Build a Professional Wardrobe, Part II

By Lynnette Baclig

Graduate Fellow

Law Career Development  

STAPLE PIECES FOR BUSINESS FORMAL – THE POWER SUIT

What is Business Formal?

Law school is designed to prepare you to become a professional.  While it might be easy to dress casual and comfortable for class, other legal settings are often more formal.  When out in the professional world – always err on the conservative side and stick to a fitted suit.  The legal profession is conservative, better to look the part.

The Power Suit

A power suit includes a matching jacket and dress pants or a dress skirt in neutral shades such as black, gray, or navy; the darker the suit, the more formal.  While building your professional closet, it is best to initially start with two suits, and three to five dress shirts that pair well with your suits.  

As a general rule, your clothing should be clean, pressed, and wrinkle free.  It is also important to maintain the condition of your shoes by frequently taking them to a cobbler or shoe cleaner once a year. 

Get the Right Fit

Suits should be close-fitting.  Fitted suits are more comfortable and give you a boost of confidence you need to perform stellar in any legal setting.  All suits and skirts should be tailored to fit close to the body, but not tight.  You should shop in the petite section or tall section if those sizes would fit you better.  This could also help you avoid spending on tailoring or alterations.  (See Part IV: Where to Find the Right Fit for the Right Price.)

For Women

Women can make the most out of a suit by purchasing dress pants and a skirt that coordinate with a jacket in a similar shade.  This breaks one suit into two.  With a buttoned-up conservative blouse, freshly pressed and always tucked in.  The neckline should not plunge to reveal too much.  Wear scuff free shoes with heals or flats in a neutral color.  They should be comfortable while remaining stylish and professional.  Also, close-toe heels ranging from 3 to 4 inches are preferred for formal business wear. 

Traditionally for women, skirt suits were formerly the rule. Now pant suits are more acceptable.  In the event that you opt for a skirt suit, remember you can’t go wrong by remaining conservative.  It should come to at least to the top of your knees.  Skirts should also be worn with sheer or seamless hosiery in a neutral color.

For Men

In addition to matching pants and jacket, men should wear a button-up collared shirt paired with a simple tie. Avoid distracting patterns and bright colors. You want to be remembered for your personality, skills, and qualifications, not for the brightly patterned shirt you wore to the interview.  Men should also wear polished shoes in either black or brown with a matching belt. Wrinkled ties and shirts or poorly fitting suits can convey that you don’t have good attention to detail. Make sure, whatever you wear, that it looks like you took the time to clean and press before you went out into the world.

Up next: "Build a Wardrobe, Part III" Staple Pieces For Business Casual – Mix Business Formal With Everyday Clothing.

Part I - Build a Professional Wardrobe.
Part IV - Where to Find the Right Fit For the Right Price.