Entertainers Networking Event: How should I dress?

[Nouveau Pauvre]

I have an entertainment networking event for tomorrow night. I'm very excited about it because I think it could lead to some really solid gigs - but I have no idea what to wear.

Its being held from 5-7:30 at a relatively upscale restaurant. Does this call for a full suit and tie? Jacket and odd trousers? Tie no tie? I want to make an impression but not be inappropriately overdressed (or under dressed).

Might this even be a suitable setting for the infamous black suit?

 

[Fuuma]

Time to get out that Fakir costume. If that's not a possibility I'd wear a black suit, white fc dress shirt, black gala (shiny) tie and some well polished dress shoes, preferably with no caps or perforation (so a plaintoe).

 

[HermesGuy]

IMO, one can never be overdressed, except perhaps at a four-year-olds birthday party.

 

[MrDaniels]

Originally Posted by Fuuma

Time to get out that Fakir costume. If that's not a possibility I'd wear a black suit, white fc dress shirt, black gala (shiny) tie and some well polished dress shoes, preferably with no caps or perforation (so a plaintoe).

Perfect advice. You want to appear as successful as possible; also, you want to demonstrate that you know how to attire yourself for any upscale event you might be hired for.

 

[Nouveau Pauvre]

Thanks guys. Are you sure a black suit won't seem too formal at an even in suburban DC though?

 

[T4phage]

I would suggest a mid grey suit, something with texture. Since you indicated in some of your posts that you dress a bit more 'modern', then a slimmer fit grey. Add a white with blue check shirt and a solid dark blue tie. Dark brown or (a bit moar boring) black oxfords.

 

[Nouveau Pauvre]

^ Thanks T4phage. This is actually where I am leaning. I have a vintage grey Brooks Brothers suit I had tailored pretty slim. I'm thinking this with brown Santoni captoes, a skinny navy Dior tie and a white oxford.

I like the idea of a black suit, but worry I will be surrounded by shlubs in polo shirts and khakis.

 

[T4phage]

Your getup sounds quite good. You are the best judge of this particular situation, and since you probably have met some of these people, you many already have a feel for how they will be attired for that particular event. I really don't think that you should be dressed too conservatively, after all you are young. The combination you laid out seems right, classic yet trimmed down for a more modern touch. I still would prefer a white with blue check shirt though!

 

[forsbergacct2000]

What kind of music are you playing? I can't imagine wearing a suit to a situation where it is either rock or country. Maybe if you play jazz, you could fit in.

Obviously, I only know my area of the country (I play keyboards and sing.) Maybe it's different there. In Michigan, if you wore a suit to that event, you would be rushing out to the car to hide your suit coat and tie at the first opportunity; you still would not fit in after that. (And that's not to say everyone would be in jeans.)

If you play music, you probably need some clothes that aren't businessy, but still can be nice. If you overdress, you could cost yourself some gigs; once you have achieved a certain level of competence, people play with people who can handle the musical requirements, but fit in socially and (have the right look, if possible.)