Lawyers, have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Either way, you may want to try this one on for size: dress to impress in 2011. In 2010, we learned that the rules for professional attire have changed as to what is considered casual, business casual, and professional dress. We also learned that beautiful people tend to make more money than their less attractive counterparts.
So, with the new year, why not give yourself a competitive business advantage? Dedicate yourself to looking like a lawyer, and see where the results take you.
In 2010, most professional men still couldn’t dress themselves properly, and there was great debate over the appropriateness of fashion-forward accessories for women in court. Some may say that in order to dress for success, a lawyer’s attire should match that of his clientele—the truth, though, is that people tend to expect more from lawyers, including great taste in fashion.
Even if you do choose to be more casual at work, there are many wonderful ways to avoid making fashion faux pas in 2011. First, start with some introductory reading:
For Men: Start Dressing Like a Pro
For Women: Some Thoughts on Frump
Unisex: Look Like a Lawyer
Then, for more topic-specific advice, check out the following articles:
Tips for Men
- Expert Advice on Business Dress and Business Casual
- Timeless Necktie Tips
- Choosing Men’s Business Shoes
- Expert Advice on Interview Clothing
- Best Men’s Fashion Accessories
Tips for Women
- Savvy Shopper-at-Law
- Office Makeup: How to Look Polished and Professional at Work
- The Corporette Guide to Interview Suits
- 10 Things to Know About: Wearing Button-Down Shirts
- The Quest for Comfortable Heels
Now that you’re armed with an arsenal of fashion tips and tricks for lawyers, you should be ready to take on the new year with a new spin on your professional attire.
(photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kplanz/2568385457/)
Staci Zaretsky is a 2010 graduate of Western New England College School of Law, and an aspiring trademark law guru. Staci recently founded Haute Couture Law, a blog which focuses on the thread between fashion and intellectual property. Follow her on Twitter @stacizaretsky.
Read the comments below or add one of your own.
The Staci Zaretsky article was very interesting.
Good advice. The world is to darn casual sometimes.
Scott, I agree! I once went to an interview dressed in a suit, while my interviewer was wearing board shorts and a Guitar Hero t-shirt. It made me feel incredibly awkward. Needless to say, I don’t work there!
That sounds like an awesome place to work.
It very well might have been, but it was a really tacky first impression to make.
If y’all don’t mind a little shameless self promotion, here’s a guide to understanding the fashion limbo known as “business casual.”
http://www.bitterlawyer.com/index.php/site/columns_detail_comment/attention_idiot_lawyers_business_casual_explained/?cat_id=10
Thanks, BL1Y. Business casual is very hard to grasp for most people. I also agree on your tip about changing shoes outside of the office. You never want to get cornered in a suit and a pair of sneakers or flip-flops — or at least I wouldn’t.
I got to ask Nina Garcia her opinion on commuter shoes a couple years ago.
She didn’t know what they were.
Great article, I think this information holds true for all profesionals including physicians.
Great article, I think that this information alloys to all professionals
Including physicians.
This article was fantastic! Thank you for sharing these useful tips! I am not a lawyer, but the advice given applies to all professionals.
Great post. Thank you for sharing the links. The links are really helpful. It is very important for lawyers, or even businessmen, to look good when interacting with your clients. The way you dress can tell people a lot more about you. You need to dress appropriately. Find clothes that fit you well and keep accessories and makeup to a minimum.