of Toledo, meet faculty, and as a bonus, we had an etiquette expert give us some pointers during dinner. This was a business attire event. I sifted through my closet to pull outfits together, and once I settled on one, I quickly realized my skirt was two sizes too big. That meant I was on the hunt for a new one. I opted instead of replacing my pencil skirt with another one, to update it with an edgier, leather A-line skirt. Since this spring season is far from warm, I paired my new skirt with an animal-print, boat-neck sweater, and black tights. This event followed a class on campus, so comfortable shoes were necessary. I love my pair of shooties, and they added a nice touch to my outfit. A splash of color from a purple scarf popped against the grey and black combination. My outfit was a great mix of textures and classic colors. I had many compliments, but above all, I looked professional. The second event was a professional development conference in my future career field. This conference threw a curveball at me in deciding what I should wear. It was on a Saturday, yet I was not only representing me, but I was also representing The University of Toledo. Although a dress code was not set, I decided I would go with business casual. That is generally a safe bet to make if a dress code is not stated. I wanted to be comfortable since it was an all-day event and it was a Saturday after all. A classic color combination of beige and black is a professional winner any day. I usually shy away from ponchos, but because this one had sleeve cuffs to keep it from spinning around, I thought it would work for this. Since it was an oversized and loose-fitting style, I went with black leggings as a slenderizing feature of the outfit. Again, I wore my comfortable shooties to add some height, and because I love a comfy heel. My hair and makeup choices differed greatly between these two looks. At the networking dinner, I went a little sassier than I ordinarily go. I went full volume with my hair by using a curling wand, and I stuck in a silver, satin headband to keep the curls from falling forward. I tend to fidget when I am uncomfortable in new social settings, so I wanted to avoid a nervous habit of playing with my hair by keeping it out of my face entirely. My makeup was done using my favorites. I was particularly happy with the plum smokey eye to compliment my purple scarf. A fun purple lip rounded out this look. As for my business-casual look, I went for a more natural and subtle look. My hair was left straight, and I pulled back the front part with some bobby pins to keep me from constantly having to tuck it behind my ear. I had a lighter hand with my application of foundation and eye shadow since this was a daytime look, and because I was wearing my glasses, my makeup was not going to be the focal point, but that was okay. Even though I used the same makeup products for both of my looks, I was still able to create a bold look and a subdued look with minimal fuss. The accessories for both looks were minimal. I kept things simple since. For the dressier look, I chose studded-stone earrings, a Pandora bracelet from Venice, and my favorite ring from Austria. I decided to use an oversized clutch as my purse to carry the necessities, and as a place to hold the business cards I collected from the night. For my other look, I wore vintage-looking triangular gold earrings, an accent gold ring, and a Fossil watch. Because the format of the conference was more time-based than the dinner, I swapped out a bracelet for a watch to be mindful of the schedule without having to reference my phone all day. My purse for the day was the bag I use for going to class. It did not necessarily match my outfit, but I let that one slide because I was carrying some extra school work with me, a notebook to take notes from the lectures, and I will be honest, it was just easier to keep that bag intact for the coming school week. It was fun to get all dolled up for both occasions. No matter where you may be going, think about the purpose of the event, whom you are representing, and what kind of setting it will be. Your wardrobe options are endless, but be sure to be practical and do not be afraid to play around with colors, textiles, and patterns. Not every event warrants a brand-new outfit, but it never hurts to spruce up an old outfit with a new flare added. I think I made a bold, professional statement with these two styles. So the next time you have a business dinner or work conference, remember to be on your A-game when it comes to networking and dress for success. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017
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