Lwoods wrote:Shoes: ballet flats to 4" heels. To be safe, steer clear of sandals and flip flops (unless you just wear them to commute). No more than 1/2" platform. Peep toes are fine. I'd personally avoid a chunky heel because it gives me bad flashbacks to the late 1990s. Within this, though, don't be afraid to show a little bit of your personal style; I definitely saw female SAs bond with female partners over shoes and pedicures.
Bottoms:
No jeans, obviously. Some old school folks consider khakis to be casual wear, so I'd avoid those and stick to black, grey and navy slacks.
Skirts can hit just above the knee but no shorter. Use good judgment when it comes to slits. Here you have more freedom with colors, but I'd avoid prints that look like resort wear.
Tops:
No cleavage. If most of your blouses are v-necks/show cleavage, wear a cami underneath (I really like
this one from The Limited).
You can wear sleeveless blouses, but always have a cardigan or blazer to wear over them in the office, and make sure they're still presentable without the blazer or cardigan (no exposed bra straps, etc.)
Dresses:
Combine the rules of tops and skirts (just above the knee at the shortest, no cleavage, etc.)
Accessories:
You can show some personality here, but within the right context. Chunky bangle? Doable. Giant gold hoop earrings? Probably not a good idea.
Start with conservative looks the first week (3" pumps, dark neutrals on the bottom, solid-color conservatively cut blouses, delicate necklaces or stud earrings) and just observe how the female attorneys dress. If they all look frumpy, you don't have to mimic them, but if there are a handful of a little more fashion-forward attorneys, you can follow their lead (within reason...and keep your ears open to make sure
their bosses don't have negative opinions about their dress).
Overall, though, if you look in the mirror and think you look put together, clean cut, and powerful, you're probably in good shape.
