4 Tips for Picking the Right Dress for Your Business Dinner

In an era when “dressing up” means getting ready for clubbing, some people have lost a sense of fashion dos and don’ts. Business leaders model the style appropriate for the company environment. Too much bling will get you nowhere. 

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Writing for Chron, Monica Patrick warns, “Wearing inappropriate clothing may damage your professional image and hinder you from receiving promotions or being taken seriously.” Now, you deserve a break here. Some business events are picnics or luncheons without the expectations of a dinner event, but even then you should take your clues from the way the leaders dress.

4 hot tips for picking just the right dress:

• Check the venue. You should check out the restaurant on the Internet. The websites usually have a gallery of photos showing the customers. They are likely to post pictures of customers who model their preferred clientele. Chances are, the female guests are seen wearing black for dinner. 

It’s not that other colours are inappropriate, but dark colours like burgundy or navy are the go-to option in the winter. In spring, summer, or fall, you might choose seasonal colours that complement your skin tone.

• Watch the exposure. Appropriate or not, there is a sort of “moral code” about women’s wear. Low cleavage and high hemlines are frowned upon. Sheer sleeves may work for cocktail events or even formal wear, but they are not right for a business dinner.

You can remedy short or sheer sleeves with a light jacket or sweater, but it should not be removed during dinner. Moreover, you should not cover those bare wrists with multiple bracelets or neckline with showy jewellery. Single strands of pearls, slim necklace chains, and tennis bracelets — jewellery should be refined and elegant, not eye-catching.

• Consider your partner. You’ll want your dress selection to work with your partners. If you’re married, you can work that out together. His tie or shirt colour could match or contrast with your colour choice.

Similarly, you don’t want to clash with your partner. If one is wearing prominent tweeds or animal patterns, the other does not want to mix or match with that option. This is among the reasons neutral colours are the mainstay.

• Stick to your style. Given these guidelines, you still know what’s best and most comfortable on you. You don’t want to sweat or itch through dinner. So, you can still decide on classic styles that work for you. Marygrace Taylor at Vox suggests, “Black, navy, or wine-coloured sheath dresses are easy, one-and-done outfits that you can wear year-round.”

If you might like a ¾ length sleeve dress with a scalloped hem from FillyFlair, contact us. A pencil-skirted dress allows you to wear muted colours under an accompanying blazer. If you have the figure, you could try a mid-calf form-fitting sheath with a high neck and long sleeves. And, if you prefer, suits with slacks work nicely especially if you are coming directly from work.

Enjoy your business dinner!

These tips suggest a conservative approach, not because it’s mandatory but because it is a caution that won’t fail you. The caution goes for your choice in shoes, handbags, and other accessories. Dressing modestly will let you enjoy your meal comfortably, observing what others are wearing so you can dress to the event next time.

This is a collaborative post.