Recent discussions surrounding appropriate professional dress, particularly for women in law firms and office environments, highlight a persistent challenge. While the core message emphasizes dressing according to industry standards, the often negative tone can overshadow the real issue: how can women express their personal style while meeting professional expectations in the legal field?
As professionals with a keen interest in fashion, we understand this dilemma intimately. It’s about finding the delicate balance between personal expression through clothing and adhering to the sometimes unspoken, often male-dominated, norms of the legal profession. Progress is happening, but it’s gradual, and navigating these expectations is crucial for career advancement. We believe in pushing boundaries, but strategically, ensuring our attire supports, rather than hinders, our professional journey to leadership roles.
Here are five essential guidelines to help you stay true to your personal style while confidently meeting the professional standards of the legal industry:
1. Authenticity is Key: Dress as Your Confident Self
While general rules for professional attire exist (as detailed below), the most crucial aspect is staying true to yourself. Consider the example of Hillary Clinton, whose signature gender-neutral, hyper-professional style is undeniably a safe choice for projecting seriousness and competence. However, adopting a persona that doesn’t align with your personality is counterproductive. Authenticity breeds confidence. When you feel comfortable and self-assured in your attire, it translates into your performance and demeanor. Within reasonable professional boundaries, choose clothing that empowers you to feel and perform at your best. This genuine confidence, combined with excellent work, is the most direct route to earning respect and trust from colleagues and clients alike.
2. The Power of the Suit: Your Professional Wardrobe Staple
When uncertainty arises, a well-chosen suit is your most powerful ally. It makes a strong statement of professionalism without sacrificing personal style. A tailored skirt suit or pant suit – yes, pant suits are absolutely accepted and stylish for women in law – paired with a sophisticated blouse in a color or texture that reflects your personality offers the perfect blend of fashion-forward thinking and professional gravitas. This versatile ensemble is ideal for any situation where you need to project authority and competence, making it your go-to choice for important meetings, court appearances, and client interactions.
3. Dress to Command Respect, Not Distraction
Certain clothing choices can inadvertently draw attention for the wrong reasons in a professional setting, potentially distracting colleagues, both male and female. These items generally include skirts that are excessively short, overly tight dresses, clothing that reveals too much shoulder, arm, or chest, and casual footwear like sandals. In the legal profession, there is simply no compelling reason to incorporate such items into your work wardrobe. Doing so can detract from your professional image and potentially undermine your career progression. Furthermore, considering that men in the legal field do not have the option of wearing comparable items, maintaining a similar level of professional formality in attire helps ensure an equal footing with male colleagues. The focus should always remain on your legal expertise and contributions.
4. Trust Your Intuition: Your Inner Style Compass
Your own judgment is often the best indicator of whether your attire is appropriate for your specific work environment and situation. If you ever find yourself questioning a clothing choice – “Is this suit necessary for this networking event?”, “Is this dress too figure-hugging for a client meeting?”, “Should I wear tights with this skirt?” – pay attention to that inner voice. It’s your internal style compass guiding you. When in doubt, seeking a second opinion can be invaluable. Send a quick photo to a trusted friend or colleague who understands your professional context and can offer honest, practical feedback. This proactive approach ensures you always present yourself confidently and appropriately.
5. Long-Term Career Vision: Dress for the Future You Want
Like it or not, your attire can influence your career trajectory. Therefore, consider your long-term professional aspirations when building your work wardrobe. Let your career goals motivate you to dress in a manner that aligns with your office culture’s expectations and the broader professional standards of the legal industry. By making strategic clothing choices early in your career, you pave the way for future success. As you ascend to leadership positions, you will then be in a stronger position to advocate for any changes you wish to see in the legal world, including evolving perspectives on professional attire.
We at House of Marbury are here to support you on your journey!
Desiree Moore and Kathryn Conway are practicing lawyers, fashion enthusiasts, and the co-founders of House of Marbury, a popular fashion and style blog for women lawyers. For daily professional fashion inspiration, please join our community at www.HouseofMarbury.com.
