Summer Associate Clothing Forum

[BansheeScream]

Do any guys have recommendations for pants/slacks? I have heard good things about Bonobos weekday warriors.

Bonobos, suit supply, and spier and mackay are usually my go to in that price point.

[icansortofmath]

Jumping on the fashion questions here, I'm guessing belt buckles that show off the brand (think Ferragamo, Gucci, LV, etc) would make you look way too douchey right?

... this is true just about everywhere unless you're working as a model.

[Anonymous User]

I know companies can be sketchy about installing software on laptops

That's putting it mildly. There's no way you can do that without asking, which means you're going to have to discuss your ADHD with someone at the firm. Since you seem to be worried about that, it's going to be your call. But absolutely, 100% do not install software on your work laptop without permission (assuming that IT at your firm doesn't prevent you from doing it already).

It's possible to discuss this with someone without mentioning ADHD. A statement like "this is a software program that I have used throughout law school that has helped me use my time as efficiently as possible" might work.

Thanks to you both. I think I'll try to go without the content blocker if I can, and if it's a problem, I'll try floatie's suggestion.

[LBJ's Hair]

Jumping on the fashion questions here, I'm guessing belt buckles that show off the brand (think Ferragamo, Gucci, LV, etc) would make you look way too douchey right?

Those branded belts are just ... generally trashy, whether you're a paralegal or partner.

[mtf612]

Any thoughts on machine washable cotton slacks? I know they don't always look as nice as cotton slacks / suit pants, but I'd rather not need to hit the dry cleaner every week when I have laundry in unit.

[clshopeful]

Jumping on the fashion questions here, I'm guessing belt buckles that show off the brand (think Ferragamo, Gucci, LV, etc) would make you look way too douchey right?

Those branded belts are just ... generally trashy, whether you're a paralegal or partner.

Anyone who wears those belts has no style at all. Do people really think they look good wearing a louis vuitton monogram belt?

[icansortofmath]

Never wore any slacks not machine washable and nobody cared.

[Mullens]

Do any guys have recommendations for pants/slacks? I have heard good things about Bonobos weekday warriors.

I wear mostly banana republic and only buy them when on sale.

[albanach]

Any thoughts on machine washable cotton slacks? I know they don't always look as nice as cotton slacks / suit pants, but I'd rather not need to hit the dry cleaner every week when I have laundry in unit.

Wool should not need dry cleaned every week. If you have a pair for each day of the week, you probably only need to hit the dry cleaner about once a quarter.

[BeeTeeZ]

If you want to be a litigator I suggest keeping a suit in your office, in case an opportunity to attend court or a deposition suddenly arises. During my 2L summer litigators would often swing by my office with last-minute invitations, and I was able to take advantage of those opportunities because I had appropriate attire on hand.

[ConfusedNYer]

Just adding another data point for those interested:

In my experience backpacks are fine (I used the same backpack I used in law school) - but if you are at a firm where everyone is a bit more dressed up (i.e. actually wears a suit everyday) I'm not sure a backpack is the best idea.

Overdressing - in my experience (both SA and pre-law school) there's often handful of people who dress up a little bit more or put some more money into their wardrobe regardless of seniority. My perception has always been that whether or not these people get derided a bit behind their backs tends to be based on 1) does it match up with their personality, you got to own the outfit and 2) does it actually look good or is it just a way to flaunt expensive items. I don't think it probably has much of an actual career impact either way, other than a few snide remarks behind your back. However, I do think SA's overdressing comes off worse just because less people are really going to know you / your personality well, especially in the beginning.

Headphones - I've heard a lot of varied things on this, at my firm it was generally acceptable later in the afternoon/evening, but would probably look weird if you always had headphones in when you were at your desk. Definitely something where you should check what other associates are doing or maybe ask a few juniors.

[comstoc]

Piggybacking on this topic to ask another question:

What kind of clothing is the norm for social events during the summer? Specifically, I'm female and from a blue-collar background (I know basically no lawyers other than my professors), and I'm going to be at a DC firm that has a business casual dress code. I'm wondering if I need to get cocktail dresses or something for receptions or if it's normal to just wear your work clothes. Any other tips to avoid faux pas would be welcome.

[cavalier1138]

Piggybacking on this topic to ask another question:

What kind of clothing is the norm for social events during the summer? Specifically, I'm female and from a blue-collar background (I know basically no lawyers other than my professors), and I'm going to be at a DC firm that has a business casual dress code. I'm wondering if I need to get cocktail dresses or something for receptions or if it's normal to just wear your work clothes. Any other tips to avoid faux pas would be welcome.

It really depends on the event and the firm. Most events are going to be right after work, so there's usually no need to change for those. They'll usually tell you if there's a different dress code for a specific event.

If you're doing a weekend thing, feel it out based on who's hosting it. If it's a partner, probably business casual. If it's a few associates, you can probably wear shorts/a casual skirt (which is a welcome opportunity in DC).

[Anonymous User]

Piggybacking on this topic to ask another question:

What kind of clothing is the norm for social events during the summer? Specifically, I'm female and from a blue-collar background (I know basically no lawyers other than my professors), and I'm going to be at a DC firm that has a business casual dress code. I'm wondering if I need to get cocktail dresses or something for receptions or if it's normal to just wear your work clothes. Any other tips to avoid faux pas would be welcome.

At both of the firms I've been at, no associates - male or female - dressed up (more than usual) for any summer events*. Folks just went straight from the office wearing the same business casual outfit. In fact, there were a few outdoors events where folks were expressly told in advance that casual wear (jeans/tees/etc.) was acceptable.

*Exceptions: Wear business formal on day one. And if there's a fancy end-of-summer reception, feel free to dress up a bit for that (but also feel free not to do so; no one will care either way).

[blair.waldorf]

Piggybacking on this topic to ask another question:

What kind of clothing is the norm for social events during the summer? Specifically, I'm female and from a blue-collar background (I know basically no lawyers other than my professors), and I'm going to be at a DC firm that has a business casual dress code. I'm wondering if I need to get cocktail dresses or something for receptions or if it's normal to just wear your work clothes. Any other tips to avoid faux pas would be welcome.

It really depends on the event and the firm. Most events are going to be right after work, so there's usually no need to change for those. They'll usually tell you if there's a different dress code for a specific event.

If you're doing a weekend thing, feel it out based on who's hosting it. If it's a partner, probably business casual. If it's a few associates, you can probably wear shorts/a casual skirt (which is a welcome opportunity in DC).

This was my experience as well. Some events were after work and were much more casual than what I'd wear to work (go-karting, etc.), so on those days, I'd bring a t-shirt dress or a cute blouse and shorts to change into before going to the event. As a female, I wore a lot of casual maxi dresses, casual dresses, and cute blouses with shorts for summer events. That was generally the norm among women in my office. I think I had one event all summer where I wore a "cocktail" dress, and it was hosted by the partner in charge of the office. Feel free to DM me if you want more specific recommendations--I know it can be tough to navigate these events.

[albanach]

If you want to be a litigator I suggest keeping a suit in your office, in case an opportunity to attend court or a deposition suddenly arises. During my 2L summer litigators would often swing by my office with last-minute invitations, and I was able to take advantage of those opportunities because I had appropriate attire on hand.

A decent quality blazer that goes with any pants you might be wearing and a dark tie would probably let you dress up pants and open collar shirt into court-appropriate attire. Whether that would meet your firm's expectation might vary, but it is pretty versatile. Also useful if you're in-house and called to the c-suite on a Friday when you're wearing denim!

[icansortofmath]

Decent quality blazer is one of the most versatile pieces in anyone's wardrobe... for men and women.

[Anonymous User]

Piggybacking on this topic to ask another question:

What kind of clothing is the norm for social events during the summer? Specifically, I'm female and from a blue-collar background (I know basically no lawyers other than my professors), and I'm going to be at a DC firm that has a business casual dress code. I'm wondering if I need to get cocktail dresses or something for receptions or if it's normal to just wear your work clothes. Any other tips to avoid faux pas would be welcome.

It really depends on the event and the firm. Most events are going to be right after work, so there's usually no need to change for those. They'll usually tell you if there's a different dress code for a specific event.

If you're doing a weekend thing, feel it out based on who's hosting it. If it's a partner, probably business casual. If it's a few associates, you can probably wear shorts/a casual skirt (which is a welcome opportunity in DC).

This was my experience as well. Some events were after work and were much more casual than what I'd wear to work (go-karting, etc.), so on those days, I'd bring a t-shirt dress or a cute blouse and shorts to change into before going to the event. As a female, I wore a lot of casual maxi dresses, casual dresses, and cute blouses with shorts for summer events. That was generally the norm among women in my office. I think I had one event all summer where I wore a "cocktail" dress, and it was hosted by the partner in charge of the office. Feel free to DM me if you want more specific recommendations--I know it can be tough to navigate these events.

On this note, what is the recommendation for something like a baseball game? I was in a very casual job before law school—jeans were definitely the norm and I would sometimes feel out of place in even a pretty casual dress—and now feel like I do not have a good mix of casual but still acceptable or professional enough clothes for events like that.

[blair.waldorf]

Piggybacking on this topic to ask another question:

What kind of clothing is the norm for social events during the summer? Specifically, I'm female and from a blue-collar background (I know basically no lawyers other than my professors), and I'm going to be at a DC firm that has a business casual dress code. I'm wondering if I need to get cocktail dresses or something for receptions or if it's normal to just wear your work clothes. Any other tips to avoid faux pas would be welcome.

It really depends on the event and the firm. Most events are going to be right after work, so there's usually no need to change for those. They'll usually tell you if there's a different dress code for a specific event.

If you're doing a weekend thing, feel it out based on who's hosting it. If it's a partner, probably business casual. If it's a few associates, you can probably wear shorts/a casual skirt (which is a welcome opportunity in DC).

This was my experience as well. Some events were after work and were much more casual than what I'd wear to work (go-karting, etc.), so on those days, I'd bring a t-shirt dress or a cute blouse and shorts to change into before going to the event. As a female, I wore a lot of casual maxi dresses, casual dresses, and cute blouses with shorts for summer events. That was generally the norm among women in my office. I think I had one event all summer where I wore a "cocktail" dress, and it was hosted by the partner in charge of the office. Feel free to DM me if you want more specific recommendations--I know it can be tough to navigate these events.

On this note, what is the recommendation for something like a baseball game? I was in a very casual job before law school—jeans were definitely the norm and I would sometimes feel out of place in even a pretty casual dress—and now feel like I do not have a good mix of casual but still acceptable or professional enough clothes for events like that.

I'm genuinely a huge baseball fan, so I actually wore a jersey tucked into a cute summer skirt.

If that's not something you'd go for (or you just don't have a jersey!), maybe something like this? A cute t-shirt dress with sneakers could be a good choice! I'm not sure if links are allowed here, so mods delete if not allowed? https://www.pinterest.com/pin/428756827011373079/

I'd get a feel for your office and how casual or dressy it is as well. If you're invited to a baseball game with two partners, you might err on the side of dressing up a bit more; if it's with your summer class as a whole or with a few associates, maybe go for a cute summer dress and sneakers.

[Anonymous User]

So consensus is backpacks are generally okay (and you'll figure out quickly if this is not a good practice)?

[Anonymous User]

So consensus is backpacks are generally okay (and you'll figure out quickly if this is not a good practice)?

The professionalism of the bag is more important than what the bag is - i.e., a clean, black slim backpack is preferable to some grubby stained green satchel/briefcase with broken buckles, you know?

Anyway, don’t overthink it - you won’t see many attorneys on days one and two of a summer program at a major biglaw firm, it will just be recruiting staff and IT trainers, etc, and the attorneys who you do see won’t be looking at your bag. If after a few days you think no one else has a backpack, go shopping on your first weekend for whatever the typical thing is.