Work Event Help!

[TheDeuteragonist]

I have been invited to a networking event next week for work.

It's not normally my thing but I have been asked to go to represent the company.

It is a drinks and canapés kind of thing followed by a three course lunch.

I have absolutely no idea what to wear! I am usually admin so go for a staple of a high waisted skirt and blouse of vest tucked in.

I'm a size 16/18 (losing weight!) with a small waist and medium sized boobs.

I'm horrible at stuff like this, please help!

Is the venue fancy?

I've never been before but I've googled it and it's a fancy looking wine bar/restaurant.

As it's a lunch I don't want to go too overboard but I know that it will be quite a glam affair so don't want to look out of place!

I wouldn't go al out - normal corporate wear for a daytime event. What do you normally wear to work?

I'd wear what you normally wear, high waisted skirt and blouse, heels. Maybe a jacket if it's cool.

I normally wear a high waisted skirt with a blouse or a dress with tights. I wear a pair of black kitten heels.

I am conscious that being 'back of house' I don't usually look very glamorous because I don't need to be.

I'd love some ideas for glammed up office wear...if that makes any sense at all?

Normal office wear with a jacket in case it’s quite formal. You can always ditch the jacket on the back of your chair if you feel it’s not necessary once you get there.

I'd wear what you'd usually wear with a jacket on top, plus a nice necklace. A bright or unusual jacket can help you stand out from the crowd at a networking thing - I discovered this by accident a few years ago when I wore a tomato red jacket over a navy blue dress. People were saying they liked my jacket as an introduction and it was very easy to strike up conversation.

Also - if it's a drinking kind of function and you are likely to be nervous, get to the bar first and get a sparkling water with a slice of lime (so it looks like a G&T). Let everyone else get a couple of drinks in and relax before you have your first and then you'll have your wits about you and you won't gulp your wine with nerves. (My lightweight dad told me this when I first started working!)

Oh and also don't wear heels that are too high, you will probably be standing for quite a while before lunch!