In the PR realm, and any professional environment for that matter, you are constantly invited to events where you can network and meet people. Everyone knows that you only have one chance to make a lasting first impression. A first impression involves taking into account what someone is wearing. Now one of the worst feelings when meeting new people, especially being in a professional setting, is arriving under dressed. Unfortunately, it seems to be a constant occurance where guests show up under dressed and therefore underwhelm.

Cocktail attire means a suit for men (throw on a tie with it if the look works for you). If it is a daytime event usually a navy suit would be best, and if it is 5 o’clock or later then definitely go with a gray or black suit. For women, a short dress that is not your typical ‘Sunday Dress’ is best. Not a gown and not too short either, because you need to still dress for a classy event so not something you would be seen wearing to a sketchy bar or club. The rule to remember that everyone seems to break is Do Not wear jeans under any circumstances. Ladies and gents, it does not matter if you are wearing a suit jacket with a shirt and tie, it is not okay to pair that with jeans (tacky), even if your blouse has beautiful lace detail it is not acceptable to pair that with the nicest jeans you own. No and No. The safest option is of course the classiest option, the little black dress. You can always dress this look up or down, and for cocktail attire just be sure to accessorize with elegant statement pieces either silver, gold, pearls, or crystals. Put a pair of cute and maybe even colorful shoes with it to really set the tone (preferably not flats).

Tips on how to get the details about what to wear, just ask. Ask anyone that is also planning on going to the event ‘do you know what you are wearing yet?’ Also, if it is an reoccurring event you could always either check-out their website for pictures that were taken the previous year or do a little Facebook creeping and see pics of past attendees and get the scoop that way. Just always remember it is better to be over dressed rather than under dressed.

“One is never over-dressed or under dressed with a little black dress”  Karl Lagerfeld