As an early bird, I cherish my morning “me time.” When I was invited to attend a BNI meeting last week, I agreed without realizing it was 30 minutes from my home and started at 7:00 a.m.
Whenever I try something new for the first time, I leave early in case of traffic. So, I set my rarely used alarm for 5:00 a.m. Unfortunately, I was awakened at 3:00 a.m. by noise outside and couldn’t get back to sleep. Nevertheless, I managed to meditate, shower, do my makeup, dress, eat a light breakfast, and head out into the dark, cold, 35-degree weather.
I wore my sneakers while driving and switched to black heels once I arrived. I stopped driving in my heels because I was tired of ruining them, and I found it much more comfortable to be in sneakers.
The meeting took place in a classroom at the back of a church. It wasn’t fancy or uplifting, though that’s not necessarily bad. My feng shui mindset makes me pay attention to the energy of the space. As I was introduced to this lovely, diverse group of men and women from various businesses, I noticed everyone was energetic and very welcoming.
The two-hour meeting included 35-second introductions from each attendee and a six-minute presentation from a few members. I found it interesting that at these networking events, everyone’s eyes are on you at least once, which means people notice your outfit.
There were over 40 people in attendance, so it was vital to stay focused as everyone spoke, even though sometimes I couldn’t see everyone in my view. Two ladies stood out to me with their style: one wore a long red sweater dress paired with black accessories and mentioned that these were her brand colors. The other was chic in an animal-print fur vest, a cozy turtleneck sweater, jeans, and black high-heeled boots. Several men wore dark-colored sports coats and pants, and most attendees were dressed in muted colors.
I’m providing this detailed assessment because networking events vary, and each community might focus on outfits differently. In this particular community, with so many people to meet, it can be challenging to be remembered. A standout look that connects to your brand makes it easier for others to identify you. For instance, someone might think, “Hey, there’s Lisa, the gal in the red dress! She seems like a good fit for my network.” I could easily identify her because of her striking red dress. She caught my attention, and it was evident that she cared about her appearance and put effort into dressing for a 7:00 meeting, which made me want to talk to her first.
This meeting inspired me to create looks for clients attending similar events. For example, let’s say a client mainly works from home, attends these meetings weekly, and has one-on-one meetups for new referrals. She prefers a casual look that includes primarily pant outfits—think sweaters, denim pants, corduroy pants, and the occasional blazer.
For a client who desires simplicity and a no-fuss wardrobe but wants to feel a bit more polished, I recommend this sweater-blouse combination from Mint Velvet. The great thing about this piece is that it’s all in one—there’s no need to iron a separate blouse or deal with the bulkiness of layering a sweater over it. The flowing sleeves create an elegant illusion, while the defined collar adds a crisp touch, resulting in a more elevated look.
To complete the outfit, pair it with polished denim with a more tailored fit than a casual streetwear style. You can elevate the look further with red flats for a pop of color, stylish booties, or even chic white fashion sneakers. This cozy sweater is ideal for cold winter days, creating an effortless look for the simple woman who works from home but spends about 20% of her time meeting with potential clients and engaging with her community.
For a client who is a personal trainer and visits clients in their homes while attending networking events, here’s a look that aligns with her simple yet athletic style—elevated for professionalism. A cozy quilted vest paired with a long-sleeve white shirt and cargo pants creates that elevated athletic appearance. For presentations, she could opt for booties to enhance the look, or she could choose white, brown, or green sneakers for a more fashionable appeal.
This outfit can also be paired with white denim or the trending wide-leg joggers, keeping the essence of simplicity while showcasing her profession.
For a client who is a professional therapist and sees clients in person, attends networking events, and prefers a simple, no-fuss look with a classic polished feel, I recommend this cozy button-down cardigan. The cream-toned cable knit cardigan features a crew neckline, cape overlay, long sleeves, and gold-tone button fastenings down the front. The cape creates a more elevated look.
Pair the cardigan with beautifully rich chocolate brown corduroy pants, perfect for cold winter days, which add warmth and elegance to the outfit. To elevate the overall look, consider different shoe options: casual booties, a fun leopard print flat, or high heels for a dressier appearance that’s great for dinner or casual events.
Finding looks that work for your lifestyle and work environment doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s all about knowing your preferences, where you’re going, and planning accordingly. In 2025, I would love to help curate your wardrobe, making your mornings easier and allowing you to feel prepared for new endeavors. Gift yourself a stylish upgrade this year! Book a no-pressure style strategy call, and let’s discuss your best looks for 2025.
