Summer Career Networking Style Its in the Details

Summer Career Networking Style Its in the DetailsSummer Career Networking Style Its in the DetailsFrom the boardroom to a barbecue, your personal style should shine through.When youre shaking flosses and exchanging business cards this summer, the most important thing to remember is that theres a fine line between standing out and overdoing it. From the boardroom to a barbecue, your personal style should shine through in the details without overwhelming your entire wardrobe or showing up your interviewer or colleagues.Its also important to stay cool and look cool. So keep the clothing light and to a minimum let the accents carry the day. Whether its a pair of cufflinks, a handsome briefcase, a beautiful scarf or the perfect pair of sunglasses, you will stand out because you nailed classic style with a modern twist.Use this guide to stay classic and cool in every scenario of the job search from networking to the interview.1. A formal interviewThe good news is theres not much wiggle roo m when it comes to wardrobe for the formal interview. A suit is critical. Think about dressing 5 percent to 10 percent more formal than you would before your first day at a new job. You want to look classic, not trendy. You want the focus to be on your job performance, not your wardrobe.For menLook for a two- or three-button wool suit in gray or navy. Do not wear black. A black suit looks like youre attending a funeral or driving a hearse. Wear a solid-white, light-gray or light-blue shirt, but keep in mind that white looks good against all complexions and makes your skin pop the most. Make sure half an inch of your cuff is visible. If its not, your suit sleeves are too long. Your trousers should break slightly at the hem.If you already own a suit but youre not sure about the fit, invest in a good tailor. He will be able to tell if your suit needs to be reworked or replaced. Never underestimate the importance of a properly fitted suit. The fit of the suit is everything. A slouchy su it looks sloppy.Wear a silk tie something solid, especially blue or yellow. Save red for your first day of work.Carry a proper brown or black structured leather briefcase with handles. No backpacks. No messenger bags. No duffel bags. No bags on wheels. Ever.For womenKeep it light in both fabric and color, but dont wear a white dress or suit. White is the least serious color and looks too casual. The lightest you should go is cream. If the position is less corporate, you may want to try mixing separates, like a solid sleeveless dress with a tailored jacket in a brighter color or pattern. Look for a slim-notch lapel to keep it modern.Dont be afraid to toss the suit and wear a sharp dress with a jacket. The benefit to wearing a sleeveless dress is that you can remove your jacket until right before your interview, so youll stay cooler. To create shape, cinch a skinny or chunky black belt around the jacket.A more classic skirt or pants suit paired with a pretty printed silk blouse is als o a lovely combination.Avoid statement jewelry simple hoop earrings or pearls are perfect.Avoid It bags for interviews, especially if theyre made of exotic skin or covered in hardware. Your bag should be big enough to hold all the necessities. Try an elegant leather tote in a solid classic color like tan or black.2. A job fairYoull want to dress similarly to your interview attire, but with a bit more personality to avoid getting lost in the crowd.For menSince a future employer can see you from every angle, focus on the extra details. If youre wearing a suit, lose the tie in favor of a crisp white pocket square. If you know no one else will be wearing a suit, wear a pair of dark jeansstoff jeans or tan chinos with a tucked-in dress shirt (light pink softens your face under those harsh fluorescent lights) and a sport coat with some texture pinstripe, windowpane, houndstooth or herringbone. Save your plaid suits for autumn.Wear a solid brown or black leather belt with a square buckle. Your belt should match your shoes.Newly shined brown shoes from chestnut to chocolate stand out the most. Look for round-toe shoes. (No square-toed shoes)A messenger bag is the most practical option and looks sophisticated as long as its not bulky or made of nylon. Stick with canvas or leather.For womenIts not necessary to wear a suit to a networking event, but you want to be comfortable and chic. Solid-colored trousers or pencil skirts with a wool/Lycra blend help avoid wrinkles. Keep the colors classic cream, tan, navy, black. Pair them with a patterned jacket to create a point of interest, or if youd prefer a more classic look, wear a solid jacket with a floral, bow-front or ruffled blouse underneath, which are several of the seasons trends.You could also try a three-quarter -sleeve cotton pinstripe dress shirt to give the look some texture, tucked in, with a skinny belt, simple earrings and ballet flats.As beautiful as heels can be, when youre walking around a 10,000-square-fo ot convention center exchanging business cards, its hard to smile when your feet are aching. Look for one- or two-tone flats. (Black and tan is a nice combination.)3. An informal networking eventSummer presents opportunities to network in casual locales like a dinner cruise or the roof deck of a potential employers building. Such events present a special challenge because its potentially hot outside, making it tempting to dress down or show more skin. You should leise take extra care in your wardrobe you never know whom you may end up shaking hands with.For menOn a dinner cruise, preppy and nautical styles often look best, as long as theyre not overly campy (i.e. lobster-embroidered chinos) or exaggerated (a navy blazer with brass buttons). In either situation, its okay to ditch the suit in favor of lightweight straight-leg denim (white is a nice alternative to blue jeans for summer) or khakis.You could pair your trousers with a crisp, fitted polo in a solid color or a button-down, like a blue or dark-purple check, or a light-blue contrast-collar.If youre on a boat, deck shoes without socks are appropriate if youre on a roof deck, try a pair of classic brown leather loafers or cap-toe lace-ups.For womenThe key to dressing for a cruise is that you want to look glamorous youre on a boat while remaining sure-footed. Try to avoid heels, and if youre going to wear a dress or a skirt, make sure its windproof as you dont want to risk the obvious.Infuse some color and light into your look with a pretty silk scarf or colorful lightweight wrap, or a gorgeous pair of chandelier earrings. You could also try pairing a lightweight tunic with detailing on the neckline with cream trousers and metallic flats.If youre on a roof deck, women should try to dress as they would for an early-evening cocktail gathering (below).4. Drinks after workYour friend invites you out for a few drinks with a group of people who work in your industry. Your wardrobe should remain professional wi thout making those around you feel like theyre still at the office.For menShow up wearing a suit, but take your jacket off soon after you arrive. If you work in a slightly more casual/creative field, wear dark jeans and oxfords with a button-down shirt tucked in and a belt.Wear a handsome watch. Bars are often crowded, and people notice more what youre wearing from the waist up A gorgeous brown leather belt with a square buckle, a classic-looking chronograph watch, a unique pocket square. A pinstripe shirt. Cufflinks. Even if the bar is dark, youre speaking close to people, and they will notice the details.For womenGo from day to evening with a few simple tricks that dont necessarily require changing. If youre wearing a suit, remove your jacket, add a belt, and replace your flats with heels. The most classic shoes are round or pointy and closed-toe in black, brown or cream. For a night out, you can try something strappier, like a metallic sandal.Add a little color and liveliness wit h a gorgeous statement necklace one of the major looks of the season. A statement necklace is more than just a simple strand of pearls or a pendant on a chain it is a big, bold announcement, often filling your entire neckline with sequins, stones, glass or metal. It melds with whatever youre wearing, thus becoming the outfit. Everyone from Banana Republic to Burberry designs these, so theyre not hard to find.Keep the rest of your look minimal with solid colors and minimal jewelry. Top off the outfit with a pretty beaded clutch, which will be much less bulky in a cramped bar than your tote, but can still fit your business cards.5. A baseball gameTheres nothing more casual than Americas favorite pastime. It is tempting to throw on a team T-shirt and a baseball cap, but if a colleague invites you to join her in her companys box seats, dress slightly more formally.For menCool comfort is key when you have to be on while spending the day under the hot sun or an evening in the humidity. P air straight-leg chinos with a fitted polo (stick with white since itll keep you coolest in the sun) and leather sandals. Throw on a pair of aviators to shield your eyes.For womenA cotton shirtdress, belted, with white tennis sneakers is a fun way to dress up the occasion while looking as relaxed as if you were wearing shorts and a T-shirt.Keep your accessories unfussy. Stick with the basics sunglasses, a sleek stainless-steel watch and a canvas tote.6. A backyard barbecueYouve been invited to a friends house for a midsummer barbeque, and a potential employer may be stopping by. You would look out of place if you dressed up, but you also dont want to look frumpy in his presence.For menThis is the trickiest situation possible because youre expected to behave formally but not appear formal. On a hot day, wear flat-front cotton khaki shorts that hit between the knee and mid-thigh. Anything longer looks young and sloppy. Steer clear of cargo shorts, which are bulky. A fitted polo shirt or a cotton or linen button-down is always clean and handsome.Leather sandals or clean white tennis sneakers are the best footwear option. You can wear canvas or leather flip- flops, but never rubber ones.Even though youre dressing down, dont forget the extra details - a pair of aviators and a chunky stainless-steel watch.For womenEating hot dogs and hamburgers in the sun calls for comfort. A cotton or linen sundress (as long as its not too lightweight or flimsy) that hits at the knee is a beautiful option. (Make sure to wear a nude slip underneath if there is any chance its see-through in broad daylight.) Pair with leather sandals or wedges. Cotton shorts or skirts (denim is fine) are also appropriate, and you can pair them with a light cotton T-shirt or tank top, as long as theyre not too skimpy.Keep a lightweight cardigan or shawl on hand for when it cools down.Aviator sunglasses pair nicely with shorts, while plastic frames in black or tortoiseshell feel more refined and would better complement a sundress.