Bare essentials for men's law school wardrobe? Forum

[die Zauberflote]

What are the bare essentials for a men's law school wardrobe?

1 or 2 suits?
Sports Coat?
Blazer?
Overcoat?

[Borhas]

you could use the same suit for moot court and interviews

as far as formalish settings outside of those you could probably get by with a sweater-vest, collared shirt, and slacks

[bdubs]

Where are you going to school? I think the requirements in a big city are probably different than in a small city.

There are probably far fewer off-campus receptions and dinners in say Charlottesville than there are in New York.

[die Zauberflote]

Where are you going to school? I think the requirements in a big city are probably different than in a small city.

There are probably far fewer off-campus receptions and dinners in say Charlottesville than there are in New York.

University of Michigan or University of Chicago, probably University of Michigan.

[bdubs]

I wouldn't buy a whole lot of new clothes. Just make sure you have one presentable suit, a few plain white and blue button ups, and a couple of ties. If you find yourself going to a ton of events you can purchase a few more formal items of clothing.

[Stonewall]

bowties. lots and lots of bowties.

[mrtoren]

One navy blue suit, fitted and tailored. This is essential because it will get you noticed for good or for bad. The last thing you want is a formless, sloppy fitting suit. I recommend designer, with Lauren by Ralph Lauren being a classic and safe go-to-brand. Their suits can go on sale for as little as $199 at Macys. If you're a louder, more out-going person, you could even go with a navy blue pinstriped suit. I would also recommend a charcoal suit or a charcoal pinstriped suit. You want some variation in the event you have to wear a suit on more than one night in a row. Again, get help with the fitting and then take it to a tailor to finish it off. Never go with suit separates, they're a waste. It costs all of a few dollars to get traditional suit pants hemmed and its worth it.

Beyond that, a navy blue blazer would be a great addition to your wardrobe along with two pairs of slacks (one grey/one khaki). Make sure you have a respectable belt (preferably brown/black reversible), nice shoes (brown and black), and conservative ties. Christmas ties or anything by J. Garcia should be tossed in the garbage. Go with solid colors, basic stripes, and maybe some dotted patterns. Learn how to tie the different knots as well; I have seen few lawyers who know how to professionally tie a tie. It really stands out to me. BrooksBrothers.com has some great tutorials. As far as shirts, make a smart investment too. Arrow brand shirts may seem like a great value, but they'll die on you after a few washes. Look for designer names, removable collar stays, and multiple fits. If you're a thinner guy, don't buy the classic fit shirts. Go with fitted or slim fit or even extra slim fit. Also, toss the plastic collar stays that come with most dress shirts and replace them with metal collar stays. The finishing touch is nice watch. Seiko and Citizen make decent pieces in the $100 price range.

Do all of this and you'll be looking sharp in law school.

EDIT - And please, PLEASE, buy some shoe polish. Theres nothing worse than dull, scuffed dress shoes. Its a cheap investment to eliminate a major distraction.

[Norwood]

Blue Hoodie, Grey Hoodie, and Possibly a Black Hoodie.
Pair of Jeans (one only, no one can tell you reused em anyways)
A lot of white t-shirts

That will get you through your first semester. Then you can think about buying a suit.

[Always Credited]

Blue Hoodie, Grey Hoodie, and Possibly a Black Hoodie.
Pair of Jeans (one only, no one can tell you reused em anyways)
A lot of white t-shirts

That will get you through your first semester. Then you can think about buying a suit.

+1,0000millionhundred


And 1 pair of gym shorts.

[holdencaulfield]

For the love of God, do not get a pinstriped suit if it will be your only one.

[Fred_McGriff]

Topsiders.

[homestyle28]

I really thought this thread would be about whether or not it is appropriate for men to wear Bare Essentials makeup as a part of their law school wardrobe. TT is disappoint.

[Rock Chalk]

.

[alumniguy]

As one poster said, save your money and wait. There are little to no law school events that require a suit (law prom perhaps?) Every other event (including firm receptions and the like) will be business casual (i.e., nice pants, button down shirt and a tie or sweater).

If you don't yet own a suit, invest in ONE solid navy blue suit. I'd probably recommend just biting the bullet and spending $450 or so and get a made-to-measure suit - it will be far better fitting than anything off the rack. Off the rack will require tailoring - so that $200 RL suit will actually be $250+ by the time you hem the pants and shorten/lengthen the sleeves. Moreover, once you get to a law firm you won't be embarrassed to wear it (which you probably would be with an ill fitting RL suit).

There is no need for BB shirts either. Certainly, if you can get a discount, then go for it. But your $25 special from Macys or Nordstroms will be just fine. Fit is the most important factor.

Shoe polish - very credited. And if you don't already own a pair of decent dress shoes, get a pair. The suit and shoes make the man.

[loblaw]

I really thought this thread would be about whether or not it is appropriate for men to wear Bare Essentials makeup as a part of their law school wardrobe. TT is disappoint.

+1

[Rock Chalk]

.

[stratocophic]

Blue Hoodie, Grey Hoodie, and Possibly a Black Hoodie.
Pair of Jeans (one only, no one can tell you reused em anyways)
A lot of white t-shirts

That will get you through your first semester. Then you can think about buying a suit.

+1,0000millionhundred


And 1 pair of gym shorts.

Don't forget the

[maf70]

my Ks professor always rags on me for my flippy floppies.

[jarofsoup]

Always have a fresh white dress shirt and black pants clean and ready to go.

I am a 0L but this is general career advice.

[stratocophic]

my Ks professor always rags on me for my flippy floppies.

You should ask why s/he does not also revel in not having a real job through the medium of comfortable footwear

[bdubs]

Always have a fresh white dress shirt and black pants blue, grey, brown, basically any color other than black pants clean and ready to go.
.

Black pants are like black suits, you just look like you took your jacket off at a formal event.

[camelcrema]

Tag. Have no fashion sense. Will definitely need to come back to this.

[Renzo]

my Ks professor always rags on me for my flippy floppies.

That's because they're disgusting. Seriously, cover up your feet in public, nobody wants to see your hobbit toes.

[Cupidity]

2 suits of different color
3 dress shirts
4 ties
1 pair of dress shoes
6 pairs of dress socks

While there is no guarantee of multiple interviews, you will find that when it rains, it often pours. I had six interviews, and three of them happened in the same week along with my moot court argument. Not to mention there are a number of formal-required networking events and social events like-law prom. Getting by on fewer than two suits would be very difficult.

You will likely need at least two for the summer as well, no harm in investing.

[bk1]

5 suits. If you don't go to class in a new suit every single day your classmates will mock your plebeian ways.