What to wear for a (casual) networking lunch?

[redlittlesquirrel]

I'm meeting a couple of ladies who work in the same field as me tomorrow - we're all self-employed so it's really to get to know each other and to have some support while we build our businesses (one has been doing it a while, I started the business nearly two years ago but took a break from it for a while so am only really just getting back into, the other has only started her business a couple of months ago). It's informal so I don't want to wear a suit or anything.

I thought I'd decided on an outfit but now it's suddenly got colder, I'm panicking that it will look out of place. I had thought to wear a black shirt (with either a t-shirt or vest top under it for a splash of colour), denim skirt, black tights with black mary jane shoes, with a black winter coat.

Do you think that sounds okay? My options are limited as I don't have many "nice" clothes that aren't formal - I have beautiful dresses etc, but as it's just lunch, I think they would be too much. I don't have any "nice" jeans that fit me very well at the moment (still trying to get rid of holiday weight, unfortunately). I'm small so struggle to find clothes I like at the best of times!

I'm quite shy naturally so feeling nervous as it is and don't want to make a terrible first impression but I want to be comfortable too! Oh, wise Mumsnetters, what say you?

I think that sounds absolutely fine. I'm self-employed too, and for that type of thing I always go a little bit smarter than my working-at-home gear (so smart jeans, smart top, bit more attention to accessories/grooming), but not quite as formal as the more tailored things I'd wear if I was visiting a client.

That sounds perfect.

Thank you both!

I've just had a message from one of the ladies having to cancel as she's ill but we're going to rearrange so at least I've already got an outfit in mind for when it happens!

Denim skirt would be a no for me. I like well cut trousers and why Mary Jane shoes? With a strap? Wear heeled pumps with no strap and a decent dress or trousers. You presumably want to be taken seriously as a businesswoman?

It's not a business meeting as such, I'm not meeting potential clients (where, of course, I wear business wear). It is going to be an informal lunch with a couple of other ladies who work in the field, hence why I'm not wearing business wear.

And I'm not quite sure what is so bad about mary janes? I've worn mary janes in all of my business meetings and it hasn't done me any harm!

I hate Mary Janes too! Thing they're one of those Marmite things.

The rest of your outfit sounds perfect.

Skinny jeans, nice casual blazer, and smart ankle boots — I wear this for casual networking events and it’s fine & my industry is very formal!

I hate Mary Janes too! Thing they're one of those Marmite things.

Do you also think that women that wear them would not be taken seriously as businesswomen? If you don't like them, that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but implying that if a woman wears them then they will be viewed as unprofessional or not taken seriously is ridiculous. I see people with shoes that I dislike all the time, it doesn't make me think badly of them.