How to Dress Like a Lawyer: The Formal Look Boosts Your Career

How to dress like a lawyer? When you think of lawyers, what comes to mind? Ivy League graduates with top degrees working on Wall Street or the eccentric characters from TV shows like “Boston Legal” or “House M.D.” You know, those guys with the bow ties, suspenders and tweed jackets with elbow patches! The formal work attire is a standard that most attorneys, regardless of whether they’re working in a law firm, government agency, corporation or as counsel, are required to follow.

Firms may have their dress code guidelines; however, formal business attire should be common for all attorneys. This blog post will help you understand what it means to be a lawyer and how dressing like one can boost your career. We’ll also discuss the 10 ways to dress like a lawyer.

What does it mean to be a lawyer?

Lawyers are people who are trained in the laws and legal systems of their country. They often represent people, companies, and other entities by arguing cases in courts of law. Lawyers may specialize in certain types of law, such as real estate, corporate, criminal, family, or tax.

Lawyers typically earn a college degree, usually a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences, and then complete a Juris Doctor degree to become licensed to practice law. Many countries require people who wish to become lawyers to earn a law degree as well as a separate bachelor’s degree in another field. The amount of training that lawyers receive varies from country to country.

Why is the formal look important for lawyers?

Lawyers are expected to look their best at all times. You must always dress to impress, but maintaining a formal dress code is essential to your success. Formal attire is a way to show professionalism and respect for others.

Not only does it make a great first impression, but it also makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. It allows you to wear various stylish and classic suits, shirts, ties, and other accessories.

However, if you want to dress like a lawyer, make sure you never, ever, ever overdo it! Remember, dressing formally does not mean dressing up in a traditional, old-fashioned suit. It just means wearing proper business attire appropriate for the occasion. First, make sure you know the dress code of the office you’re going to. If you’re unsure about the office’s dress code, wear a suit and tie.

The Importance of Professional Dressing

The first impression often leads to the end of the interview. Studies show that interviewers make their hiring decision within the first three minutes of meeting you. So what do you do? Make sure you nail the first impression with a professional look. Dressing professionally shows that you respect the company and position being interviewed for. It also shows that you are prepared and serious about your future with the company. Furthermore, a proper dress code lets you stand out among the other candidates.

How to dress like a lawyer

• Monday – Dark suit with a white shirt and dark tie
• Tuesday – Dark suit with a blue shirt, light tie, and dark shoes
• Wednesday – Dark suit with a maroon or purple shirt, no tie, and dark shoes
• Thursday – Dark suit, white shirt, dark tie, no jacket. Light shoes.
• Friday – Dark suit with khaki or beige chinos and a light button-down collared shirt. No tie.
• Saturday – Casual Friday outfit but swap out the light shoes for dark ones. Swap out the belt for a dark one too!

8 Tips for Dressing Formally as a Lawyer

We have discussed the importance of formality in a lawyer’s work attire. Now it’s time to see how you can dress like a lawyer. Let’s go through these 8 tips for dressing formally as a lawyer.

Wear a clean-cut suit.

A clean-cut suit is an essential part of a lawyer’s attire. It should fit you well, and it should be pressed and wrinkle-free. Depending on the type of law you are practicing, you may have the option to choose from many different colors and fabrics. However, always go with a classic navy or grey.

Wear a shirt and tie.

There are many ways to style a shirt and tie. However, the best way to wear them is with a tucked-in shirt and a tie that complements the colors of your shirt and suit.

Wear appropriate shoes.

The most common mistake lawyers make is wearing dress shoes with no socks. Always opt for leather shoes with laces, polished and matching the colors of your suit.

Avoid flashy jewellery.

Jewellery should be kept minimal. Don’t go overboard with wrist watches and rings. Instead, opt for simple and classy accessories such as a tie clip or a belt buckle.

Keep your hair clean and groomed.

Your hair should always be neatly groomed. If you are bald, then wear a neatly trimmed and clean full-face beard. Avoid wearing a beard if you are sporting a goatee or a moustache. If you have long hair, tie it back or keep it neatly pinned up.

Maintain your facial hair.

If you are sporting a well-trimmed and clean beard, then keep it. However, avoid growing a long beard to look professional.

Avoid over-applying cologne.

A couple of sprays should be enough. Over-applying cologne can make you smell overpowering and annoying to others.

Final Word

Why do people wear suits and ties? For many of us, it’s an uncomfortable reminder that even though we may enjoy our modern lives, sometimes we must do things by the book. While it may seem a little strange, wearing a suit is a very important part of a practicing lawyer.

Lawyers must look professional, and wearing a suit is one way to accomplish that goal. A well-tailored suit also conveys that you take your career seriously and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure success in your chosen field.

While you can certainly wear a business casual outfit to the office, a suit will give you that extra confidence boost that you need to stand out from the crowd. This article will walk you through the many different kinds of suits that you can wear and hopefully help you decide what suit will work best for you.