What to wear to a networking brunch?

[anamika]

Looking for ideas for what to wear to a networking meeting. This will be in the NE so needs to be warm!
I usually wear jeans and a t-shirt so I would need to buy something. I do have a suit but I don't think it's necessary to wear one - it's a meeting of medical writers. Maybe I'm wrong?
Any pics and places to buy would be much appreciated (Snugglebuggles/Beth - any ideas?).
Would a $50 budget be too low? That's my max right now but I can spend more if needed.
Thanks,

[lizajane]

i would go to Ann Taylor Loft and ask the salesperson to help you choose a business casual outfit from the sale rack. i think definitely business casual, but with emphasis on the business. not a suit- too stuffy. but something very professional. not jeans. you could use the suit skirt or pants with a sweater or sweater set and heeled shoes, or pair the jacket with some well fitting pants and a button down shirt.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I would go with something that has some visual interest just to be more memorable. Nothing crazy busy though. :) Just a nice color, a subtle print or a good piece of jewelry.

Do you have a nice pair of black, charcoal or brown pants? If you have that then you are good to go and I would just pair them with a nice top, maybe some accessories and dressier shoes (they don't have to be super dressy).
pants:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=10335&N=1200009&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=118&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_118&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Oat&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=13437&No=15&pCategoryId=199&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_206&N=1200007&Nty=1&categoryId=206&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Pebble%20Melange%20Gr ey&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses


I have a love affair with wrap dresses and I think that if you had a plain black one or even a subtle print one that could work. It is nice looking without being overly dressy.

I would consider a shirt like this oxford shirt:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=10647&N=1200004&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=183&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_183&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=White&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
(I'd get the blue just for a pop of color)
If you already have a nicer button down then wear that.

Something like a twinset or a nice, form fitted sweater (probably a solid colored one) would work too.
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=12907&N=1200006&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=181&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_181&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Persimmon&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=11044&No=15&pCategoryId=101&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_181&N=1200006&Nty=1&categoryId=181&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Dark%20Ruby&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

A wrap style long sleeved shirt would be nice as well:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=11363&N=1200008&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=184&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_184&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Grotto%20Blue&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

Shoes I would consider are things like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2959581/0~2376778~2372808~2372904~2376184?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2376184&P=1
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2963651/0~2376778~2372808~2372904~2376184?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2376184&P=1
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=39339&pid=546663&scid=546663012
http://www.stevemadden.com/SKORCH-PLATINUM
http://www.stevemadden.com/BECOME-BLACK-LEATHER

I know some of the things were higher than your budget but they were mostly just to be used for reference on kinds of things to look for. You can find items like them at Kohls, H&M or even Target. But, if you have a good shirt, pair of pants of shoes then you are off to a great start. I don't think you need to go dressier than pants and a nice top though. I think you would do fine with a $50 since it is sale time for winter stuff. :)

Have fun!

Beth

ETF at least some spelling errors

[SnuggleBuggles]

What Not to Wear just reminded me that NY Co. has cute, budget friendly clothes that could work well.

Black, faux wrap dress for $50 (wear a cami under as it is pretty low):
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod35003 8

Button down:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod37003 2


Pants:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod19009 8

There are a ton of sweaters that would work:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/sub_category.jsp?selectedHowMany=49&categoryId=cat440002&viewAll=true&featureId=&selectedSortBy=marketingPriority

If you go to the mall that store or Ann Taylor Loft would have good options for you, I bet. HTH,

Beth

[anamika]

Thanks Beth and Liza. I already have this sweater (in camel) from Victoria's Secret.
Will that be good with a pair of pants? Black or brown?
http://tinyurl.com/35eone

I have some shoes. They are so uncomfortable that I'm sure they must be quite formal - or my Keens have ruined me for every other footwear out there ;)

Thanks,

[SnuggleBuggles]

Great sweater! :) What color shoes do you have?

Beth

[anamika]

Hi Beth,
Good question - I never think of things like that!
My shoes are all black.
So just the sweater and pants? No need for a jacket or something, right? I don't have one and would prefer to not buy one. I would rather buy a different shirt instead of a jacket.
Thanks for all your help.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Yep, I think that the black pants, that shirt and the black shoes will look just fine for a function like that. I think a jacket wouold be a step dressier than you need to be. I hope I am not hopelessly wrong!

Spend the $ on a cute necklace. Any of the above stores should have a good one. Or, get a pair of shoes that doesn't hurt. ;)

Beth

[bubbaray]

For anything networking, I would actually wear what you would wear to an interview in your field.

HTH

[anamika]

Hmmmm....I think Melissa may be right.
I have to say I'd rather be over dressed than under-dressed. I remember the occassions I was underdressed but never any where I was overdressed so obviously I'm more traumatized by being under-dressed!
So I will wear my pant suit. And if I look overdressed I will take off my jacket. I just need to buy a good blouse/shirt to go with it.
Thanks for all the help (esp. Beth - I will keep all the tips in mind for next time).

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think it all must be a matter of the profession and the normal dress level expected. I guess I was going with the "what would I wear for this job" kind of outfut. But, I think Melissa's right and I too would rather be overdressed. :) Sorry for steering you wrong. I just had a one tracked mind on the occasion. Post back and let us know what others wore, ok? :)

Beth

[anamika]

Don't worry about it, Beth. I'm sure what you suggested was probably fine (and probably what everyone else will be wearing :ROTFLMAO:) but I want to err on the side of caution.

Thank you so much for your help.

[anamika]

Hi,
Just wanted to update - I wore my pant suit but I was the only one! But I wasn't too bothered. At least I was over dressed not under dressed.
I think the outfit Beth suggested would have worked beautifully but this was fine too.
Anyway, had some grown up conversation, nice food.... it was good all around!

[SnuggleBuggles]

Hi,
Just wanted to update - I wore my pant suit but I was the only one! But I wasn't too bothered. At least I was over dressed not under dressed.
I think the outfit Beth suggested would have worked beautifully but this was fine too.
Anyway, had some grown up conversation, nice food.... it was good all around!

I'm glad it was a good outing! Nothing wrong with being overdressed. :)

Beth