There’s nothing wrong with wearing a memorable outfit. The key is making a positive impression.
One of the easiest ways to stand out in a professional way is to wear a colorful yet conservative outfit. Typically, that means a color other than black or navy but in a shape that is sleek and classic.
Depending on how formal the event is, you might not need to wear a blazer. A simple, structured dress will do. Stick to a dress with sleeves, as bare arms are still a bit taboo in the legal world.
Choose a color that is appropriate for the season. Bright colors, like light purple, baby blue and pink, really only work in the spring and summer. For winter and fall, darker colors, like deep red and forest green, make the most sense. A classic pattern, like houndstooth, will also help you stand out in a good way.
If the event is a bit more formal, perhaps one that judges will attend, a blazer-dress combination will assure that you feel confident.
When you can, learn something about the people who will be attending the event. If you can’t find information on an individual, look up the firms that will be attending or sponsoring. If none of that applies, find out what you can about the topic of the event.
With all of that, you’ll be armed with a great outfit and some talking points.