Dress code for informal chat with potential employer?

[MitchT]

I'm thinking of asking some design/ad agencies if I can bob in for a chat with a view to getting their advice on how to move back into the sector. Generally there's no dress code for people employed in such places. I'd turn up for a proper interview in a suit and tie, but what if it's just an informal chat where no specific role is vacant?

I'm wanting to find out what I can do to maximise my chances of being considered for a role in the event of one becoming available. I started in a small design agency but, after three years, moved into a publishing company where I've been an 'in-house' designer for the past 16 years. I want to get back into the agency environment as I'm not being challenged anywhere near enough by my current role and there are no progression opportunities unless I step outside the design sphere, which I don't want to.

[limpsfield]

You know more about this industry than most of us. I would suggest wearing what they wear to work. If they don't wear suits I agree that would be OTT for this.

[Goaty Bill]

Designer jacket and optionally a tie?
But nothing too 'night clubish' IMO.

Less formal than might be expected in some sectors, but continues to show a respect for your potential employer and a seriousness about being considered for a job.

[Pit Pony]

Last time I had "an informal chat" I went in chinos, a shirt and a cardigan. it was 1994.

[eliot]

If you go in a suit they will think you are from the revenue or an auditor!

[MitchT]

Thanks for the input. A lot of these companies have Twitter feeds with pics of staff around the office - anything seems to go where clothing is concerned - from jeans and T shirt to the outright bohemian. I tend to go for the Steve Jobs look, so I reckon that should do the trick as it's perfectly presentable and a reflection of who I am anyway.

[rog007]

If you're asking, then there may be some doubt in your mind despite what you have observed. Good rule of thumb is to risk over dressing rather than under dressing; I would always counsel wearing a suit. Good luck!

[conanius]

For me an 'informal chat' that is basically an interview is at a bare minimum suit and shirt (no tie if it's genuinely informal)

Overthinking it, I'd pick my light grey suit, white shirt and brown shoes.....

[MitchT]

It wasn't so much that I wasn't sure that 'smart-casual' wouldn't be the way to go, but I figured a second opinion wouldn't hurt. If there'd been a flurry of glaring responses all saying suit and tie then I'd do that. Ad agencies tend to be pretty laid-back where dress is concerned - I wouldn't want to turn up looking like a banker! I think a suit with an open neck shirt is about as 'stuffy' as I want to risk getting.