When you love the arts, own a local business, or are running for office in your community, you will likely attend First Friday events. These events can be tricky to dress for when you want to stand out without looking like a wallflower. Here are some Does on how to dress for success with some First Friday outfit ideas to try.
- First Friday Is a Must Go for the Local VIPs and Lovers of the Arts
- How to Dress for First Friday as a Visitor
- What Is the Best to Wear on First Friday as a Business Owner or Politician?
- Photo Inspirations of First Friday Outfit Ideas
- When You Are in the Fashion Business
- Visitor Outfit Inspo
- What I wore at GI and IARC’s 1st Friday as an Artist
- Fashion and Writing as an Art
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
First Friday Is a Must Go for the Local VIPs and Lovers of the Arts
Like in many college towns, First Friday is a big thing in Fairbanks taking place every first Friday of a month. Galleries, small businesses and even the university invite artists to exhibit their new work. Except for the university the organizers offer wine. All venues provide refreshments, and finger food.
Of course, when you love the arts – everything from stylish clothing over books to sculptures and painting of all kinds – or are yourself an artist spending Friday nights browsing the venues is on your list.
When you belong to the local VIPs – no matter whether you are running for office, a radio(wo)man, freelancer, or own a business – being seen on First Friday is essential. These venues are not only about advertising and selling/buying but also about making contacts with potential voters, new customers and reminding old customers of you.
How to Dress for First Friday as a Visitor
When spending an evening on the town to walk (or drive) from one exhibition to the next, talking with artists and potential business partners and/or customers or even friends, you will be on your feet a lot. Thus, comfortable, but non-orthopedic and non-sport shoes are best. Furthermore, the outfit should show your own personal style in a sophisticated way. By no way, you want to compete with the art, but you want to fit in, in a positive way. Especially, when you are a VIP, and not only just interested in art.
In the latter case, you are sort of a VIP to the scene, a familiar face. Thus, you also have to look your best (and different) every First Friday.
Here are some inspiration what to wear on First Friday:
- Blazer with leather skirt interesting top and booties (see photos below)
- All black with a statement belt or necklace
- Dress with black tights and a print scarf with platform shoes
- All black with layered necklaces or statement necklace
- Leather pants with sweater and statement belt (see first photo of this post)
- Mix pattern (learn how to mix pattern like a pro
- Try an unexpected combination of prints like styling a floral with a leopard print)
- Wear a floral dress with loafers or sneakers. Hint: It’s also comfy as you will be on your feet the entire evening.
In all cases, a cross-body bag or wrist bag are best. You want your hands free for snacking, holding a glass, paging in the event catalog or just for signing up on email/newsletter lists. Speaking of it, are you registered for my bi-weekly newsletter?
What Is the Best to Wear on First Friday as a Business Owner or Politician?
When hanging around with the artists’ scene, the questions is what to wear to impress your clientele. Recall they are coming because of the artists’ shows (and free goodies) or for entertainment and socializing.
In case of fashion shows or exhibitions related to fashion like beautiful gowns made of paper and metals fashionistas/fashionisters will present their personal style. Therefore, when you own a fashion business dress in something that represents your boutique’s style and is a new stylish trend.
When you are a politician dress professional in clothing that resonnances with your ideals and relates to the lifestyle of your voters.
When you own a business unrelated to fashion and accessories the best First Friday outfit ideas are dressing according to your professional image.
Tip: Don’t forget your business cards.
In a nutshell: Your dressing goal is to be recognizable for your clients and distinguishable from the artists.
Photo Inspirations of First Friday Outfit Ideas
Here are some visual outfit inspirations.
When You Are in the Fashion Business
Visitor Outfit Inspo
What I wore at GI and IARC’s 1st Friday as an Artist
And always remember
You should be either a work of art or wear a work of art. – Oscar Wilde
Fashion and Writing as an Art
When you liked the outfit inspirations you may be glad to know that you can find many other dressing suggestions for various situations in midlife in my style recipe book How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy it now.
Do you like to color for relaxation? Then my $1.99 Fashion Coloring Pages e-book is right for you.
Tip for those being in Fairbanks: My friends from the Fairbanks Watercolor Society have their Annual Exhibition on the First Friday in April.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
Photos of my jewelry and book booth: N. Mölders
© 2013-2025 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
