Don't listen to average Joes instead invest heavily in your attire and always dress fancy because first impression is the last. If you're pleasent looking your life will become much much easier.

• Get 2 pair of suits made, a charcoal one and navy blue one as they are most versatile. Remember to spend good amount of money in suits and make sure the fitting is perfect. I personally would suggest you to go to Raymond and tailor make your suits, after you make the big bucks you can switch to luxury brands. For now Raymond will do. Remember fitting is the key, be very minute with the details. Style your lapels according to your width and height. Brands are secondary but fitting is primarily and will decide how you look.
• Buy a decently priced analog watch, digital watches make you look juvenile. I personally would suggest you to get a metal strap because they are more versatile but if you have the money go for leather watches because they look good. You can start with Seiko, Fossil or Hilfiger and you can upgrade it over the years.
• Invest in a good quality cologne. My personal favourite is Dior Sauvage and Davidoff Cool water for the summers but if you don't have that kind of money you can go for Titan Skinn, Rasasi, Zara or even Club de Nuit. Don't go for a cheap cologne because they smell too artificial.
• Buy 3,4 pairs of shirts. I personally like to wear only white shirts but you can buy beige, powder blue and even light pink shirts. Also, if possible tailor your shirts too and get French Cuffs. They look good and a good pair of cufflinks will elevate your style like no other. Only wear tailored pants. Black, navy blue and steel grey are the only colours of pants you should wear.
• Buy exquisite ties, remember ties will always elevate your style and so invest in good quality silk ties and make sure to wear them daily. Don't buy too flashy ties at the end of the day you're a lawyer so dress accordingly.
• Lastly, match your belts and shoes. Always buy leather because they look good. Invest heavily on shoes and belts because they will last a lifetime. Buy Oxfords, brown and black are the only colours to follow. Don't buy tan and don't wear Brogues or Monk Staps. You're in a formal setting so dress accordingly.

I think these are the absolute basics to keep in mind. There are many more things you can do to elevate your style but that's for another day and because you're an associate I am not explaining to you what to wear in parties.

PS: Dress impeccably but don't garner attention and always remember less is more.

It isn't pretentious to take care of oneself and dress nicely. When you dress nicely, you demonstrate to the rest of the world that you care about yourself and that your life is in order. As a client, I would want my lawyer to dress nicely; if he dresses with attention, it suggests he takes himself seriously, which means he will treat my work seriously as well.
Moreover, a well made suit is similar to modern day armour in that it makes you feel better about yourself. Furthermore, it requires discipline to get up on time, shave, and then dress nice, which, as I already stated, shows that your life is in order. We often dress nicely for a date or a party in order to look our best. Why not do it on a daily basis? Why not strive to be our best every day?
My grandfather used to dress immaculately every day when I was a kid, as if to show us that he was ready for anything. He was extremely proud of his work and the way he handled himself. It had a lasting impression on me, and I now link "dressing nicely" with discipline. It's not a matter of pretense; rather, it's a matter of taste, confidence, and habit.

Can anyone shed some light on the dress code that corp associates are expected to follow while staring out in a t1? I know it's supposed to be formals, but what exactly is preferred generally? Do light checks and stripes be alright? Also what about lighter shades of colours like green, pink, blue and red.

I know the question above might sound stupid, but please help!