Proper Law School Attire? Forum

[scifiguy]

Is there a minimum level of attire that's expected (either explicitly or implicitly) for classes or other events at law school?

For example, do people ever wear jeans and/or a t-shirt?

I had in my mind it was like a minimum of khaki pants of some kind and a button-up or polo type of shirt for guys. (Definitely not like a wife beater or something.)

Is it diff. by schools or class...? Would love to know. Thanks!

[jrf12886]

This thread is about to get interesting. But to answer your question: you can wear jeans and a t-shirt to class. Some people will dress nicer but it's certainly not expected. I don't think its any different than undergrad.

[Nelson]

It's black tie for your average day, but if it's a special occasion I usually break out the top hat and tails.

[tekumamba]

i plan on going butt-naked

[cinephile]

I don't think its any different than undergrad.

It's the exact opposite of undergrad. In undergrad, you'd show up in sweats and unwashed hair. In law school, you make an effort to dress smart casual.

[scifiguy]

I don't think its any different than undergrad.

It's the exact opposite of undergrad. In undergrad, you'd show up in sweats and unwashed hair. In law school, you make an effort to dress smart casual.

Yup. I literally wear sweat pants and sweat hoodie with unwashed hair after waking up late. Very relaxing, but unprofessional.

But also just because I'm not able to afford a nice wardrobe at the moment. If I could, I'd definitely want to wear nicer clothing. The sleeping in and bieng late part is comletely my own fault, however. I could chagen that and shower and comb my hair.

[ndirish2010]

I have never dressed any differently in law school than I did in undergrad.

[cinephile]

I don't think its any different than undergrad.

It's the exact opposite of undergrad. In undergrad, you'd show up in sweats and unwashed hair. In law school, you make an effort to dress smart casual.

Yup. I literally wear sweat pants and sweat hoodie with unwashed hair after waking up late. Very relaxing, but unprofessional.

But also just because I'm not able to afford a nice wardrobe at the moment. If I could, I'd definitely want to wear nicer clothing. The sleeping in and bieng late part is comletely my own fault, however. I could chagen that and shower and comb my hair.

Nope. No excuse. Smart casual is pretty damn cheap. Just shop at H&M. It's just about making yourself look slightly more put together. Doesn't even take an extra second to get ready, just a choice about how you want to present yourself to the world.

[manofjustice]

This thread has made my head explode.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I don't think its any different than undergrad.

It's the exact opposite of undergrad. In undergrad, you'd show up in sweats and unwashed hair. In law school, you make an effort to dress smart casual.

I don't think anyone in my entire law school state dresses smart casual.

[BerkeleyBear]

OP, wear some jeans and one of these shirts the first day. Please deliver.

http://www.zazzle.com/x+files+tshirts

[dr123]

tuxedo

[Dany]

I don't think its any different than undergrad.

It's the exact opposite of undergrad. In undergrad, you'd show up in sweats and unwashed hair. In law school, you make an effort to dress smart casual.

I don't think anyone in my entire law school state dresses smart casual.

Really? What do they wear?

[20130312]

Pajama pants, top optional.

[dr123]

What in the fuck is "smart casual"?

[Dany]

What in the fuck is "smart casual"?

I just assumed dressy casual - not business casual, but not wearing tshirts either. Sweaters, buttondowns, nice jeans, etc.

That's what basically everyone at my school wears.

[dextermorgan]

This again?

[ManOfTheMinute]

This again?

You say this, and yet I was literally wondering this today as I was lounging on my couch "tele-communting" in my PJs

[Tom Joad]

I am always the worst dressing person on purpose. If I am really feeling ornery I wear band t-shirts and cargo shorts. Because it doesn't really matter.

[cinephile]

What in the fuck is "smart casual"?

I just assumed dressy casual - not business casual, but not wearing tshirts either. Sweaters, buttondowns, nice jeans, etc.

That's what basically everyone at my school wears.

Exactly what I was going for.

[prezidentv8]

I have never dressed any differently in law school than I did in undergrad.

Me either. Basketball shorts. T-shirt. Occasional shades.

I mean, I've probably dressed that way since 7th grade in all seriousness.

[scifiguy]

I don't think its any different than undergrad.

It's the exact opposite of undergrad. In undergrad, you'd show up in sweats and unwashed hair. In law school, you make an effort to dress smart casual.

Yup. I literally wear sweat pants and sweat hoodie with unwashed hair after waking up late. Very relaxing, but unprofessional.

But also just because I'm not able to afford a nice wardrobe at the moment. If I could, I'd definitely want to wear nicer clothing. The sleeping in and bieng late part is comletely my own fault, however. I could chagen that and shower and comb my hair.

Nope. No excuse. Smart casual is pretty damn cheap. Just shop at H&M. It's just about making yourself look slightly more put together. Doesn't even take an extra second to get ready, just a choice about how you want to present yourself to the world.

where's H&M? What's it stand for?

[cinephile]

where's H&M? What's it stand for?

http://www.hm.com/us/

There is one in every mall in the US. Or something just like it.

[Aqualibrium]

You can and should wear whatever you want. You should also realize that people look at you and form impressions of you based on your overall physical appearance, which includes what you're wearing. If you want to wear sweats, wear sweats...just understand the message you're sending in each context that you're wearing them. You can wear sweats to class and have no one care, and you can wear sweats to class and have people think you're a tool. You can wear a suit to class and have no on care, you can wear a suit to class and have people think you're a tool. Again, it all depends on context.

Wear what makes you feel comfortable, but be tactful and mindful of each individual situation you're heading into. That's a lesson for law school, work, and life generally.

[toothbrush]

fwiw I read in a past thread that it's a good idea to have 1-2 solid suits (guys) in charcoal / black (?) when heading into law school. That remains troof ?