Why Fashion Networking is Essential for Your Career and Common Mistakes to Avoid
What if I told you my biggest career breaks came from a failed fashion school application, a social media app and a disastrous fashion networking event experience? In this post, I’m sharing what I wish someone had told me about fashion networking when I was starting out – because trust me, I did it all wrong before I did it right.
And if you’re already thinking about clicking away because the words “fashion networking” make your palms sweaty, stay with me. Because here’s something I’ve never shared before: I’m actually an extroverted introvert who’s dealt with social anxiety. Yes, really! The same person who now teaches masterclasses and speaks at universities used to stand in corners at fashion networking events, desperately trying to look busy on my phone.
That’s exactly why I’m so excited about sharing this information. Because if I can go from being that person to where I am now, I know you can too. We’re going to break down exactly what I wish I knew about networking when I was starting out in the fashion industry – no fake small talk required.
THE POWER OF FASHION NETWORKING & REAL LIFE CONNECTIONS
Let’s start by talking about what fashion networking truly means. Networking isn’t just about knowing a lot of people or attending endless events. It’s about making meaningful connections that align with your values, passions, and career goals.
Networking can happen anywhere. I mean anywhere. It’s not confined to fancy cocktail parties or industry events. It can happen in a museum, at a casual coffee meet-up, or even on social media platforms. The important thing is to show up and be ready to engage, whether you’re networking in person or online.
One of my students, Lisa, had gone to the MET Museum to see the Karl Lagerfeld exhibit last year. At the time, she was a fashion design major and was absolutely captivated by the craftsmanship of each garment. She was so focused on the details that at one point, someone noticed and commented on the stitch work she was admiring. They struck up a conversation about the garment, and ended up walking around the exhibit together, exchanging thoughts on the designs.
At the end of the tour, this woman shared that her friend worked at a fashion magazine and was looking for an intern for the editorial closet. Thanks to this spontaneous conversation and the personal recommendation, Lisa secured an internship at a fashion magazine she never would’ve known about if she hadn’t been open to making that connection.
Your most valuable connections often happen when you’re just being yourself, passionate about what you love. Lisa wasn’t trying to network that day at the museum – she was just being genuinely interested in fashion. That authenticity led to an opportunity she never could have planned.
Saying Yes to New Opportunities, Even When You’re Nervous
Sometimes, fashion networking doesn’t lead directly to an opportunity, but it can open the door for something else – something you might not have imagined. This happened to me in a big way back in 2020.
During the height of the pandemic, there was a new app that became super popular: Clubhouse. It was an audio-only app, where you could create rooms, give talks and host discussions. It started as an exclusive, invite-only platform for Apple users, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the early adopters.
The app became a hub for some of the most prominent figures in fashion and beyond. I started hosting Masterclasses on Clubhouse three times a week, teaching about various aspects of the fashion industry. It was an incredible platform to connect with people in real-time and provide value to listeners.
The consistency paid off. More people started joining. Designers. CEOs. Industry leaders. Before I knew it, I was hosting rooms with major players in the fashion world. But the real magic happened when one of my regular listeners reached out. She connected me with someone at a prestigious fashion school in NYC – the same school that had actually rejected me as a student years before.
We ended up having a 3-hour long phone conversation where we talked about the fashion industry, our careers, fashion week, and so much more. What seemed like a long conversation ended up being an interview because at the end of it, she offered me a teaching position with their virtual program.
I remember hanging up and crying because life had come full circle in the most unexpected way. All because I showed up consistently in a digital space and shared what I knew.
The big revelation here? Sometimes the most unconventional platforms or places can lead to the biggest opportunities. I never could have predicted that an audio-only app would lead to teaching at the same school that I had once dreamt of attending. The key isn’t where you network, it’s how consistently you show up and share your knowledge.
Looking to expand your knowledge on all things Clubhouse and learn how to use the app to grow your fashion network? Download The Complete Clubhouse Guide for Fashion Professionals.
Looking to expand your knowledge on all things Clubhouse and learn how to use the app to grow your fashion network? Download The Complete Clubhouse Guide for Fashion Professionals.
Networking Is a Constant Journey
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Fashion networking is hard. It can feel awkward, intimidating, or just plain exhausting.
I get it. I’ve been there.
Early in my career, I went to a fashion networking event with a friend, thinking it would make things easier.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t.
We spent the whole night chatting with each other and barely talked to anyone else. Looking back, I realized that bringing a comfort zone with me – aka my friend – kept me from stepping out of it.
After that, I started going to events alone. I’d set small, achievable goals like talking to two or three new people. I’d prepare a few open-ended questions to get the conversation flowing, like “What brought you to this event?” or “What projects are you working on right now?” It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.
So, for your future fashion networking events, I want you to challenge yourself to talk with people who are new to you, and set a goal for how many people you want to connect with.
If you feel like you have to bring someone along, bring someone who is also there to network and hold each other accountable.
Remember, networking is an ongoing effort. You can’t just do it once and expect results. But the more you say yes, the more connections you make, the more you grow as a professional.
Reflection:
Take a moment to think about your current approach to fashion networking. Are you waiting for opportunities to come to you? Or are you actively creating possibilities? There’s no wrong answer – but knowing where you stand is the first step to growing.
I realize now that bringing a friend was my way of avoiding growth. It was comfortable, but comfort doesn’t lead to connections. Sometimes you have to be willing to feel uncomfortable to make meaningful progress.
Fashion Networking In Person
So now that I’ve got you at a fashion networking event, let’s talk about what to actually say. This is where many people – especially us introverts – feel the most anxiety. But the truth is, you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make a lasting impression.
I used to feel the same way. During my earlier career, I attended many fashion networking events, and I’ll be honest – I didn’t always know what to say or how to break the ice. It’s something I still sometimes struggle with today – over 20 years into my career.
But over time, I learned that it wasn’t about being the most popular person in the room. It was about finding ways to connect authentically.
Here’s my best advice for making in-person networking feel more comfortable and steps I wish someone would’ve shared with me about networking when I was starting out:
- Start Small
The fashion industry might seem intimidating, but here’s the truth: everyone started somewhere. Begin with your immediate circle – your classmates, your professors, that person sitting next to you in your fashion merchandising class. These connections matter more than you think. - Make It About Them
Here’s a secret that transformed my fashion networking efforts: stop worrying about what to say about yourself. Networking isn’t about pitching yourself; it’s about learning from others. So when you’re in a conversation, ask questions that allow people to share their experiences. Ask about their projects, their challenges, their wins. Trust me, people love sharing their experiences, and genuine interest is memorable. - Follow Up
This is where the magic happens. Don’t do this in a pushy way, but instead do it consistently and professionally. A simple “Thank you for the conversation about sustainable fashion yesterday” can open doors you didn’t even know existed. - Active Listening is Key
One of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of active listening. There are so many people out there who are simply waiting for their turn to talk – especially during these fashion networking events, but the truth is, when you listen intently, it’s a game changer. You become more memorable, and people are more likely to want to connect with you again. - Embrace the Nervous Energy
You know that flutter in your stomach before approaching someone new? I still get it sometimes, even now. But here’s what I’ve learned: that energy means you care. It means you’re pushing yourself to grow. Use it as fuel.
WHAT TO SAY AT FASHION NETWORKING EVENTS
Ask Purpose-Driven Questions
I hate making small talk about things like the weather. Instead, ask people about their work, recent projects or trends they’re excited about in the industry.
For example, you can ask things like:
– What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on this year?
– What brought you to this event today?
Personalize the Context
This is great because it not only shows you were paying attention, but it makes the other person feel like an expert and gives them an opportunity to share advice that could really help you.
For example:
– I saw your name on the panel earlier – as someone who is new to these events, do you have any advice for speaking confidently?
Be Honest About Awkwardness
This strategy helps make the situation less stiff or formal and humanizes you and the person you’re speaking with. It’s a vulnerable question, but you’ll find that most times, you’re not the only person who feels this way.
You could ask something like:
– Fashion networking events can feel so intimidating – how do you usually approach them?
Building Your Network on LinkedIn
If walking into a room full of strangers makes you sweat, you’re not alone. Thankfully, in today’s world, you don’t need to rely solely on in-person networking. Online platforms like LinkedIn have become one of the most powerful tools for building meaningful connections – especially for introverts.
But it’s not just about connecting with anyone and everyone – it’s about connecting with intention.
Here’s how to get started:
- Perfect Your Profile
Your profile is your first impression. Make it count. Use a professional headshot and a headline that goes beyond just your title or school.
LinkedIn is like your digital resume, but more dynamic. I’ve had students who shy away from creating a detailed LinkedIn profile because they felt they didn’t have enough to showcase.
But that’s the thing – your experience might not be traditional, but it’s still valuable. Did you work on a school project that helped you develop marketing strategies? Include it! Have you volunteered at a fashion event? That counts too. Your profile isn’t just about jobs; it’s about showing who you are and what you can offer.
And believe it or not, you’ve got more to offer than you realize. Whether it’s a school project, a club leadership position, or volunteer work – put it out there. One of my students landed an internship simply because they included a detailed project on styling for plus-size fashion, which caught a hiring manager’s eye. - Send Thoughtful Connection Requests
The key to successful outreach is personalization. Don’t just hit the “Connect” button and call it a day. Instead, write a short note explaining why you’d like to connect.
When I was pivoting into event production, I used LinkedIn to find people working in that space. I sent personalized messages saying something like, “Hi, I admire the work you’ve done with Event Company XYZ. I’m transitioning into event production and would love to hear about your career path. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call?”
By doing this, I wasn’t just asking for a job or trying to sell myself. I was building a genuine connection. And guess what? More often than not, people appreciate it when you take the time to engage with them in a real, meaningful way.
Did every message get a response? No. But enough did to open doors I never would have found otherwise. - Engage with Content
LinkedIn isn’t just for connections – it’s for conversations. If someone shares a post about a recent project, comment on it. Ask a question or share an insight. This builds rapport over time and makes you memorable.
EPISODE MENTION
If you’re new to using LinkedIn, I have another post where I break down 8 game-changing strategies to supercharge your LinkedIn profile. These tips and tricks will be great to make your profile visible to more recruiters and hiring managers. They will also help to put your work out there, elevating your experience and overall professional profile. You can access it here.
The Continuous Journey of Networking
Here’s something crucial I wish I’d known earlier: fashion networking isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s an ongoing journey. Even after the Clubhouse opportunity, I kept reaching out, kept connecting. I started emailing schools about speaking opportunities, building my LinkedIn presence, staying active in the community.
Then came another full-circle moment. The Dean of LIM – my alma mater, reached out through LinkedIn asking if I’d be interested in teaching. Here I was, faced with teaching actual college students, giving grades, being responsible for their education. Talk about imposter syndrome kicking in!
But remember what I said about saying yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating? That’s exactly what I did. And now, I get to help shape the next generation of fashion professionals.
Lesson I Learned the Hard Way
Looking back on my career, one thing I wish I’d done differently is starting to network earlier. As I’ve talked about before, I landed a corporate job with a globally recognized fashion brand right out of college. It was an amazing experience – I worked in marketing, PR, events, visual merchandising and even styling.
I stayed in that corporate world for almost 8 years, but when I decided to pivot into event production, I had no network in that space. I was essentially starting from scratch.
The idea of cold-calling or emailing people felt paralyzing, but I realized that no one was going to knock on my door and offer me a dream role.
So, I got resourceful. I literally Googled “event production companies near me” and pulled email addresses from their websites. Then I sent out hundreds of emails introducing myself, explaining my career goals and asking for informational interviews.
One of the companies that replied to my cold email agreed to meet with me. During our informational meeting, I didn’t have much event production experience to show off, but I leaned on what I did have: my work ethic, my corporate skills and my passion for learning. That one connection changed everything.
They gave me a shot as a production assistant for Fashion Week. I remember taking vacation time from my full-time job to work that project, and I gave it my all. Seven years later, I had grown with that company from assistant to production manager, working on everything from runway shows to high-profile photo shoots, which eventually helped me start my very own business and become an event producer for Fashion Week shows and events.
My advice to you: Don’t wait. Even if you’re not sure what you want to do yet, start connecting with people in areas of the industry that excite you now and build those relationships so that when the time comes, they may be able to help you reach your career goals.
IN THE END…
Every significant step forward happened when I stopped trying to be perfect and started being real. Fashion networking isn’t about who you know – it’s about being genuine enough that people want to know you.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story, let it be this: don’t wait to feel ready to say YES. I waited years to start networking because I thought I needed more experience, more confidence, more everything. But the truth is, the best time to start is now, exactly as you are.
Every major milestone in my career started when I pushed past that feeling of “not ready yet.” Saying yes to hosting Clubhouse masterclasses when I was nervous about public speaking. Sending cold emails when I was afraid of rejection. Even starting this blog when I wondered if anyone would even read it.
So, what’s one small, imperfect step you can take today? Maybe it’s sending that LinkedIn message you’ve been overthinking. Maybe it’s going to an event alone. Whatever it is, just take that step.
The perfect moment you’re waiting for doesn’t exist – but the opportunity you want might be waiting on the other side of your comfort zone.
xM
LINKS IN THIS POST:
Hi Maria,
My name is Rachel Herring, co-founder and CCO of a new fashion fintech startup. I am very interested in your clubhouse group, very new to fashion networking. I signed up to receive the clubhouse guide, and it gives a 404 error. I also tried searching your name on Clubhouse and did not find you. Can you please point me in the right direction?
Best regards,
Rachel