Booze & schmooze

Thursday: What to wear to a corporate cocktail / networking function?

Has it really been....2 weeks?! Hectic work and crazy travel schedules have gotten the better of me, and I'm glad to be back now! These busy times really call for life-saving work dresses, which saves me time with no need to select and match my outfit, so I can extend my beauty sleep :)

And with that we're almost at the end of this Work Dresses Wardrobe Classic series.

It's Thursday, and I can almost hear people cracking up with the clinking of wine glasses and beer mugs. But wait, before we kick our shoes off, let our hair down, and have too much to drink, do you know who you're clinking your glass with - is it your colleague, boss, business contact, or potential employer?

Making an impression during networking involves how we carry ourselves, what we say, how we say it, and how we look. "First impressions count", we've heard this a thousand times. And it's true, we have to admit that most of us form impressions of others within a split second. While impressions may sometimes be changeable, why not make a good first impression at the onset rather than work to improve others' perception thereafter?

A corporate cocktail dress has to look professional and proper, yet interesting enough so we don't look too standoffish.

Tips:

1. Colour. An easy choice would be the LBD - but I'm sure we can do better than that! Experiment with colours - go for something bright if you're not afraid to be the centre of attraction. I'd usually opt for something darker to mask possible food or ink stains I might have accumulated over the day.

2. Necklines. It's afterall a semi-professional setting, and I'm sure you don't want to draw attention for the wrong reasons. In my view, cleavage-bearing tops are distracting for men (and some envious women too), and could send wrong signals.

3. Accessorize. Wearing a silver belt rather than the default purple one is a very subtle way of making this outfit look more interesting. Some networking experts recommend wearing very prominent and almost controversial accessories, such as feather hats or flower brooches. These are sure conversation topic-starters, and reduces the barrier for people to approach you.

4. Bag. Finally, bring along a small bag just enough for your lip gloss for touching up, credit cards for paying, name cards for networking, and mobile phone for dialing a cab. Leave your laptops at home - you have a drink in hand, you need shake people's hands, then hand out your business cards...laptop bags are too much of a hassle to handle during a cocktail session...

Now we've seen the Corporate LBD, power dress, shift dress, 'you' dress... Convinced of the versatility of dresses? Can't wait to hit the malls and stock up your wardrobe? Don't forget to check out the final instalment of this series to complete your collection!