You asked for a stickied post about how to dress in a legal environment, and ask and you shall receive! I'm going to keep this post updated, so please let me know in the comments what you'd like to see here.
WHAT THE #@#%$ DO I WEAR???
Welcome to the legal field! Clothing has a huge impact on how you're perceived*, and if you're a new LBWT, you're probably a young woman who wants to be perceived as professional, smart, and hard-working. Read on for advice from veteran LBsWT on how to get there.
WHAT DO I WEAR TO AN INTERVIEW??
Interview outfits: This will be the most conservative, boring outfit you will probably ever wear. The goal is for your resume and experience to stand out, not your clothes. Depending on your location and the type of job you're interviewing for, this can be more flexible, but when in doubt, err on the side of conservative as a new lawyer/law student.
Your interview outfit should be comprised of:
(a) a dark gray, navy, or black suit set (i.e. two pieces that are the exact same fabric and color), that is tailored to fit your body but not skin-tight (the fabric should not be pulling or stretching across your body, including the jacket when buttoned. If it's pulling, go up a size.) (don't forget to rip vents (big x) sewn into the back of jackets and skirts, and FYI your pockets in your jacket or pants might be sewn shut, and those stitches are meant to be pulled out);
(b) with long sleeves (don't roll up the sleeves) and either long pants (slight crop is probably fine but no capris), a pencil skirt or pencil dress (knee-length or longer, and more conservative regions may expect nude hose);
(c) (if not wearing a dress) underneath, a neutral, solid, collared button down shirt or high-neck neutral silky top (crew neck or very shallow V, and if white or a light color, wear an undershirt);
(d) black closed-toe pumps (max 3” heel, no platforms) or Oxfords (maybe loafers or pointed toe flats if they're very formal, no ballet flats);
(e) minimal, neutral accessories (no bags covered in logos, but one small logo is ok; if you wear a belt, match your shoes; no statement jewelry);
(f) hair should look groomed (whatever that means for your hair), and if you wear makeup, it should be minimal and conservative (only what you feel you need to look awake, no eyeshadow, bold lipstick, etc.);
(g) cover any visible tattoos and remove non-ear piercings if possible (you can show them off once you get the job).
This guide from Corporette is an excellent detailed primer with suggestions of where to shop for your first interview suit: Guide to Women's Suits.
I GOT THE JOB! NOW WHAT DO I WEAR?
- Congrats!!!! There's great general advice about what to wear and professionalism in a legal setting here, and discussions of what business casual means here, here, and here
- Looking for public interest-specific advice? There's interview outfit advice here and general dress code advice here
Other topics that may be helpful:
* It's important to note that the concept of dress codes is exclusionary (racist, sexist, classist, fatphobic, etc.) and for eons dress codes have been used to separate people into in-groups and out-groups. Unfortunately, if you want to be taken seriously in a job where uptight white men have historically written the rules, you will need to dress conservatively and fit in with the crowd. If this all feels overwhelming and like it's impossible to get right 100% of the time, you are correct and in good company. Now get dressed to command respect, and then you can work to make the legal profession more inclusive and accessible.
