Question of the Week
You’re at Work. What Are You Wearing?
Posted Jan 28, 2009 1:07 PM CST
By Sarah Randag
A post this week about a onetime BigLaw associate who was taken into fashion police custody for a makeover and shopping trip reminded us of the strong feelings our readers have always had about what is appropriate work wear.
For some, the idea of women at the office sans pantyhose—and possibly with flip-flops—is not a big deal, while for others, it is horrifying.
We also remember a law firm partner's editorial praising suits for men: "I just couldn't imagine too many clients willing to pay more than $500 an hour for legal advice to a guy wearing a knit shirt who looked as if he were going to hit the links as soon as this damn meeting was over."
So rather than just voicing your opinion, defend the choice you made today. What did you wear to work? Do you feel it’s appropriate for your workplace, or are you glad other ABAJournal.com readers cannot see you now?
Answer in the comments below.
Read last week's question and answers about education hoaxes.
Our favorite answer from last week:
Posted by DC Fed: Do I have a ton of student loans? Yeah. Are the payments preventing me from taking extravagant vacations? Sure. Am I starving? No. So, was the whole law school thing worth it? We'll see.
I busted my hump in school and scratched my way into the top 10%. I crammed my butt off to study for the bar exam (despite having to move on short notice a month before the exam) and passed it. I took the safe route and applied for a Fellowship with the Federal government and now have a stable, if not immediately lucrative, job. All told, I think I'm in a good spot and I don't think my law school (professors or career services office) led me astray. I also don't think that luck completely determined my outcome: I made a lot of conscious decisions that ended up working out for me (or have so far).
My sense is that the people who are "victims of an education hoax" are, at the very least, victims of their own pipe dreams and mistaken beliefs that they could make the hail mary pass. Anyone who thinks they're going to graduate law school and land a dream job and not struggle to pay off student loans is, frankly, delusional. Especially in this economy.
- How B of A’s GC Got Fired: Leave Now, and Leave Your BlackBerry Behind
- Schools Ranked by 'Super Lawyers' Produced
- Law Firm Price Wars Break Out as Some Try ‘Loss Leader’ Bids for Work
- Five Questions for Law Firms Abandoning Lockstep Compensation
- Judge Jails 2 Attorneys for Contempt in 4 Days
- Reed Smith Will Ask Nonequity Partners to Pony Up Possibly 15% of Pay
- Court Deputy Ordered to Apologize or Face Jail After Taking Lawyer's Paperwork
- Skadden Jumps on the Bonus Bandwagon
- ABA Executive Director Resigns
- Nasty Attitude to Co-Worker, Naughty Word in E-Mail Cost 2 Their Jobs
Should Supreme Court Justices Be Able to Review News Accounts Before Publication?
Comments
B. McLeod
Jan 28, 2009 4:59 PM CST
Completely unremarkable taupe business suit, dress shirt and tie, oxfords and matching belt.
Flag this comment
sig
Jan 28, 2009 6:02 PM CST
cords,sweater over long sleeve oxford and a tweed coat when I leave, semi casual shoes
Flag this comment
GT
Jan 28, 2009 6:52 PM CST
Clients aren’t usually on my floor. So I’m normally in an Oxford, tie, and slacks. Jeans and knit shirt untucked on Fridays. Brooks Brothers when clients take a visit.
Flag this comment
Tim
Jan 29, 2009 1:07 AM CST
$80 Target suit, $15 shirt and $5 socks, Aldo dress shoes and a Banana Republic Tie, and I’m the best dressed guy in here (if I do say so myself).
No excuse for being ratty. Fake it till you make it, folks.
Flag this comment
john
Jan 29, 2009 7:14 AM CST
Tim you are way overpaying for socks
Flag this comment
GQ Pimp
Jan 29, 2009 9:19 AM CST
$1,000 suits in our office. Anything else and you look like you buy your clothes at goodwill.
Flag this comment
Kalifornia Arnold
Jan 29, 2009 10:04 AM CST
What do I wear at the office? Simple—my law-suit (in which I have a vested interest)
Flag this comment
MommyEsq
Jan 29, 2009 10:20 AM CST
I work in-house so I see my client every minute of every day. Our office is business dress and relatively conservative.
Today I’m a bit more casual than usual - sleeveless silk top, skirt, cardigan, with hose and heels. I also went without my pearls today and threw my hair into a ponytail. On most days I wear a suit jacket (rather than a cardigan), wear dressier jewelry and do my hair a bit more professionally. Tomorrow I have a meeting with someone from outside the company regarding a potential transaction, so I will be sure to dress appropriately to represent my company/client and myself well.
Flag this comment
Alice
Jan 29, 2009 11:00 AM CST
I am a legal secretary working at a Legal Aid office. Everyone is very casual here—- jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, casual shoes, etc. We have low-income clients who can’t afford to dress expensively and we don’t want to intimidate them. I save a lot of money on wardrobe working here!
Flag this comment
Joy Alwan
Jan 29, 2009 11:05 AM CST
Sweat shirt and jeans. As a patent attoney, my contact with inventors, examiners, and every one else is by e-mail, fax or phone. Most of us do have suits just in case we have to travel or attend outside meetings. Since we work in a secured area there is very little point in dressing to impress the same 14 other people we see every day.
Flag this comment
Margo Lynn
Jan 29, 2009 11:12 AM CST
When I was in a law firm I wore a suit everyday. The suit would be a bright or jewel colour of wool, silk, or linen, usually with a short-sleeved scoop-neck sweater or a silk shirt.
Today, I have on black wool slacks (Land’s End, because they hem to fit), white turtleneck sweater (also Land’s End), and a teal suede jacket (Penney) with black flats.
There are times I wear a suit, even though I am located in a data center and work with technical and finance people all the time. It makes me feel a touch more polished, and hopefully look a bit older. When I’m sixty, maybe I’ll relax about that.
Flag this comment
Larry
Jan 29, 2009 2:31 PM CST
If you don’t wear a suit, you don’t get respect. Dressing down is not appropriate in our profession.
Flag this comment
Allen Sheketovits
Jan 29, 2009 3:45 PM CST
I do not wear a suit. I am not a lawyer, though. But Ellen always wears PANT suits. This way, she looks svelte, but the partners don’t bother her.
Flag this comment
akman
Jan 29, 2009 4:23 PM CST
Ellen’s comments were a lot more interesting that yours Allen. Maybe Ellen needs to start posting again.
Flag this comment
Darrell G. Stewart
Jan 29, 2009 5:06 PM CST
I am in a suit every day, including today.
Clients expect you to look professional, and expect the office to be professional in every way. Many understand the difference between extravagant and professional in office, but most here do have misgivings about those in a profession that do not look the part. Long term clients become close enough friends that these subjects are discussed from time to time.
Wearing a suit fits the client’s preconceived notion or expectation. It is harder for a client to listen and take seriously someone who is casual in dress and attitude. Clientele here are either business or professional people, which does make a difference as well.
Flag this comment
zekethewonderdog
Jan 29, 2009 9:29 PM CST
clothes?
Flag this comment
LawMama
Jan 30, 2009 3:58 AM CST
I’m a solo, so I am my firm’s image. Even though my office is in my basement, it’s suit, hose, pumps, blouse, and court-worthy jewelry and hair every day—you never know when a client might drop by, or when you might meet someone who could drop a choice case in your lap. If you don’t look “like an attorney,” which for most people means a well-tailored, well-cared for, attractive suit, potential clients aren’t going to trust you with their lives (or their kids or their business).
Flag this comment
Kim
Jan 30, 2009 4:34 AM CST
Pajamas (a.k.a. military ACUs). The military’s “everyone in the military is combat oriented” outlook means even the lawyers walk around in ACUs instead of dress uniform (unless a court martial, etc is going on). I definitely think it works as a disadvantage to young attorneys. When I worked at the Senate, I was able to wear a suit to add an element of professionalism despite my youth. Now, clients see me in “pjs” and think that they are being given legal advice by a 15 year-old.
Flag this comment
Mike
Jan 30, 2009 4:52 AM CST
Jacket, dress shirt, grey trousers, black mocassins. No tie today. Decent clothing is a question of respect - for clients, colleagues and - believe it or not - yourself!
Flag this comment
FN
Jan 30, 2009 5:24 AM CST
I’m a patent attorney in Silicon Valley. I usually wear jeans and a tshirt, including to client meetings. I want inventors (mostly software developers) to feel like I am a fellow engineer during meetings - not a “suit”.
Flag this comment
Freddie
Jan 30, 2009 5:25 AM CST
Aloha shirts everyday, except for when i have meetings (amazing how wearing a tie makes you smart all of a sudden, magic i guess).
Flag this comment
Kevin Camden
Jan 30, 2009 6:06 AM CST
Whatever I want, which is one of the best benefits of being a solo!
Flag this comment
Michael
Jan 30, 2009 6:31 AM CST
Suits every day Monday - Thursday, pretty much anything but jeans on Friday. We’re a litigation firm where you’re expected to be ready to take a court appearance any day.
Flag this comment
Jaimie
Jan 30, 2009 6:35 AM CST
As a marketing and rainmaking consultant, as well as image consultant, I have to say that I have been appalled by some of the modes of dress I have seen as some law firms. It has been proven that people who work in sloppy clothing do sloppy work, while those who are professionally dressed perceive themselves as more professional and therefore do more professional work. I have nothing against “business casual”, but that does not mean jeans and a t-shirt and for Godsake leave the flip-flops for the shower at the gym or at the beach!!! You should be perceived as a professional - regardless of what the people on the other side of the table are wearing. That means clean, well fitting clothing not made of denim with actual shoes.
Flag this comment
Natalie
Jan 30, 2009 6:51 AM CST
A black pinstripe, belted shirt dress with black hose and black patent leather pumps. I always feel too casual in skirts, though. I prefer pant suits with collared blouses, simple jewelry and pumps for meetings or court.
Flag this comment
Keven
Jan 30, 2009 7:05 AM CST
I thought I was OK in my jeans and sweater for a dress-down Friday until I read all these comments. Usually I wear wool slacks and sweaters in the winter, skirts and sweater sets in the summer, jackets often and suits for court. But, I’ve been slacking off. Shame on me because I got “arrested” by the fashion police when I was an associate myself, many years ago.
Flag this comment
Jenny H
Jan 30, 2009 7:09 AM CST
I’m what you might call “fashion-impaired.” I work in-house at a company that is business casual, viz golf shirts and cotton pants, but I always wear suits - because I always know that the top matches the bottom. I call them Garanimals for Grownups.
Flag this comment
Dean
Jan 30, 2009 7:17 AM CST
It’s casual Friday at this BigLaw firm, so it’s a blue stripe dress shirt (Christmas present), Perry Ellis pants (former Christmas present), brown shoes (reasonably well polished), and Mickey Mouse socks (it’s my last remainnig act of non-conformity). You would be amazed at how often people notice the socks.
The remainder of the work week we are business attire. And, frankly, I think it’s a good thing. A tie may not make me smarter, but it reminds me to stand up straight and act like a professional. I just don’t feel the same way in a polo shirt, loafters, and cargo pants.
Flag this comment
Dennis
Jan 30, 2009 7:24 AM CST
Having a small country practice my attire is generally scaled to the appointments on a given den. If I am seeing farmers or working people, I generally dress down. they don’t want to see 3 piece suits, highly starched white shirts and cufflinks. If I’m going to the city to close a deal or the city is coming to me I dress as I would when I worked for a white shoe firm. It’s all about the clients. We are playing roles and should be costumed according to the script.
Flag this comment
Keith
Jan 30, 2009 7:24 AM CST
I only deal with construction contracts and projects in the hundreds of millions of dollars, so today its dockers, boots and a long sleeve shirt at the Project Site. My daily professional suit routine was nice - but it is in the past.
Flag this comment
E
Jan 30, 2009 7:33 AM CST
Jeans. Brooks Bros. shirt. Clark shoes. Jaimie, get over yourself and the idea that “people who work in sloppy clothing do sloppy work…”. Best that I can remember, your mind and effort provide the client with the desired outcome and not your clothing.
Flag this comment
Pete Moss
Jan 30, 2009 7:39 AM CST
Jeans and a sweatshirt. Slight beard. I learned in law school that you should dress like your audience. My audience is engineers. I try to look like them.
Flag this comment
Dan
Jan 30, 2009 7:41 AM CST
Gray wool slacks, green wool sweater, oxford underneath, black dress shoes that I leave here (boot weather).
But I have a tie and sportcoat ready if I need to go to a quick hearing.
Flag this comment
Boracho
Jan 30, 2009 7:42 AM CST
I am at a mid-size Boston firm and I wear grey or black slacks and a nicely pressed button down, maybe a sweater during these winter months. If I have a client coming in, a deposition or I have to go to court I obviously put a nice suit on, but there is no need to wear one everyday.
Flag this comment
~V~
Jan 30, 2009 7:43 AM CST
It’s casual Friday here. The staff is in jeans. I have no appointments or court, so I dressed down a bit. I’m wearing brown pin-striped cotton slacks, cream socks, brown platform shoes, a cream turtlneck and hair in a ponytail.
If I had clients I would dress up a bit more. If I were going to court I would wear a suit.
Flag this comment
Laura
Jan 30, 2009 7:47 AM CST
As a woman attorney, I always dress for court whether I am in my office all day, at depositions, meeting clients, etc. That means a suit or jacket and skirt The young attorneys come to court dressed like they just put the dishes in the sink and decided to go to court. You are a professional, asking for respect and fees, At least you can look appropriate when you represent your client. Remember, judges, jurys and your clients judge you whether we like it or not. I remember a court clerk asking me wither the person standing in the court room was a client or attorney. There should be no doubt. Wake up and grow up.
Flag this comment
AJ
Jan 30, 2009 7:48 AM CST
Black pantsuit with black patent leather flats. Modern geometric print scoop neck shirt in red, white, taupe, and black. Chunky black beaded necklace… Intended look - It’s Friday, dressed smart, but dressed for my age (late 20s), and practical with flats for our icy weather.
Question to the group - Do you approve of a more modern look for young attorneys, so long as well-polished and professional? I’m thinking Tahari or Dolce & Gabana suiting with colored shirt/sweaters versus Mrs. Brooks Brothers and neutral white, taupe or baby blue. Interested in your thoughts.
Flag this comment
L
Jan 30, 2009 7:49 AM CST
Today I have on a red sweater set, cable-knit, with khaki twill pants and a pair of red suede moccasins. My firm is pretty much business casual all the time, with a lower standard for days where no clients are coming in or other meetings are going on. I rely on LL Bean twill pants, nice, flat-soled shoes, mostly Cole Haan, and a collection of sweaters and nice jackets, mostly from Coldwater Creek. The last suit I bought still hangs in the closet unworn because I’ve never gotten around to having it altered to fit me. The other suits I have, I bought in law school over a decade ago and have outgrown. I tend to be a bit on the flamboyant side and wear a lot of bright colors and embroidery, with very long hair and big jewelry. I decided a long time ago that I have to allow my dress to reflect my personality and, if people don’t like my dress, they probably won’t like me and I won’t like working with them anyhow. It seems to be working for me so far. I will say, however, that one of the best meetings I ever had I conducted while wearing a pair of jeans, a 15 year old plaid flannel shirt, and a 12 year old T-shirt which has a picture of a trout and the words “Work Sucks - I’m Going Fishing” on the back. That occurred when I was the only one who was going to be in the office all that day and had no meetings scheduled, but the couple who was scheduled to meet with me the next day put the wrong date on their calendar and showed up anyhow. They promised not to hold my attire against me, with the comment, “We’re casual, too.” I love my job.
Flag this comment
Patricia
Jan 30, 2009 7:52 AM CST
Well, it is Friday. I’m in jeans, oxford flats, dress shirt and blazer. I doubt any clients are coming in and the bosses are leaving at noon. Normal day is business causal. Court days and meeting with opposing counsel mean the black suit comes outs.
Flag this comment
MV Esq.
Jan 30, 2009 7:54 AM CST
If it’s a day when I have court or clients, a suit or jacket is a must. However, today it’s gray plaid pants, camisole, and cable-knit cardigan - with big brown furry knee-high boots, of course. I wouldn’t be able to trudge through the sidewalks otherwise.
Flag this comment
PatAtty
Jan 30, 2009 8:07 AM CST
It’s Michigan. It’s snowing and 10 degrees outside. And it’s Friday
I am wearing a turleeneck form K mark, wool slacks from Target and a meirno wool wrap I picked up the last ime I was in Columbia.
I am a patent attorney and will not be seeing any clients today. When I see cleints, it is ussally in manufacturing plants, so my hard hat safety googles and coveralls are in my closet here at work—right next to a business suit and accessories.
As for expensive suits, I have those also. That is why I can wear what I am wearing today. Since I have “the best”, no one suspects that all my attire isn’t of the same origin.
Flag this comment
IP Grunt
Jan 30, 2009 8:09 AM CST
Usually nice slacks and blouse or sweater (business casual). Suits for client meetings. Fridays I’m frequently in jeans and nice sweater if no meetings (my partners do it ... if all I’m doing is drafting applications behind my desk I tend to be more productive when comfortable).
Flag this comment
Teach
Jan 30, 2009 8:21 AM CST
I teach law school and have been indulging in clothes to feel cozy in during the winter. May I mention that flip flops are genuinely horrifying—the human foot is not an adornment for most people, it can be unclean, and flip flops are shower shoes. Students come to school in flip flops. Help.
Flag this comment
Big Ben
Jan 30, 2009 8:30 AM CST
MY #86 HINES WARD JERSEY - HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!
Flag this comment
KJS
Jan 30, 2009 8:32 AM CST
Another reason I love working for the gov’t. If I am in court or depo, of course it’s the suit (pantsuit for most, skirt suit for federal appellate judges). The other 99% of my life, it’s slacks with a blouse or sweater and attractive but comfortable shoes. Fridays, sub out slacks for good condition jeans. No one thinks twice, no one is calling the fashion police, and everyone still manages to produce top-quality work every day of the week.
Flag this comment
Government Lawyer
Jan 30, 2009 8:32 AM CST
I’m a 29 year old litigator working in a state AG’s office. We aren’t permitted to do casual Friday. So, today it’s a blue NY & Co skirt suit, hose, & heels for me. Sometimes I’m in business casual but I have a jacket on the back of my door.
Flag this comment
Lori
Jan 30, 2009 8:35 AM CST
Jeans, green sweater and Uggs and it’s not casual Friday. Well, it’s casual Friday for me! I’ve had a horrible week, illness in my family, and it snowed. That’s my excuse and I’m stikcing to it. I dare managment to comment - they will not like my reply. I’m not seeing clients and I don’t have to be in court. Just leave me alone and let me get ready for trial.
Flag this comment
Guillermo
Jan 30, 2009 8:37 AM CST
I’m a southern lawyer and a partner in a midsize firm. I have a networking meeting at lunch so I’m a bit dressier than usual on a friday. I’m wearing a button down dress shirt, tie, slacks with semi casual shoes and tweed sport coat.
Flag this comment
Jenny in the Burgh
Jan 30, 2009 8:40 AM CST
I am wearing a Jerome Bettis Super Bowl XL white jersey, with a black shirt underneath, jeans, and boots. We don’t normally have Friday dress-down days, but even BIG LAW has to abide by the Pittsburgh-wide mandate of jeans and Steelers garb on the Friday before the Super Bowl!
Flag this comment
Tom
Jan 30, 2009 8:42 AM CST
Jeans, Alejandro Escovedo long sleeve concert-T; white socks, black belt, and Emerica sneaks with sort of a southwestern skull motif . . . . I wore a suit yesterday . . . .
Flag this comment
Add a Comment
We welcome your comments, but please adhere to our comment policy.
Commenting has expired on this post.