0L Ladies - Female C/O 2019 Applicants Forum

[lebongenre]

I really love the Express portofino blouses. I have seven of them.

+1 I always try to stock up when they have sales

[clurrburr]

Hey everyone! So one of my Christmas presents was money to buy a suit for lawschool. Anyone have suggestions of where I would get a nice suit

J.Crew also has 40% off sale styles for the next week! I like their suits a lot plus they have a ton of cute professional dresses

YES. ABSOLUTELY DO J CREW. Although I would recommend J Crew Factory, it's cheaper and they usually have sales (and you get discounts if you sign up for their emails).

Other good places include Express, Banana Republic, and as mentioned, Ann Taylor. If you're bargain hunting, you can occasionally find a nice suit at a thrift store (I got an Ann Taylor one for $20).

Also, make sure you get your suit tailored--it makes a huge difference. If it's a skirt suit, match the skirt's fabric with the suit jacket. Don't try to reuse another one. If you choose to wear hose, going one size up can make it more comfortable.

Hope this helps Good luck!

I used to work at Express and I was going to recommend them as well! Not as expensive as J.Crew or other places so take the extra money and get it tailored. I buy a ton of stuff at J. Crew factory and do not notice a quality difference between them and J. Crew and its a fraction of the price.

I wear suits all the time and have not had issues with quality from J. Crew Factory. Over two years, one of my skirts did rip near the slit in the back, but I blame that on my team's highly physical warm up routine rather than the skirt itself. J. Crew did refund me for the skirt anyways, two years after--they have great customer service.

Love J Crew Factory! Also both regular and factory J Crew will take 15% off on top of sales in stores if you have a college ID! Definitely helps since they're on the pricier side.

[slippin_jimmy]

I really love the Express portofino blouses. I have seven of them.

+1 I always try to stock up when they have sales

+2. This thread has me about to go online shopping. DANGEROUS.

[Scalvert]

So, did I screw up? I got wardrobe $$ for Christmas, and elected to go quantity over quality. Got 3 NWT blazers from eBay (Gray Talbots, beige tweed Gap, and black mystery label blazer)and 1pair black Bandolino pumps. JCP clearance with additional coupons: navy pinstripe skirt suit, one pair ea black, brown, olive and gray slacks, one ea white, blue, purple and black button down shirts, 3 shells (white, gray and black) one long sleeve wrap around white blouse, beige cardigan, teal pencil skirt, black pencil skirt, and below knee length gray/beige patterned skirt. $350 total!

Will I be sorry that I just didn't opt for one good suit/nicer shoes? I've read quite a bit of snark directed at the way law school women dress at networking functions, but it's usually more of a "what were they thinking with the 5 inch heels/mini skirt/obvious cleavage" type criticism.

[clurrburr]

So, did I screw up? I got wardrobe $$ for Christmas, and elected to go quantity over quality. Got 3 NWT blazers from eBay (Gray Talbots, beige tweed Gap, and black mystery label blazer)and 1pair black Bandolino pumps. JCP clearance with additional coupons: navy pinstripe skirt suit, one pair ea black, brown, olive and gray slacks, one ea white, blue, purple and black button down shirts, 3 shells (white, gray and black) one long sleeve wrap around white blouse, beige cardigan, teal pencil skirt, black pencil skirt, and below knee length gray/beige patterned skirt. $350 total!

Will I be sorry that I just didn't opt for one good suit/nicer shoes? I've read quite a bit of snark directed at the way law school women dress at networking functions, but it's usually more of a "what were they thinking with the 5 inch heels/mini skirt/obvious cleavage" type criticism.

That's such a good deal! I'm sure you'll be totally fine. I've always figured the key is that the clothes fit well and look polished, regardless of how much they cost, and I don't think someone will be able to tell where you bought your clothes anyway. A good tailoring job is def more important than a higher quality fabric!

[Scalvert]

So, did I screw up? I got wardrobe $$ for Christmas, and elected to go quantity over quality. Got 3 NWT blazers from eBay (Gray Talbots, beige tweed Gap, and black mystery label blazer)and 1pair black Bandolino pumps. JCP clearance with additional coupons: navy pinstripe skirt suit, one pair ea black, brown, olive and gray slacks, one ea white, blue, purple and black button down shirts, 3 shells (white, gray and black) one long sleeve wrap around white blouse, beige cardigan, teal pencil skirt, black pencil skirt, and below knee length gray/beige patterned skirt. $350 total!

Will I be sorry that I just didn't opt for one good suit/nicer shoes? I've read quite a bit of snark directed at the way law school women dress at networking functions, but it's usually more of a "what were they thinking with the 5 inch heels/mini skirt/obvious cleavage" type criticism.

That's such a good deal! I'm sure you'll be totally fine. I've always figured the key is that the clothes fit well and look polished, regardless of how much they cost, and I don't think someone will be able to tell where you bought your clothes anyway. A good tailoring job is def more important than a higher quality fabric!

I hope so. That's what I notice as well. I've complimented people on things they were wearing before only to have them admit it came from Wal Mart. But I figure most people probably have a better eye for that sort of thing than I do. My UG wardrobe consists mostly of gym clothes . I plan on wearing those pumps only during times of extreme emergency!

[slippin_jimmy]

So, did I screw up? I got wardrobe $$ for Christmas, and elected to go quantity over quality. Got 3 NWT blazers from eBay (Gray Talbots, beige tweed Gap, and black mystery label blazer)and 1pair black Bandolino pumps. JCP clearance with additional coupons: navy pinstripe skirt suit, one pair ea black, brown, olive and gray slacks, one ea white, blue, purple and black button down shirts, 3 shells (white, gray and black) one long sleeve wrap around white blouse, beige cardigan, teal pencil skirt, black pencil skirt, and below knee length gray/beige patterned skirt. $350 total!

Will I be sorry that I just didn't opt for one good suit/nicer shoes? I've read quite a bit of snark directed at the way law school women dress at networking functions, but it's usually more of a "what were they thinking with the 5 inch heels/mini skirt/obvious cleavage" type criticism.

You'll be fine! If you like the way the fabric lays and get it tailored, then it's worth it. It's all about preference - I get my blouses for the most part on the cheap, but opt to pay more for shoes and the suit itself, just because I like how one style fits and it requires little tailoring for me.

[Scalvert]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

[slippin_jimmy]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

I bought my second suit for work - I think having one suit is fine for 1L, though that is my completely unfounded opinion.

For a professional bag, I haven't even thought of that.... A classic 'leather' looking tote could do the trick?

[jumbo2016]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

I bought my second suit for work - I think having one suit is fine for 1L, though that is my completely unfounded opinion.

For a professional bag, I haven't even thought of that.... A classic 'leather' looking tote could do the trick?

Who says business appropriate can't be fashionable?? A long champ tote in a dark color should be suitable for work and interviews, not to mention its waterproof which is a huge plus

[Scalvert]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

I bought my second suit for work - I think having one suit is fine for 1L, though that is my completely unfounded opinion.

For a professional bag, I haven't even thought of that.... A classic 'leather' looking tote could do the trick?

Who says business appropriate can't be fashionable?? A long champ tote in a dark color should be suitable for work and interviews, not to mention its waterproof which is a huge plus

"Fashionable" was probably not the word used. (bag with logos maybe?) I'll have to find a link. I was also a little taken aback by the women who reported being called out for their (what seemed to me) reasonable clothing choices.

[slippin_jimmy]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

I bought my second suit for work - I think having one suit is fine for 1L, though that is my completely unfounded opinion.

For a professional bag, I haven't even thought of that.... A classic 'leather' looking tote could do the trick?

Who says business appropriate can't be fashionable?? A long champ tote in a dark color should be suitable for work and interviews, not to mention its waterproof which is a huge plus

"Fashionable" was probably not the word used. (bag with logos maybe?) I'll have to find a link. I was also a little taken aback by the women who reported being called out for their (what seemed to me) reasonable clothing choices.

I'd be interested in the link....

But I think a plain, solid tote that is sizeable enough to carry a laptop or a padfolio/files easily would be a safe, versatile choice. Longchamps are popular too, as mentioned above.

[Scalvert]

Bags:

http://corporette.com/2013/07/10/interview-tote-bags/

This ^isn't what I was looking for, but it's helpful.

Some helpful (and not so helpful) advice - comments are good too

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2 ... neys-wear/

http://ms-jd.org/blog/article/pondering ... ring-blues

http://corporette.com/2012/12/20/what-n ... ng-events/

General good advice:

http://www.americanbar.org/publications ... rtant.html

[cheesy143]

Ended up getting my suit at The Limited, they had a 50% sale all non-clearance items if anyone else is shopping and I thought they had a lot of options!

[3pianists]

Bags:

http://corporette.com/2013/07/10/interview-tote-bags/

This ^isn't what I was looking for, but it's helpful.

Some helpful (and not so helpful) advice - comments are good too

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2 ... neys-wear/

http://ms-jd.org/blog/article/pondering ... ring-blues

http://corporette.com/2012/12/20/what-n ... ng-events/

General good advice:

http://www.americanbar.org/publications ... rtant.html

Thanks for these! Good reading.

[Sera Numquam]

Bags:

http://corporette.com/2013/07/10/interview-tote-bags/

This ^isn't what I was looking for, but it's helpful.

Some helpful (and not so helpful) advice - comments are good too

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2 ... neys-wear/

http://ms-jd.org/blog/article/pondering ... ring-blues

http://corporette.com/2012/12/20/what-n ... ng-events/

General good advice:

http://www.americanbar.org/publications ... rtant.html

Thanks for these! Good reading.

OH MY GOD. HELLO MY LOVE

[3pianists]

OH MY GOD. HELLO MY LOVE

SERA <3

[Sera Numquam]

OH MY GOD. HELLO MY LOVE

SERA <3

MISSED YOU BABE

[ugg]

<3

[schocolate]

What do you guys think about a bag like this?

http://www.cambridgesatchel.com/on/dema ... or=Oxblood

[jumbo2016]

wait wait wait I just read one of those articles.....there are still interviewers and jury members who think women shouldn't wear PANTS?!?!?!

Also yeah that bag is cute! If you get a leather one just make sure to weatherproof it with spray or whatever you put on shoes to weatherproof those

[Hildegard15]

At the schools I've interviewed I've asked each of them whether they consider the school to be a supportive environment for women, and I forgot to report my findings back here. So here's what I remember! I personally think it's kind of interesting to see what each school chooses to spotlight.

UVA: Definitely the worst answer I got. I honestly think it was just because my interviewer got flustered, since she went on a long tangent about how women tend to not score as highly on the LSAT, then realized she wasn't answering my question. She ultimately talked about there being a lot of female faculty. I did hear from Barley that Dean Faulk had a much better answer.

UChicago: She talked about the Law Women's Caucus they have on campus and said that they pair up students with female alumni in a mentorship program.

Harvard: He spotlighted the Harvard Law Women's Association, and if I remember correctly he talked about them hosting monthly events.

Gah I wish I had remembered to summarize this before i forgot everything. But Id be interested in hearing what other people have gleaned from their interviews!

[RedWhite&Blonde]

At the schools I've interviewed I've asked each of them whether they consider the school to be a supportive environment for women, and I forgot to report my findings back here. So here's what I remember! I personally think it's kind of interesting to see what each school chooses to spotlight.

UVA: Definitely the worst answer I got. I honestly think it was just because my interviewer got flustered, since she went on a long tangent about how women tend to not score as highly on the LSAT, then realized she wasn't answering my question. She ultimately talked about there being a lot of female faculty. I did hear from Barley that Dean Faulk had a much better answer.

UChicago: She talked about the Law Women's Caucus they have on campus and said that they pair up students with female alumni in a mentorship program.

Harvard: He spotlighted the Harvard Law Women's Association, and if I remember correctly he talked about them hosting monthly events.

Gah I wish I had remembered to summarize this before i forgot everything. But Id be interested in hearing what other people have gleaned from their interviews!

My friend went to Harvard and said it was pretty sexist. She said there's a student association aimed at reducing sexism/breaking the glass ceiling, though.

[RedWhite&Blonde]

One suit should do it for the time being, right? I would think most events would be business casual (at least for 1L). I might get a sheath dress or two, but other than that, I feel pretty set. Also: bags. What do I need? I've honestly never carried one, everything always fit in my backpack. I do have a small cross-body bag that fits the bare necessities; I use it sometimes when I go out, but it's totally unprofessional. I've read that you should carry something nice, but not "fashionable" - because it's "business inappropriate." Any ideas on what this means, exactly? SO MANY RULES.

Bags: Something relatively plain, leather if you like, NO LOGOS (they're alienating. If it's something small like the Kate Spade logo, I think you're fine, but don't go for a LV or something with Coach stamped all over it). Also, go for a darker/more neutral color.

PS. It might be worth getting a pair of flats too--you can keep them in your bag and switch shoes (before you walk into an interview or anything) so you're not running around in heels all day.

[SomeElleWoodsJoke]

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