What You Can Wear to Impress on First Friday

When you love the arts or are running for office in your community you will attend First Friday events. They are tricky to dress for when you want to stand out and not look like you are a wallflower. Here some Does on how to dress for success with some First Friday outfit ideas to try.

Updated: 8/2021
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

First Friday Is a Must for the Local VIPs

First Friday is a big thing in Fairbanks taking place every first Friday of a month. Businesses and even the university invite artists to exhibit their new work. They offer wine (of course the university does not), refreshments, and finger food.

When you belong to the local VIPs – no matter whether it is because you are running for office, a radio(wo)man, freelancer, or own a business – being seen on First Friday is a Must. It’s about making contacts with potential voters or new customers and reminding old customers of you.

When hanging around with the artists’ scene, the questions is what to wear to impress your clientele who are coming because of the artists’ shows (and free goodies) or just for entertainment and socializing. Sure looking at beautiful gowns made of paper and metals can also be a reason for every fashionista to attend.

How to dress for First Friday

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?

Photo Inspirations of First Friday Outfit Ideas

Here are some visual outfit inspirations.

And always remember

You should be either a work of art or wear a work of art. – Oscar Wilde

Are there art shows in your city? Is there a vivid First Friday culture? Do you go to First Fridays? If so, what do you wear? Let me know, I am curious.

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.

Get the support, motivation, and tips to look to your best in life. Subscribe to High Latitude Style. Deep inside you know when I can do it you can do it too.

Photos: G. Kramm

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