What Not To Wear

{how to dress for various professional occasions}

As simple as it may seem, the way you dress in a legal practice environment is exceedingly important – which is why we started this blog! This is the very first impression you make, before anything else.

1. Business Attire

If your workplace observes a “business” dress code, or for any formal business occasion (for example, client meetings, court hearings, depositions, etc.), wear a suit. Even if your office does not observe business attire (see #2 below), keep a clean, pressed suit hanging behind your door or neatly folded in your cubicle so you always have a suit on hand if you need one.

A good rule of thumb is to wear a suit anytime it crosses your mind as to whether you should wear a suit.

2. Business Casual

If your office observes a “business casual” dress code, this calls for something slightly less formal than a suit. Still, your attire should be traditional and conservative.

For men, slacks, a tucked-in collared shirt, and a sweater or sport coat in the cooler months are typical. For women, slacks, knee length skirts, conservative dresses, collared shirts, and cardigans are typical. Flashy, quirky or otherwise inappropriate attire is never well received in a professional environment.

3. Research the Proper Attire Where Appropriate

If you are meeting with foreign clients (or with clients who have any particularities or nuances), research the proper dress code or ask someone who has previously worked with the client in advance. Certain cultures have more stringent ideas about professional attire. And certain companies have their own unique dress codes and preferences, too.

4. Casual Office Functions

It is important to put thought into your attire for functions outside of the office, as well. At casual functions, such as a baseball game or a happy hour with your colleagues, dress nicely and dress conservatively, even if you are dressed down. Khakis, a collared shirt, and a sport coat or blazer are an easy go-to for both men and women.

5. Formal Office Functions

For more upscale functions outside of the office, such as an office dinner or charity event, dressy-conservative attire is your safest bet. Risqué, unusual, cutting edge or otherwise revealing attire is not a good idea.

6. Footwear

On your commute to and from work, it is acceptable to opt for comfortable shoes. Still, be mindful of your choice of footwear. Buy shoes that are comfortable but sleek – preferably all black. The shoes should be closed-toed (no flip-flops, ever!). If you live in a place where it snows, find a reasonable pair of snow boots. Change your shoes before you get to your office (and preferably not in a public area). As crazy as this shoe discussion may sound, it’s the small things that make a big difference.

So let’s recap: Your appearance is a metaphor for your legal practice. When you dress like a professional, your colleagues will believe that you are a professional. A sloppy, indifferent, or otherwise inappropriate look, on the other hand, reflects that you practice in an equally careless manner. And that’s clearly not the look (or impression) you want to be going for.

Want more inside tips on thriving in your legal practice? Check out Desiree’s book, Thrive – A New Lawyer’s Guide to Law Firm Practice.

Cheers,
Team HOM

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