Be yourself, but be professional. A nice suit is never out of place for a guy–maybe a unique tie that is a little funky for a dash of fun. If you are female, a nice dress or fancy pants/top would be fine. Again, maybe an interesting scarf or piece of jewelry is good.

Although this is hopefully going to be a fun event, and a celebration, treat it more as a work-related outing than as a party and dress and act accordingly. I’ve seen too many people (faculty and others) forget that, have a bit too much to drink, and then get a little more exuberant or outspoken than is really appropriate for the situation. You want to be remembered as the up-and-coming author–not as the life of the party or the loud and abrasive one.

Good luck! Congrats on the writing project.

Formal attire, light-colored shirt, pants and tie