WARDROBE ESSENTIALS for New Lawyers

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I have seen a few posts every year seeking wardrobe guidance, and I hope this makes you feel more prepared for your first year at office. Some of the things may be obvious, some subject to your personal preferences, so, this is only a suggestive list, feel free to adapt it to your requirements and tastes. If you find certain rules ridiculous, they probably are, I cannot really do anything about it - I am only hoping to help you navigate the sartorial dilemmas.

I.GENERAL TIPS

1. As a junior associate, it is better to dress somewhat conservatively (business formals and casuals). If you are wondering whether a clothing item is appropriate for work, try and recall if you have seen others wear it at work. Strange point but do take cues from how your seniors dress - are they dressing conservatively or casually? If it is casual, don't copy it entirely (rules at workplace for juniors and seniors can vary a little) but perhaps choose a business casual pieces.

2. Take a couple of days to look at the clothes, accessories, and shoes and try them on. Try to do a fit check in the store before you buy, do you feel good in it? Is everything sitting well on your shape or is it uncomfortable? Try to combine your pieces and see what looks best - take pictures and save it on your phone for future reference It can be a bit time consuming to do this but it will get you ready in time on busy mornings.

3. Versatility: Mix and match your shirts, trousers, and ties to create multiple outfits. This maximizes your wardrobe’s potential without needing a large number of items.

4. Brands: In terms of brands, try to find which brands make clothes suited best for your body type and have good stitching for your budget. As a first year you want most value and quality for money.

5. Optional: Check out Pinterest for ideas on what to wear - if you are interested in developing your own sense of style.

Important: Please don't get intimidated by seniors or peers wearing expensive or telling you they are wearing a designer item. Your worth is determined by your work and personality, and not how much you spent on your clothes and shoes.

II. WOMEN

1. Suits: 1-2 Quality Suits: Opt for versatile colors like navy, charcoal, grey, or black. Ensure they are well-fitted; have them tailored if possible for the best fit. Whether you like skirts or trousers, feel free to adapt as per your preference. Fast fashion retailers like Zara, Mango, M&S, and HM make really cute coordinated sets these days, but feel free to go with more sustainable or cost effective options as per your budget and values.

a. If you prefer Indianwear, invest in nice (cotton/ linen/ silk) kurta sets and saris in colours you like wearing - to feel your best of course. The rule for necklines favours conservative styles.

2. Blouses and Tops: 4-5 Blouses/Tops: Choose colors like blue and white, but there is no hard rule, feel free to wear colors that look good on you. Ideally a white shirt/ blouse is perfect for most occasions and will last you a long time if you care well for it. But try to get some colors that are easy to match with various suits and trousers. You can always buy more later, if you want to.

a. Aim for:

i. 1-2 White Blouses: Perfect for any formal occasion.

ii. 2-3 Blue/Gray/Green/Pastel Blouses: Ideal for both formal and semi-formal settings.

iii. Optional: Add a light pink, grey, or pastel blouse for variety. Experiment with prints, stripes, plaid, and other patterns, but nothing too loud.

iv. Apply a similar rule for sweaters (good quality wool is fine).

3. Trousers and Skirts: 2-3 Pairs of Trousers or skirts, colors like navy, grey, and black will allow you to mix and match with your blouses and suits. Choose knee-length skirts in matching colors for a professional look.

4. Accessories:

a. Belts: - black and brown that works for trousers, skirts and denims. A couple of brands sell reversible belts too. Good quality leather is always recommended, but if you are not in the mood to spend - there are less pricey alternatives available, which are reasonably durable.

b. Shoes: Perfect for formal events and versatile with most suit colors.

i. Yes, higher heels look great but try to stick with 3 inches or less, or 4 inch with platform type soles.

ii. Black and brown/ nude are great options. You can stick with brown and nude if you are getting a navy or grey suit set.

iii. For daily wear low heels or flats are your best bet.

iv. Generally law firms are okay with open toed shoes for women; so, if you prefer sandals, that is good, too.

5. OPTIONAL: Jewellery: Simple earrings (pearls, gold hoops, studs are great, if you love wearing slightly bigger styles - should be fine depending on your overall outfit and occasion), a watch, and/ or necklace/ bracelets (nothing that is something you’d wear to a party perhaps). Again, if you love jewellery and watches, feel free to experiment and style yourself.

III. MEN

1. Suit: 1-2 High-Quality Suits: Opt for versatile colors like navy, charcoal, grey, or black. These should be well-fitted; if possible, have them tailored to your physique for the best fit. Most retailers have the option of altering the clothes to fit you - best practice would be to try and see if you like the overall fit and then get it altered as needed.

2. Shirts: 4-5 Shirts, choose classic colors such as blue and white. These are easy to match with various suits and ties. There are multitudes of styles in terms of collars, stick to Oxford. Also try to get full sleeved shirts, I think law firms are chill about half sleeved shirts but it’s more on the casual side (best to see what your seniors are wearing).

a. Aim for:

i. 2-3 White Shirts: Perfect for any formal occasion.

ii. 2-3 Blue Shirts: Ideal for both formal and semi-formal settings.

iii. Optional: Add a light pink or grey shirt for variety.

3. Trousers: 2-3 Pairs of Dress Trousers: Select versatile colors like navy, grey, and black to mix and match with your shirts and suits. Make sure the hem of the pants is not pooling over your shoes. Good rule is that it should have a slight one crease when you stand with your shoes on.

4. Accessories:

a. Belts: - black and brown that works for trousers, skirts and denims. A couple of brands sell reversible belts too. Good quality leather is always recommended, but if you are not in the mood to spend - there are less pricey alternatives available with H&M, which can be reasonably durable.

b. Shoes: should be good quality and comfortable, not necessarily expensive. In terms of style there are quite a few options from oxfords, derby strap, monk strap, loafers, Chelsea boots. The first two tend to be a good safe bet. Chelsea boots are great for casual outfits too.

i. 1 Pair of Black Shoes: Perfect for formal events and versatile with most suit colors.

ii. 1 Pair of Brown Shoes: Adds a touch of sophistication and works well with navy and grey trousers.

c. Ties: 4-5 Ties: Choose a mix of colors and patterns that you like, ensuring they complement your shirts and suits. For men, this tends to be a way to add a fun touch or a conversation starter. Typical law firm appropriate choices include:

i. 1-2 Solid Color Ties: In blue, burgundy, or grey.

ii. 1-2 Patterned Ties: Stripes, small dots, or subtle geometric patterns.

iii. 1 Bold Tie: For a pop of color or unique design, if this your vibe.

d. Watches/ Jewellery: The less flashier the better. If you’re a watch person, feel free to splurge as you wish – but a simple timeless design is good enough for formalwear if you’re not. Brands are pretty much your personal choice.

e. Socks: I’ve seen a few lawyers wear really fun printed ones, I guess, feel free to experiment.

IV.IMPORTANT: Fabric and Care:

a. Fabric Composition: Opt for cotton, linen, or blends for blouses as they are breathable and comfortable. Avoid polyester, especially in hot weather, as it retains odors. It’s best to check the label for composition, opt for less blended fabrics - you want your money’s worth here - even if you are looking at fast fashion.

b. Care Instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to extend the life of your clothes. Regularly iron blouses and suits, and consider dry cleaning suits periodically.

c. Tailoring: Whenever possible, have your clothes altered to fit, especially trousers and skirts.

d. Clothing Maintenance: Check the clothing label for recommendations on wash and care. Rule of thumb is cotton and linen can take higher temperature wash and ironing and synthetic fabrics can’t.

e. Store suits in garment bags and use good hangers - if possible. If you have time, brush them down after each wear and allow them to air out before storing.

f. Regularly wash and press your clothes. Stains should be washed as soon as possible. Ensure trousers and skirts are hung properly to avoid creases.

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