Advice on the lawyer’s wardrobe from an image consultant

LAWYERS

This article explains how lawyers should dress. It focuses on suits, hairstyles, footwear and accessories.

LAWYERS AND LAWSUITS

When we look at the legal profession, we generally see men and women in suits, but few attorneys, including the most experienced, are aware of the unwritten rules that cover their most prized garment, the business suit. As image consultants, we look beyond the surface and can tell you that your suit should be earth tones, well tailored and made from wool or a wool blend, except in the summer when Belgian cotton is acceptable.

Men often forget to have a second test. Demand one. Women often neglect their tailored jackets, creating bumps and wrinkles that will cost them points in the minds of clients, colleagues and judges. The best advice we can give you is to take a look at Jay Leno and see how his suits fit. Copy that style. Shop at Brooks Brothers or other quality stores. Avoid stores that do not have tailors on staff.

LAWYER SHOES

The only two acceptable shoe styles for male attorneys are black tips and wing tips. No other footwear is so harmless and effective. Yes, F. Lee Bailey wears boots. But it’s F. Lee Bailey.

Lawyers often make the mistake of matching shoes with suits. This only works when your outfit is black. Lawyers should not wear light colored shoes. They send the wrong signals. The toes should not be visible either. You must wear black heels, with heels no more than two and a half inches high.

HAIRSTYLES AND ACCESSORIES

Male attorneys must have clean hair, trimmed around the ears. It should not be too shiny with gel. It should not have the pointy look common in college students. Judges react unfavorably to such styles.

Lawyers can wear different hairstyles as long as their hair does not go over their shoulders. They can even use it in a beehive look or a carded look, if it’s not excessive and clean.

Lawyers must have the best accessories. Luxury leather briefcases. Gold Cross pens. Leather wallets. Movado wristwatches. Simplicity. Fine lines. There are no sports watches at work.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you don’t at least make any major mistakes or put off clients, colleagues, and judges.

Copyright (c) 2011 William Cane