suits for OCI (for women) Forum

[brooksrun]

This may be a silly question, but are patent leather heels acceptable or should you just stick with basic leather?

[jjlaw]

How do you know if a black jacket matches another pair of black pants? Do shades of black matter? I imagine it would be weird if your black jacket is a shade lighter than your pants... Or different width pinstripes for jackets and pants? This would happen more if you're mix and matching and online shopping. Has anyone run into this?

[Dany]

In general, but especially with online shopping, I would definitely stay away from mixing and matching black suit pieces and only buy pieces from the same store that are intended to be put together. And definitely no mix & match pinstripes, as it will be much more obvious that they don't go together.

[Lwoods]

In general, but especially with online shopping, I would definitely stay away from mixing and matching black suit pieces and only buy pieces from the same store that are intended to be put together. And definitely no mix & match pinstripes, as it will be much more obvious that they don't go together.

Agreed.

For retailers, like The Limited, that sell suiting in separates, the pieces that match are often merchandised next to each other in the store. Similarly, if you go to the "suiting" section, the pieces either have similar names, are placed next to each other, or are presented in an outfit where you can purchase multiple pieces at once. Since the fit of a suit is so important, though, it's probably best to purchase them in the store after trying them on instead of ordering online.

[upfish]

This may be a silly question, but are patent leather heels acceptable or should you just stick with basic leather?

Whoa, there is a difference?! I need to lrn2girl. =/

[patagonia]

Thoughts on stockings/nylons? Necessary? What about in warmer weather locations like southern California?

[jarofsoup]

Dress like Hillary Clinton did during the 2008 elections. (Maybe not so yellow)

[Dany]

This may be a silly question, but are patent leather heels acceptable or should you just stick with basic leather?

Whoa, there is a difference?! I need to lrn2girl. =/

Yep! Patent leather is super shiny, and I definitely think basic leather looks much better for a professional office setting.

Patent:

--ImageRemoved--

Plain leather:

--ImageRemoved--

(not condoning shoes this high for the office - just an example! )

[Lwoods]

^Women at my old firm in NY wear heels that high daily. I think it's regional, though. And I LOVE Louboutin!

Anyway, as for patent vs regular leather... if you own patent and can't really afford to buy another pair of shoes, you're probably fine. It'd probably be a good idea to get a shoe shine before any interviews, though. If you have both, stick with the regular.

I'm wearing these (Kenneth Cole 925 Silver Belle) right now, and they're super comfortable:
--ImageRemoved--

They were $160ish original retail, but since they came out in 2009, you can probably find some good deals out there.

[keg411]

I think you can go that high at the office, but it's better to play it safe for OCI than go for the hot red soles. I like those Kenneth Cole shoes.

However, if I get a BigLawl SA, one of my first purchases is going to be Louboutins <3.

[Dany]

^Women at my old firm in NY wear heels that high daily. I think it's regional, though.

I think you can go that high at the office

Are you guys for real? I had heard that 3" or lower heels were pretty much required, but I hate being seen in anything less than 4". Any idea about Chicago firms and whether pretty high heels would be okay at firms there?

(I understand that the shoes should be lower/more conservative for interviews, but once I'm on the job?)

This is potentially great news!!!

However, if I get a BigLawl SA, one of my first purchases is going to be Louboutins <3.

Also this.

[upfish]

This may be a silly question, but are patent leather heels acceptable or should you just stick with basic leather?

Whoa, there is a difference?! I need to lrn2girl. =/

Yep! Patent leather is super shiny, and I definitely think basic leather looks much better for a professional office setting.

Ohh, okay! Thanks! =)

[formerbiglawpartner]

To the one who asked if she could wear lower heels for the interview but switch to 4" stilettos on the job, remember that your entire summer is an interview and dress accordingly. Again, don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because some women partners or senior associates are dressing a certain way that you can. They've earned their stripes. You haven't. Always err on the side of being more conservative in your dress on the job.

[20121109]

To the one who asked if she could wear lower heels for the interview but switch to 4" stilettos on the job, remember that your entire summer is an interview and dress accordingly. Again, don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because some women partners or senior associates are dressing a certain way that you can. They've earned their stripes. You haven't. Always err on the side of being more conservative in your dress on the job.

This is excellent advice. Thank you for this.

[oldhippie]

god, i'm glad i found this thread but also not so much. guess i need to buy me a skirt suit....never realized it was a problem, i'm currently in a less formal field and was fine wearing pantsuits to interviews up until now....
but i appreciate the wisdom of those younger and more in the fashion know than i! well, except for the having to buy a new suit part

[jjlaw]

god, i'm glad i found this thread but also not so much. guess i need to buy me a skirt suit....never realized it was a problem, i'm currently in a less formal field and was fine wearing pantsuits to interviews up until now....
but i appreciate the wisdom of those younger and more in the fashion know than i! well, except for the having to buy a new suit part

Is there really a big difference between pant and skirt suits? I like wearing pants..

[Eugenie Danglars]

god, i'm glad i found this thread but also not so much. guess i need to buy me a skirt suit....never realized it was a problem, i'm currently in a less formal field and was fine wearing pantsuits to interviews up until now....
but i appreciate the wisdom of those younger and more in the fashion know than i! well, except for the having to buy a new suit part

hippie, when I worked at a law school advising office, they (rather condescendingly) told a PI-interested person that for "less formal" branches of law like PI, environmental, etc., pants are ok because the offices are "less serious." * shrugs *

(Also, I'm just assuming you're not gunning for big law...I hope I'm right because the idea of hippie in a sweatshop makes me very, very sad.)

[rinkrat19]

god, i'm glad i found this thread but also not so much. guess i need to buy me a skirt suit....never realized it was a problem, i'm currently in a less formal field and was fine wearing pantsuits to interviews up until now....
but i appreciate the wisdom of those younger and more in the fashion know than i! well, except for the having to buy a new suit part

Pity me, I've never worn a suit at all. I've only interviewed in, like, slacks and a tidy sweater-top or button-down shirt. Kinda looking forward to my first suit, though.

[jbarl1]

god, i'm glad i found this thread but also not so much. guess i need to buy me a skirt suit....never realized it was a problem, i'm currently in a less formal field and was fine wearing pantsuits to interviews up until now....
but i appreciate the wisdom of those younger and more in the fashion know than i! well, except for the having to buy a new suit part

Pity me, I've never worn a suit at all. I've only interviewed in, like, slacks and a tidy sweater-top or button-down shirt. Kinda looking forward to my first suit, though.

I have one pant suit but haven't had to wear it since starting law school. My summer office is super casual though...as in jeans on Friday casual. Best office ever

[oldhippie]

god, i'm glad i found this thread but also not so much. guess i need to buy me a skirt suit....never realized it was a problem, i'm currently in a less formal field and was fine wearing pantsuits to interviews up until now....
but i appreciate the wisdom of those younger and more in the fashion know than i! well, except for the having to buy a new suit part

hippie, when I worked at a law school advising office, they (rather condescendingly) told a PI-interested person that for "less formal" branches of law like PI, environmental, etc., pants are ok because the offices are "less serious." * shrugs *

(Also, I'm just assuming you're not gunning for big law...I hope I'm right because the idea of hippie in a sweatshop makes me very, very sad.)

<3
you are oh so right, biglaw and oldhippie will never cross paths and that's good news, because i really really prefer pants for work!

[JFo]

In general, but especially with online shopping, I would definitely stay away from mixing and matching black suit pieces and only buy pieces from the same store that are intended to be put together. And definitely no mix & match pinstripes, as it will be much more obvious that they don't go together.

Agreed.

For retailers, like The Limited, that sell suiting in separates, the pieces that match are often merchandised next to each other in the store. Similarly, if you go to the "suiting" section, the pieces either have similar names, are placed next to each other, or are presented in an outfit where you can purchase multiple pieces at once. Since the fit of a suit is so important, though, it's probably best to purchase them in the store after trying them on instead of ordering online.

Also, if you feel The Limited is an acceptable level of expensive for your interview, their "Limited Collection" Black Plainweave will always be the same color of black. Forever. You could buy some pants and wear them with a jacket from 1995 and they would match.

They also now make some "Luxury" wool suiting, but I don't like the fit as much.

[upfish]

Also, if you feel The Limited is an acceptable level of expensive for your interview, their "Limited Collection" Black Plainweave will always be the same color of black. Forever. You could buy some pants and wear them with a jacket from 1995 and they would match.

They also now make some "Luxury" wool suiting, but I don't like the fit as much.

Does this imply that it may not be, and we should be looking at better stuff? In what cases would this be true?

I was planning on going with something around this level, so I'm curious.

[Lwoods]

Also, if you feel The Limited is an acceptable level of expensive for your interview, their "Limited Collection" Black Plainweave will always be the same color of black. Forever. You could buy some pants and wear them with a jacket from 1995 and they would match.

They also now make some "Luxury" wool suiting, but I don't like the fit as much.

Does this imply that it may not be, and we should be looking at better stuff? In what cases would this be true?

I was planning on going with something around this level, so I'm curious.

Unless you worked in a more lucrative field prior to law school, I can't imagine they'll expect a higher quality than you'd find at the mid-level specialty retailers (Banana Republic, The Limited, Ann Taylor, J. Crew). I can reach out to my former boss who was on the recruiting committee before leaving law for banking. She's a fashionable woman who enjoys designer clothing (and shoes!), but she still shops at J.Crew and Banana. So, I'm going to work on the assumption that my non-designer duds will work for now -- even if I end up sporting Armani, D&G and Thomas Pink later in my career -- until I learn otherwise from a reputable source.

I would think the fit of the suit is going to matter much more than the quality of the wool.

[formerbiglawpartner]

I would think Banana Republic would be perfect for starting out. You can often get sales or large discounts as well. I would put together a couple of three piece suits (if you wear pants), e.g., a jacket, skirt, and pants in black and gray or navy. Their shirts and even some of their sheath dresses are certainly appropriate for the office. As the previous poster commented, fit is most important, so go with the brand/style that fits you the best. Get some tailoring also if needed, e.g., sleeve length, etc. As for the skirt suit vs. pant suit debate, I would go with what looks most attractive on you most of the time; e.g., Hillary doesn't wear dresses for a reason.

[franklyscarlet]

Are short sleeve jackets ok for OCI? I don't know why, but I get hot really easily, especially in pressure situations. It's not a matter of being nervous - I actually do well with interviews/speeches/etc, but I think I'd start sweating if I were to wear a full long sleeved suit. I have the following and a matching skirt:
http://reviews.thelimited.com/9023/2219 ... ffiliation

I'm also debating pair a work dress from the limited (cream silky top with a black suit material bottom) with a black blazer (possibly short sleeved), but it may be too will probably nix it for being too "sexy".

So I know this got answered earlier as short sleeved jackets= no-no. I pretty much only own those right now, and they were ok for the creative field I worked in (Museums). Now that's I'm looking at Law, I know I need to get a long-sleeved suit. Any suggestions on where to get skirt suits for petite girls with REALLY narrow shoulders? I tried some on at Banana and Ann Taylor and I looked like a teenager playing dress-up. As in, the saleswoman asked me if I was trying out for my high school debate team. Ugh.