Attire guidelines for law students

Discussing attire is a tricky topic. I have prepared this document because many students have questions about what to wear, and some are afraid to ask. However, this represents my opinion, and you will certainly run into other views. Generally, err on the side of caution (i.e., more conservative) until you know the environment is more relaxed.

For job interviews and court appearances, you will generally wear business attire. Most law offices are either business or business casual environments. For class, most students dress in casual or business casual clothes. These terms are explained more below.

Business Attire

Some people also call this “business professional” today. “Business” attire means a suit, traditionally one that is dark in color and conservative in style (e.g., not adorned with multiple zippers). A suit is two pieces, a jacket and pants or a skirt. If you are wearing a skirt, ensure it is an appropriate length for a business environment, generally around knee length. Pants should likewise fit well and not be too short (high-water) or too long.

Wear a solid-colored shirt or blouse under the jacket. If your shirt has a collar that buttons closed, wear a tie.

Wear close-toed “dress” shoes, generally made of leather. If the shoes have heels, you should be comfortable walking in them. Generally, heels that too thin (stilettos) or too chunky will not read as “professional.” If you wear socks with your shoes, the socks should be dark in color. Hose/nylons are not required but are also acceptable.

All of your clothing should be in good condition—freshly laundered and wrinkle-free, no frayed hems, no missing buttons. Ensure your shirt is tucked in and double-check everything when you leave a restroom; you don’t want anything tucked into your underwear! Avoid strong fragrances, such as scented lotions, perfumes, or colognes. Avoid large or multiple items of jewelry. Hair, including any facial hair, should be tidy.

If you are attending an interview, I recommend carrying a professional bag. This might be a purse, small tote, or briefcase. I would recommend against using a backpack or carrying multiple bags. Alternatively, you can carry a padfolio. You want to make sure you have a hand free to shake when you enter and you are not juggling multiple items that may fall or get tangled in clothing.

Business Casual Attire

“Business casual” falls between business attire and casual clothing. Business casual attire can range quite a bit, depending on the type of employer and location. Unfortunately, the “rules” for business casual attire are somewhat fluid. The best advice is to follow the lead of others in your office and to begin on the more formal side until you see what other attorneys are wearing. 

Some general guidelines are:

• Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, leggings, and flip flops are generally not appropriate.

• Baseball caps or other hats are not appropriate.   

• Long pants (including khakis), skirts, and dresses are generally appropriate. In some offices, capri pants are fine; not in others.

• Shirts should cover the shoulders. In many offices, sleeveless shirts are too casual and all shirts should have at least short sleeves. In some offices, a collared polo shirt is appropriate; in other offices, this would be too casual. Ties are not necessary in a business casual environment.

• Dressier shoes should still be worn, but dressy sandals with a skirt or dress are generally appropriate in warm weather. Avoid sneakers and casual sandals, such as Birkenstocks.

Casual Attire

“Casual” clothes are what you might wear at home, such as jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops.