I can’t believe it is almost March, and Spring is fast approaching. With temperatures above freezing, I’ve been venturing outside more often, and my errands have turned up some wonderful opportunities through what I call accidental networking—you know, when you’re at the grocery store checkout line and you strike up a conversation with someone.
While out and about, I run into friends and former colleagues, as well as make new acquaintances at my favorite coffee shop on Newbury Street. As much as I hate to admit it, my mother was right when she told me, “You never know who you’ll meet, or where.” I call it accidental networking because it’s just that—accidental.
Spring is in the air, people have been cooped up over the winter, and they want to be outside and more active. With that in mind, each of us should do a quick once-over in the mirror before leaving the house, no matter how small the errand or how busy we are.
I’m not saying we have to dress to the nines every time we step out the door, but think “upscale casual” when you’re putting yourself together. This way if you meet your client, your boss, or a potential new business contact, you’ll be comfortable and confident.
For men, this means a shirt or sweater that fits—no XXL football jerseys, gym shirts, tracksuit pants, or ratty sneakers. If you need comfortable shoes, Cole Haan has Nike Air footbeds, Puma and other manufacturers are doing great European-inspired athletic street shoes and driving mocs, and for that blast from the past, Clarks has relaunched the ultra-comfortable desert boot.
As far as pants, you can be comfortable and still look and feel great. If you prefer denim on weekends, as I do, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the way Levis 514 low-rise slim jeans fit men of many different builds. They are flattering, very reasonably priced, and come in a dark wash and black wash that can even work for casual Fridays with a sport coat over a crisp shirt or cashmere sweater.
For women: follow the same dressing guidelines and mantra—be comfortable, yet look and feel great.
Believe me, it is just as easy to pull on a cute top and jacket with casual pants, nice jeans, or a fun skirt, as it is to look like you’ve been out gardening. A quick swipe of lipstick, a brush or two of blush, and a couple strokes of mascara brighten your entire face. If you’re not a lipstick girl, try Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer—it is great for your lips and comes in soft shades like Watermelon and Rhubarb that give you just enough color to know you have something on.
Depending on where you’re going, and if appropriate, lightly spritz your favorite seasonal fragrance on to put that bounce in your step and be out the door feeling energized.
Yes, this takes a little planning, but if I can do it, so can you.
Your Accidental Networking mission, should you choose to accept it (à la Mission Not So Impossible):
Go into your closet and put together at least two or three upscale casual ensembles, including accessories, that make you feel great. If you need to invest in a couple of key pieces to make this happen, do so. It’s worth the investment.
Once you have these go-to outfits in your arsenal, you’ll have quick options to choose from, weekend dressing dilemmas will be a thing of the past, and you’ll be able to focus on what you’re doing, not what you’re wearing. You will not self-destruct in five seconds–you’ll be ready for anything and anyone, in no time at all.
About the author: Stephanie Deitzer, Founder and President of Style at Work, believes in having fun while meeting life’s fashion challenges. She shares mindset and skills that prepare her clients for any occasion life brings to their door. Stephanie is VP of Education and VP of Membership for the New England Chapter of AICI, the Association of Image Consultants International.
