Top Law Schools

So i got my new associate job, and now want to buy better clothes to fit in with my peers. I was thinking of getting a few shirts with french cuffs, no luck yet. Why all the hate for associates wearing cufflinks?

1. They make for bulkier sleeves and can make typing annoying

2. They make rolling up your sleeves more annoying

3. They're not really in style

I mean I get that they can be seen a pretentious. I was thinking of getting a few shirts for when they send me to court/depositions/PCs (im in lit) or some client events. I actually didn't have a second thought before I read some stuff here, now I'm not sure.

French cuffs aren't very practical and I don't think they look that good. But I also don't think they are a problem or inappropriate for work.

You're free to be that guy, if you want. I own one white shirt with French cuffs and it's for black-tie only.

Most of the advice on this board is directed at students interviewing for associate positions, not actual associates.

As others have said, cuff links will make you look overdressed and they just aren't the norm in a biglaw firm. That said, if you want to wear them, wear them and who cares what others think?

This is not the forum to come to if you want to be well dressed. Somewhere around here is this bizarre post by a guy named puffer or something if u want to dress like a mormon evangelizing but for some reason ppl act like it's the bible

Pufer's post is about appropriate interview gear, not a guide to high fashion.

At my firm, only the most senior partners wear french cuffs. I never see younger men wearing them, and it would probably look a bit out of place. Button cuff all the way.

tons of associates wear them at my firm. Do it and who cares?

In my opinion it's just not stylish right now in this field, it looks overly formal out old-timey to me.

ballouttacontrol wrote:This is not the forum to come to if you want to be well dressed. Somewhere around here is this bizarre post by a guy named puffer or something if u want to dress like a mormon evangelizing but for some reason ppl act like it's the bible

Please post pictures of your best Patrick Bateman attire.

I only wear french cuffs with my tux.

I think they're snazzy.

What about pocket squares? Not for interviews but for young associates

Alright, you all win. Thanks for saving me. I guess I'll just get one shirt for when/if they send me to client functions where it maybe might be helpful.
For the record, I wasn't dying to get french cuff shirts, I honestly didn't know what the deal/rules were. My firm (a mid-size) seems kind of mixed with who wears them and who doesnt.

monsterman wrote:What about pocket squares? Not for interviews but for young associates

i think pocket squares are dumb and make you look overdressed. im not super stylish though so i might be wrong. just wear what you want

To me, you wear a suit to work because you *have* to look professional, not because you *want* to look spectacular. As such, wear a suit and wear it so you look competent. Save the cuffs, links thereof, snazzy ties (bow, bolo, or otherwise), kerchiefs, and other stuff for when you're wearing a suit other than for the times you get to wear a suit, not because you have to wear a suit - if that makes any sense.

pancakes3 wrote:To me, you wear a suit to work because you *have* to look professional, not because you *want* to look spectacular. As such, wear a suit and wear it so you look competent. Save the cuffs, links thereof, snazzy ties (bow, bolo, or otherwise), kerchiefs, and other stuff for when you're wearing a suit other than for the times you get to wear a suit, not because you have to wear a suit - if that makes any sense.

Exactly. Save it for a wedding, etc. A law firm is not the place to show off.

There are no rules. You're free to wear them. But you're signaling something with them (although I'm not sure what exactly).

I would generally avoid working with a lawyer who wore cufflinks however, as it suggests they're superficial and care too much about their appearance. I'm very prejudicial that way.

Anonymous User wrote:There are no rules. You're free to wear them. But you're signaling something with them (although I'm not sure what exactly).

I would generally avoid working with a lawyer who wore cufflinks however, as it suggests they're superficial and care too much about their appearance. I'm very prejudicial that way.

I agree with almost everyone in this thread. All things equal, I would rather hang out with the associate that isn't wearing cuff links.