Contact
Story ideas? E-mail editor@corporette.com
Please note that we’re not terribly fast with replying to reader mail — although we promise that if your request is somewhat timely then we’ll try to get to it in time! (If you DO have a timely request, we highly recommend e-mailing us rather than posting a comment on this page — we check that much more regularly.)
{ 213 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
So, maybe this is a topic…. My mom is in town to visit me and she will be here on a Monday during the day. We plan to go out to lunch (during my lunch hour), and I was thinking she could stop by my office to see it in person before we went.
My office is pretty busy, fairly conservative, and about 20 people. Is it appropriate to bring personal guests to the office for a quick visit, or is this a business no-no? FWIW, I’m an in-house lawyer. There won’t be any confidential client files or confidential clients milling around the office, but I still feel a little weird about it.
What do you think?
Can we have a post that discusses what to do for Administrative Professionals Week? thanks.
Ok, I know there have been plenty of posts regarding what is appropriate for summer internships, but:
1) I am in Philadelphia. Summer is sweltering. But I still don’t feel that light colored suits are the way to go for legal interns? I have a camel colored one that I think would be ok, but I also have a stone-palest gray suit. Maybe I’m just used to seeing Northeast region attorneys in black/navy/charcoal.
2) I will be interning at a federal govt. agency – how do the normal rules differ, if at all?
3) I know that this question only concerns a certain demographic: I have tattoos on my upper arms (currently being lasered off – yes, my mother already said “I told you so”). Most short-sleeved shirts stop just short of covering them. Any wardrobe suggestions other than keeping my suit jacket on all day?
I have a tattoo on my shoulder among other places, so not quite in the same situation but I’ve been there.
Thankfully the offices that I’ve worked and interned in have been very casual so it isn’t a big deal, but when I go to meetings or onto the Hill I have to cover up. Obviously not quite as difficult as upper arm (thus the reason I chose the spot), but I can’t wear sleeveless shells, certain cap/flutter sleeves, or a top that is too sheer.
My advice is look for tops that are elbow-length or mid-bicep, it shouldn’t add too much more bulk/heat than a t-shirt. Someone posted a Wintersilks top with longer sleeves a while back so you could look there.
I’m curious about fashion tips for a non-profit or public interest law office. I’ve noticed in general that the daily uniform tends to be a little less formal than in big firms, but I don’t know what the line is. Any insight would be fabulous!
Not sure if we have had a post on this before, but could you ask people for tips on wearing hair down? I have hair just past my shoulders, a little wavy, thickish but very fine, and I have trouble wearing my hair down, in fall/winter/spring because of frizz, and in summer because it sticks to my neck in the heat (ugh). Are there particular products that people use? Also, is there any way to get your hair to stay out of your face other than tucking it behind your ears or playing with it all the time? I hate to have hair on my face (I tried bangs last year and they didn’t work for exactly this reason) and I can’t get it to stay back unless I tuck it behind the ears.
I second the recommendation on a post about hair. I have thick hair so it seems my only options are to wear it down in the heat or pull it back in a low ponytail. I’d also love a post on how to style your hair up other than the high/low ponytail which I know you’ve already done posts on. Thanks! Love the blog.
do you know the weight loss ad “local Mom loses 25 pounds in 4 weeks” is a fraud? the picture is of a blogger, totally false!!
I just found your blog…initially I almost overlooked it due to the fact that the Google link reference “for lawyers”, which I am not…however, I was looking for suit suggestions and was glad to see suits featured on your website that were appropriate for thirty-somethings! I work in an industry where we tend to be very conservative in dress, and I do a lot of travel as well. Everything I’ve seen on your website so far, I’d wear. Fab!
I’m going to law school in the fall, and although I’ve been working for a year and have a suit and other workable pieces, I feel like I’m not sure what is appropriate for interviews and other events. I’d love to see something about building the basics, or essentials to have in your wardrobe for someone newly entering the ‘corporette’ world.
Thanks! Love the blog
I’m starting law school this fall. I’ve recently de-cluttered my wardrobe in anticipation of getting some “back to school” clothes. I realise that during law school, you’re not expected to wear a suit every day in class though perhaps it’s a good idea to start dressing a bit more smart than one did in undergrad/grad school.
What are a few key pieces that won’t look too stuffy for class that will be useful for more formal events (interviews, moots, etc). I don’t want to invest in a ‘student wardrobe’ that will be utterly useless for post-law school or law school summers when i’m working.
Great Blog!
Cheers,
AM
Hi, I’m a rising 3L and frankly, people wear the same clothes to class that they wore in undergrad. However, when I take a class with adjunct professors (typically local judges and professionals) I make it a point to wear business casual (lots of cardigans, sweaters, button downs, no jeans or flip flops) and I think it helped me get my internship this summer.
As for formal events/interviews, very basic black suit. I got the Anne Klein from Macy’s ($99 jacket, $49 skirt.) Very simple, well-fitted. No short-sleeve suits! People wear their interview suits to class when they have an event, don’t worry about that. And it’s better to be over-dressed for class than to be under-dressed when meeting attorneys and judges.
It’s my least favorite season of the year–Wedding Season!! I swear I will never have a big wedding– destination wedding all the way because I think weddings are too stressful for the guest, can’t imagine how bad it must be for the bride!! My BF is the best man, which means I need both a rehearsal dinner dress AND a dress for the wedding. The wedding is next month at a park. The problem I have is the same that I have with all clothes…I’m stuck in the middle. I’m in my early 30′s which means too young to be totally conservative and covered up, too old to be showing everything. Unfortunately, everything I’m seeing seems to fall into one of those two categories OR it’s totally cheap looking i.e.: frayed edges,etc.(which seems to be an annoying trend this year). Plus, I have this ridiculous pear almost apple shape, with a super short torso = huge hips, small waste, bigger chest = no dress fits properly. I don’t mind spending some money but because I’ll have to travel as well I’d prefer to not fork over an entire paycheck. Thoughts??
An article on how many and what kind of pieces should be in your wardrobe – how many suits, pants, blouses, skirts, heels, flats, etc.
So for work everyday, I carry a pseudo-briefcase (black cloth Coach bag–nothing ostentatious) with a shoulder strap. Given the combined weight of all it contains (lunch, shoes, a zillion files, etc.), I always wear the shoulder strap across my chest instead of over one shoulder.
The problem is that the strap then sits right between my breasts, creating a really strange and awkward look. This isn’t a problem in winter with bulky coats preventing it, but in summer? Yeah. It’s not a good look. Any advice on how to deal with this? I really can’t carry it on just one shoulder–too heavy, and it causes shoulder/back pain. Help?
What about like a classy leather backpack?
http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Amerileather-Urban-Buckle-Flap-Backpack/3025026/product.html
Ok, this isn’t that classy, but you get the idea.
How about a link to any places or clothing lines for women with large busts. I’ve learnd to hate shopping because nothing fits. and buying a bigger size means that it has to be taken in all over, which is expensive and time-consuming. I would think that with more women having breast implants this would be a burgeoning industry.
Pun intended, but this is a serious question.
Thanks
PS — i saw the 2008 post — but I’m hoping there is more out there…
I recently accepted a job at a medium-sized law firm…after working in government for the last four years. Currently, my work attire consists entirely of old, ill-fitting black suits, plain shirts, and flats, as my government job is very conservative, and I’m in court nearly every day. The firm is “business casual.” What does this mean, and what are some key pieces I can buy to mix-and-match?
You’ve previously discussed how to dress [appropriately] for the office pool party. For us newbies or summer associates, could you address dressing properly for other summer activities with people from the office? I’m going to an upcoming sports event with my co-workers after work, but they’ve made it clear its also a networking event/opportunity to improve client relations, so I’m assuming that dress can’t be too casual. This isn’t a “team-building” event, so there’s no cheesy office “team” t-shirt to wear as a default.
Anyone ever order anything from this site? http://www.eshakti.com/default.asp.
The clothes are semi-custom and come in a full range of sizes. Small charges to adjust sleeves, neckline, and hem length. They have a whole section devoted to the LBD some of which are work appropriate. The prices seem reasonable. For the hard to fit, which seems like most of us, this seems like a great option so I would love to find out if anyone has any experience with them and what the quality of the clothes are like.
Just sign me,
Dying to get something doesn’t need altering for once
I work for a very conservative, private club. Everyone in our office is required to follow a strict dress code (Management, like myself, included)… As in: plain gray slacks or skirt and a white, collared, button-front blouse with black shoes. The idea is for any one of us to be able to throw on our club-provided navy blue blazer at any time and look “uniform”. I attempted to wear striped gray slacks once, and was told that was a “no no”. After a year here, I was finally able to get our GM’s approval to wear colored shirts (light pinks, blues and yellows are the only colors he has approved at this time – plain, no patterns). I’ve attempted to “jazz up” the uniform with bold jewelry, nice shoes, etc. but am getting antzy again and am feeling too boring.
Any suggestions for pumping up and otherwise boring uniform?
I saw some really nice shoes that would have had been comfotable if I didnt hvae wide feet but for the rest of us that are still looking for nice, comfy heels. Check out Terra plana. Sooooooooo nice and not too expensive ; http://www.terraplana.com/womens-c-154.html
look at the rita black on page 3 :-D
HELP! I don’ t know if this is the right spot to submit pleas for fashion help, but I am going to try. I am attending a formal event in NYC in central park (the boathouse) in about a week, for the annual party of my boyfriend’s law firm (I’m also in the legal field). I want to a unique dress that will impress, but I also need to look professional, and not over or under-dressed. I need guidance. Is it ok to wear color? Short or long? Strapless/backless/halter??? What is appropriate and what will cause uncomfortable stares? I appreciate any help anyone can suggest!
There’s a new website out there where you can free wardrobe advice. It’s called canIwearThis.com. You just post a picture of your outfit and people let you know their thoughts.
Any advice on nice-looking and comparatively inexpensive laptop bags/briefcases? I’m a summer associate at a large consulting firm and will be spending the summer on the road- I don’t think my Longchamp will cut it for keeping me organized etc.
I have extremely curly hair that looks terrible when blow dried (yes, I’ve tried a diffuser and virtually every hair product on the market). I have to wet it in the mornings in order to keep the frizz at bay, and the only way it looks even remotely presentable is to let it air dry. So basically, it’s wet every day until about 11 am. Is that terribly unprofessional? Am I hurting my career here? Is there something else I should try? Thanks!
I am a french petite lady currently working in a bank (one of the world top 7) as an exec assistant at hig level. Yes I know I am no lawyer neither consultant or manager.
But I do need to have work appropriate attire as I do have a lot of meetings and contacts with high managers of all sorts.
Of course in France we are not so “formal” as I understand some of your companies are in the fiel of clothing for work but we do have to behave and be work appropriate.
That means not too deep cleavage, not too much skin, no sheer clothes. But we can wear vivid colour if we can, sometimes bare legs and open toes and others. Of course depending of your company: you can’t wear the same clothes in the editing or law companies.
Myself I try to wear always a classic jacket and a skirt or trouser classy.
I do not have any suit:being just 5 feet does not help one to find proper clothes in France when one has not the possibilty to have all clothes custom made. And no petite clothes range available for us in France alas.
So I decided to try my luck with online trade to buy US. So far my luck was good.
But as I am browsing many sites,I saw some brand which I would like to know more about.
So could give me your advice (or some of your readers) regarding the best brands for work attire (or not so far) in terms of quality, price, fancyness (can I write that ?), good shape and cut…., not too cheap but not the most expensive. I noticed Theory, Ann Klein, Talbot, Tahari, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren (of course), J Crew, Banana Republic ….
I am just looking for some good quality/price brands but I would like to have advices from the people actaully wearing those clothes.
Many thanks for your comparison and advices.
Calvin Klein makes quality suits and dresses in smaller sizes. I’m slightly taller than you, but thinner than average for an American woman, and I find that this brand tends to fit well. If you look at sites for major department stores (like Macys or Lord and Taylor) or even some discount sites (I like overstock.com), you may find some good prices too.
This may seem like a silly question, but…when/where is the appropriate time/place to change from your commuter shoes to heels?
I am a legal intern this summer and live about a dozen blocks from my office so I’ve been walking to and from. I usually wear flip flops or flats for the walk, and bring my heels in my bag. What I’m having trouble figuring out is when and where I should be changing into my work shoes. I don’t have an office or cubicle in the building to privately swap shoes, and anyway I worry that it’s unprofessional for me to still be in flip flops the first time everyone in the office sees me each day. Where should I be changing my shoes- the lobby? Outside of the building’s front door? Around the corner? I’m extremely concerned about projecting nothing but a professional image because I’m really hoping to turn this summer job into a permanent job offer. Help!
I’m an intern in DC and because I walk around 6 blocks to my bus stop I wear commuter flip flops, too.
If I remember to change them on the bus that works for me, but I often forget. Does your building have a stairwell? Even if you normally take the elevator, that is a good place to change them. Maybe get off one floor below your office and take the stairs the rest of the way, good for you and also a good secluded place to slip into your heels!
Another option is if you find you’re always stopped at a particular pedestrian crossing in the morning or you go to a coffee shop near work (obviously don’t change your shoes in the building!)
Hey Corporette, I’ve an idea for a poll – maybe. It’s obvious most women reading the blog are working in an office environment. I’m wondering – what did Corporette readers want to be when growing up?
I for one wanted to be a pilot for a while, then television series about law spiked my interest in my early teens. I’m wondering, did other Corporette readers already aim for the serious careers when still children, or did many of them want to be haircutters, nurses, and models growing up like a lot of girls seem to want?
The breakdown of the poll would be something like:
- wanted to persue the career field one is currently persuing now
- wanted to persue a career of similar educational and social standing level to the one currently persued, but in a different field.
- wanted to persue a typical boy’s dream career (fireman, policeman, soldier, farmer, etc)
- wanted to persue a typical girl’s dream career (fashion & looks, nursing, teaching, homemaker, veterinary, etc)
- something else
- had no clue/don’t remember
Could we discuss whether it’s better to shower in the morning or at night? And for those of you who shower at night, how do you keep your hair looking good for the next day? Thanks!
I need help picking belts! It seems like a no-brainer, but everytime I go shopping for them, they seem too tacky or unflattering. What are good belts for court? A firm? With suits? Wide? Skinny? Internet links very much appreciated.
Kat, love the blog! I stumbled across it about 3 months ago, and lurked for a while b/c I felt kind of *old* (been a lawyer for 25 years). Your Mother’s Day piece hooked me and I posted, and several Corporettes replied with incredibly thoughtful, kind and supportive remarks. I feel like I have a whole new set of friends, not to mention tons of insight to the ever elusive goal of effortless sartorial splendor! Thank you.
Here’s my question: is your target audience primarily/exclusively younger (ie, under ~40) women? I know there at least a few of my ‘peers’ in the regular commenter group, but not sure if we are just sort of outsiders.
I inquire really out of sheer curiosity – the younger Corporettes are always a source of inspiration and information and the Corporettes more in my age group are fantastic ‘wise women.’ So, thanks again, and see you around. Keep up the good work.
I’ll be interviewing with law firms in August. I found a well-fitting suit that has 3/4 length sleeves. Is that appropriate? I know that short sleeves are definitely out, but I wasn’t sure what the verdict is on these 3/4 length suit jackets. Thanks!
Hi, I will be traveling for London for work for 10 days. I am from NYC. What are some good key pieces to travel and perhaps do some weekend trips?
I definitely recommend a trip to Hampton Court. Easy to reach by public transportation and a very interesting guided tour. Especially exciting for history buffs. Also, don’t miss the Tower of London.
It may seem counterintuitive to ask this question on Corporette, but I really need your help!
I’m a professional in my late 20s working for a top-tier consulting firm. I would say I’m on a certain track to a high-level position in my firm. I have recently made the decision that I’d like to take some time off to stay home with my infant daughter. A difficult decision, to be sure: before she was born, I thought that I would be the ultimate working mom and professional.
I’ve definitely made my decision, but my career is still very important to me and I’d like to return to the workforce in a few years and work full time from then on.
My question is: how do I quit my job gracefully and leave an opening to possibly return in the future? I don’t want them to stereotype me as one of those women “who are just working until they have kids”; because this definitely wasn’t my intention – if it was, I would have quit before my (fully paid) maternity leave. I didn’t expect to want to stay home. Note: I’ve been back at work 2 months.
I don’t want to burn any bridges. Help!
“just working until they have kids”
When it comes to luggage, I’m a fan of hardsided, or at least structured, bags that open with a hinge. I find it much easier to keep them organized, protect what is inside, etc. I’d love to find a briefcase that is similar, like a traditional men’s attache, but more feminine-looking, if that makes sense. Does it exist? Or am I on an endless quest?
I’ve got a summer suit that supposedly can be washed and ironed instead of dry cleaning. Any tips on how to iron a suit jacket?
I’m a recent law school grad (taking a break from bar studying right now, incidentally) wondering about interview suits. Is the basic black interview suit still required for those us interviewing post-law school, or are other colors sufficient? I much prefer my chocolate brown Ann Taylor suit and my light grey Loft suit to the masculine look of my cheap black suit. Thoughts? Rules?
I’d love a post on how to wear blazers when you aren’t wearing jeans. I find it easy to pair my blazers with jeans (though I rarely do) but can never figure out how to combine textures/colors when I’m wearing other pants (or skirts?)
Photos would be helpful!
I would love a post about how other professional women – especially those who are obviously interested in looking good at work! – deal with body image problems. I’m sure I can’t be the only one who struggles with this. There have been several posts on eating healthy and working out, and lots and lots of posts and comments about choosing clothing that works on your body. While that’s all very helpful advice, I’d also love to hear about other women who are struggling not to beat themselves up about how they look – whatever size or activity level they’re currently at.
Where are all the A line skirts hiding? I am having a LOT of trouble lately with all the pencil-esque cuts in stores these days. It is truly challenging to find a pencil type skirt that flatters my pearish shape. Some are ok, but I always feel 100 times more comfortable and attractive in an A line cut. Also, if I fluctuate 5 lbs in either direction, the pencil cuts no longer fit correctly. A lines also work well for this reason (on a pearish shape, the weight gain doesn’t affect the waist much!). But seriously, where are they hiding? I’ve been to Banana, Ann Taylor/Loft, Nordstrom, etc with no luck!! A few years ago, they were everywhere and my shopping life was so much easier. Please help!
Just wondering if a designer bag ($200 plus) is essential for the working professional’s wardrobe? I’m an attny returning to work after a few years at home w/my children. Working in the public sector (they care less about style than law firms) but don’t want anyone looking askance at my bag — even if I really don’t notice the difference between a TJ Maxx leather and a high-end Coach/D&B..!
← Previous Comments