The infamous coffee meeting. Grabbing a cup of coffee with a potential employer or professional contact seems simple enough until you realize that you have no idea what to wear for a coffee meeting. This can seem even more bewildering when you’re meeting on the weekend. How casual or formal should you go?
Take note of the meeting time
The meeting time will make a big difference on what you should wear. If you’re meeting during the workday, you’ll obviously just wear what you wore to work that morning. With that in mind, make sure that even if you work in a super casual environment, you still look put together.
When meeting on the weekend, the rules are more flexible, and you can be much more casual. Still on the same note as working in a casual environment, you never want to look like you just rolled out of bed.
Follow Suit
If you’re meeting with a potential employer or a professional contact that might be able to give you some insight or connect you with a potential job opportunity, follow their example of clothing. If the person you’re meeting often dresses up or works in a more formal working environment, take cues from them and dress a bit more formally even if you work in a very casual environment or are meeting on the weekend.
This doesn’t mean that you should come in a full suit, but if you’re someone who often dresses very casually, grab a blazer to put over your t-shirt and jeans, or opt for a casual button down shirt. There’s no need to dress super formal for a coffee meeting if that isn’t your standard attire, however you should look respectable and show your coffee date that you put in effort.
A good rule of thumb
If you often dress very casually, start with how you would normally dress and take it one notch more formal. That means adding on a jacket, blazer, a button down, or something to make you look a bit more put together.
If you often dress very formal, stick with how you usually dress. No need to dress down from what you would wear to any other outing. If you wear a suit to work and you’re meeting mid-day during the week, you won’t be changing your outfit. If you’re meeting on the weekend and you still tend to dress on the more formal side, just stick with what you know.
A study completed at Yale in 2014 used 128 men between the ages of 18 and 32 to test the effect that clothing had on sales. Those dressed poorly (in sweatpants and plastic sandals) averaged a theoretical profit of $680,000, while the group dressed in suits amassed an average profit of $2.1 million. The group dressed neutrally averaged a $1.58 million profit.
The bottom line is that even if you’re just meeting for coffee, you should still look professional. Colored denim is a great way to go. It’s comfortable and is a step up from regular denim.
Wrinkles are the enemy
Coffee dates are casual, but there’s nothing worse than a wrinkled outfit. The most expensive and formal clothing immediately looks horrid when covered in wrinkles. On the flip side, a simple t-shirt and jeans look much more put together when clean and pressed.
If you don’t like to iron, (I hate to iron) get yourself a little steamer. Coming in wrinkle-free clothing is an easy way to ensure that you don’t look like you rolled out of bed.
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When you’re deciding what to wear for a coffee meeting, remember three main things:
- Start based on what time of day/week you’re meeting
- You always want to look polished and put together
- Take cues from the person who will be helping you further your career
FAQs
Business casual: A safe and appropriate choice for most professional settings is business casual attire. This typically includes slacks or chinos, a button-down shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. You can pair this with a blazer or a cardigan for a more polished look.
What do you wear to work coffee? ›
A good rule of thumb
If you often dress very casually, start with how you would normally dress and take it one notch more formal. That means adding on a jacket, blazer, a button down, or something to make you look a bit more put together. If you often dress very formal, stick with how you usually dress.
What should I wear to a coffee interview? ›
Coffee interviews are more casual than office interviews, but unless the company dress code allows for it, you shouldn't show up in a t-shirt and flip-flops. Stick to business casual and prepare yourself in advance.
What do you bring to a coffee meeting? ›
The key to a successful coffee chat is preparation. Research the person you're meeting – look at their company website and go over their career path by visiting their LinkedIn profile, jot down some key questions you would like to ask, and bring a notepad and a pen to take notes.
Should you dress up for a coffee chat? ›
Dress Appropriately
Avoid overly casual clothing like gym wear or overly formal attire. For a Professional Setting: If your coffee chat is in a more formal or professional environment, consider business casual attire. This might include slacks or a skirt with a blouse or a collared shirt.
Can you wear jeans to a coffee chat? ›
preferably real pants, not jeans — though a nice pair of jeans would probably be okay in a pinch (no tears, markings, rips, etc..), and depending on local temperature, a long-sleeve dress shirt (preferably) or a short-sleeve golf/polo shirt – no slogans, drawings, at most a small brand logo.
What is coffee etiquette? ›
The coffee cups and saucers are special. They should be on the front or right side of the drinkers, the cup ear should be pointing to the right. You can hold the cup ear with your right hand when drinking coffee, the left hand holding the coffee dish gently, and sip lightly toward the mouth.
What do you wear to a coffee shop business meeting? ›
Choosing the right outfit for a casual business meeting involves striking a balance between comfort and professionalism. For men, consider well-fitted chinos or khakis paired with a crisp button-down shirt or a polo shirt. Women can opt for tailored trousers or a chic skirt combined with a smart blouse or a knit top.
What is the dress code smart casual? ›
Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that's clean and professional but doesn't look too formal. You want to look pulled together but a bit interesting and approachable.
Can you wear jeans to coffee interview? ›
Dress to impress
Turning up in jeans and a T-shirt is definitely not the way to go. But nor is power dressing. It's safest to opt for the more formal end of casual: smart pants/skirt and a shirt, for example. You're aiming for an approachable yet presentable look.
The discussions during a networking coffee chat can span a variety of topics, including individual or shared career aspirations and interests, current work engagements or projects, industry-specific information, personal hobbies, and the expected outcomes from the chat.
How do you nail a coffee chat? ›
Introduce yourself, let them introduce themselves. Give them the chance to lead the conversation flow if they wish it. Make sure you listen, take notes and be clear of your intentions. Make sure you ask questions about their career journey and compliment their successes!
Is meeting for coffee a date? ›
'Meeting over coffee does not make a date,' she said. But most people said the 'coffee date' is misinterpreted as a real date - when it is designed as a casual catch up before 'proper dates' happen.
How long should a coffee meeting last? ›
Prepare well.
When someone takes time to meet you for coffee, you should know the basics about them. You can get much of this information, like where they work and what they do, from social media. Blanda says coffee chats typically take 30 minutes or less, so don't waste time on topics you could research in advance.
Is meeting for coffee a first date? ›
A coffee date can be a great, low-pressure way to meet someone in person for the first time. They're inexpensive and easy to either end early or prolong, depending on how well things are going.
What should I wear to a coffee meeting on a first date? ›
Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, whether that's your favorite jeans and a cute top or a casual dress. Keep it simple. A coffee date is all about getting to know each other, so your outfit shouldn't be a distraction. And most importantly, relax and have fun!
