Let’s be honest: not everyone thrives on mingling at crowded events or striking up conversations with strangers over prosecco and name tags. If you cringe at the idea of small talk, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of luck either. The good news? You don’t need to be a social butterfly to build a strong network, uou just need to play to your strengths.

As recruiters in the fashion space, we’ve seen countless introverted (and brilliant) professionals land incredible roles simply by building the right relationships, in a way that feels authentic to them.

Here’s how you can do the same.

Shift Your Mindset: Networking Isn’t Just Talking

The first step? Reframe what networking means. You don’t need to ‘work the room’ or attend every industry mixer. At its core, networking is about building impactful and mutually beneficial relationships. It’s about connecting with people who share your interests and values, not collecting business cards or forcing awkward chats. Start small. Think long-term investment, rather than a quick fix.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

If small talk drains you, don’t feel pressured to engage with dozens of people at every event. Instead, aim for a few quality conversations with individuals whose work genuinely interests you.

Before you attend an event or reach out online, do a little research. Who’s attending? What brands or professionals align with your goals? Having a purpose makes the interaction more meaningful and less awkward.

Make LinkedIn Your Best Friend

If in-person networking isn’t your thing (or if you just want a soft entry), LinkedIn is the perfect low-pressure platform. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Optimise your profile: A polished profile helps people understand who you are and what you do. Include keywords relevant to your niche—design, buying, e-commerce, sustainability, etc.

• Engage thoughtfully: Comment on posts, share industry news, and add your perspective. No small talk necessary—just genuine, topic-driven engagement.

• Connect with purpose: When you send a connection request, add a short, personalised message. Something like: “Hi Sarah, I loved your recent feature in Drapers on sustainable production. I’m a junior designer passionate about ethical fashion and would love to stay connected.”

No fluff. Just real, specific interest.

Use Events to Learn, Not Just Network

Industry events (like Pure London or Graduate Fashion Week) can be overwhelming, but they’re also rich with inspiration and insights. Reframe your goal. Instead of “I must meet new people,” try “I want to try and learn something new.”

Take notes, attend talks, and follow up with speakers or panellists afterwards via LinkedIn. Mention something specific from their presentation—it shows genuine interest and gives you an easy conversation starter.

Join Online Communities

Sometimes the best conversations happen online. Join Slack groups, Discord communities, or Facebook groups focused on fashion roles, freelance work, or sustainability. A few places to explore:

• The Dots
• Fashion Workie
• Subreddits like r/femalefashionadvice or r/malefashionadvice (more lifestyle-oriented but great for keeping up with culture)

Engaging in discussions online gives you time to think before you respond—ideal for people who don’t love spontaneous small talk.

Volunteer or Collaborate

A great way to connect without networking in the traditional sense? Work together. Whether it’s helping out at a pop-up, assisting backstage at a runway show, or contributing to a small creative project, collaborating lets you build connections through doing, not chatting. Volunteering also puts you in contact with professionals who may not be accessible at a formal event.

Final Thoughts

Networking in fashion doesn’t have to mean working the room or making endless small talk. Instead, build your network in ways that align with your strengths, whether that’s writing, collaborating, or simply showing genuine interest in someone’s work online.

At u&i, we know that the most successful fashion professionals aren’t always the loudest voices in the room; they’re the ones who build real relationships, add value, and show up consistently. And if you ever want to chat, we’re here to help. Contact us today.