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Thank you!
Mr. Jim
What is “Hollywood Tape”? See excerpt below from your “button down shirt” article. Some of my casual shirt collars gap open revealing my tee shirt as if I were a dupty sheriff or something. Some shirt brands (Nautica) have the first button below the collar close enough to the collar to prevent gapping. Others do too but are too close to the collar and feel tight. Have considered ironing stiff iron-on fabric vertically under the shirt next to the buttons to act as stays. Have once sewed on velcro which is okay but need a better way.
9. Gaping: If your shirt is gaping, this could mean a few things. A) You need a larger size, and should take it to a tailor to get it to fit you the way you want it to. B) You need to wear a camisole beneath it, so when you turn to the side people don’t get a view of your bra. C) You can experiment with Hollywood Tape and so forth to keep it from gaping — we’ve found the camisole is just easier.
C
Maybe a crazy idea/question, but do you know about “random number generators?” For days when I just have no inspiration for what to wear, I wish there were a “random outfit generator.” If I were more energetic, I could list my clothing items and randomly pick one (if only a top or bottom) and work around that. Does anyone else just have blah mornings when you have no inspiration and wish some adviser would appear and say “wear the black suit” or “wear the cords and the grey sweater?” Since I am in a business casual environment (unless there is a big meeting or court) there is a lot of latitude, but if I have no bright idea, the latitude does not help, just makes it tougher to focus.
Anonymous
I like it. Sounds like a great iphone app.
Anonymous
http://www.stylishandcool.com/
Caroline Bender
Hello Corporette! Thanks for continuing to endorse Professional Dress. We have added you to our blogroll — come over and check us out. We’d love to hear your feedback.
Faculty and staff of the Businesswomens’ Finishing School and Social club
Anonymous
Here’s my question — how do you get through the next day when you’ve pulled an all-nighter? Easy answer would be to change into the back-up outfit you’ve got hanging on the back of your door and power up with a quad latte. But suppose you don’t have a back-up outfit at the ready? And you’ve got dark circles under your eyes?
Anonymous
It is possible to have a suit-jacket tailored to remove or reduce the chest darts? I’m very flat chested and having a hard time finding a jacket that works. I found a great Hugo Boss one on sale, but am worried that the baggy chest area can’t be altered away.
Emily
I am a 2L studying international human rights law and have applied to several organizations outside of the U.S. The interviews take place via phone or skype. Is it appropriate to send a “thank you email” rather than letter?
Thanks!
Lorr
I’m a young lawyer, and while our office does not require us to wear suits every day, I want to get into the habit of doing so. How many suits would I need to rotate through a year?
Lucy
Question. Can you give an recommendations for plus-size readers like myself? I LOVE your blog and all of the clothes, suggestions, etc., but most of the clothing recommendations don’t come in plus-sizes. Thanks.
Emma
Please bring back the 360 Reviews of TV Wardrobes. Those were great! Perhaps someone from The West Wing?
Mary
I also e-mailed this question to the editor, but thought your readers may have advice: I am attending a charity ball in mid-April, and “formal attire” is suggested. This is a big event and dress-to-impress is required. I rarely attend formal events and don’t really want to invest in a ball gown I’ll wear once this century. Are there chic evening separates to consider that might be appropriate and chic? I am in my mid-50’s, 5’5″ and a size 16W-18W. (Mid-April here in the midwest is probably still very early spring.) Thanks!
Elle
With all of the discussions regarding wearing tights to the office, I would appreciate some pictures on how best to wear tights with skirts in a professional setting. It could just be my body type (tall but with disproportionately short and stumpy legs), but when I wear tights I always wind up thinking I look like a child or the look is just incredibly unflattering on me. Any insight and/or pictures of the “right” way to wear tights to a lawfirm environment would be incredibly helpful! Thanks!
dcm58
so, I see so many round toe pumps now. are pointy toes not “in” anymore? I love a good pointy toe shoe with pants, but don’t want to be a fashion don’t!!!
any opinions on this?
Stacy Smith
What’s your opinion on skinny dress pants? Theory has some really nice ones in good fabrics, but I wonder if they might still look too casual in the law firm setting.
LE
Law Student seeking advice:How should I dress for an informational interview? I sent my resume to someone who replied that they aren’t hiring right now, but would be happy to talk to me about the industry. Do I wear a suit? Button-down and pants, but no jacket?
carly
I need help with shoes, DESPERATELY!! My heels are uncomfortable and wear out quickly and I can’t find work-appropriate flats. I need both!!! I know there has to be a great place to buy good shoes that I’m missing out on and I NEED TO KNOW where to go!! Please help.
Alex Fleming
https://www.scarpasa.com/
This is a business a friend of mine founded to sell fashionable low heels and flats that are comfortable.
It might be of interest to your readers. You should check it out.
TwoL
I am a second year law student and was recently elected to an executive position on my journal. It’s a specialized journal and already has facilitated significant networking in a relatively small legal community. I have the business cards required by my school. They have the school logo and my information. But I considered getting custom business cards with my picture on them since some people remember a face better than just a name. Would this be considered over the top?
Laura
There was a recent discussion on this topic at Above the Law titled “Business Cards for Law Students: Terrific or Tool-tastic?” The general consesus (66%) was against cards, 25% did find it helpful. Hope the blog helps! http://abovethelaw.com/2010/03/business-cards-for-law-students-terrific-or-tool-tastic/
Marina S.
I am 5’0 tall size 2-4. I feel like I drown in most suits / dresses / skirts / slacks because of my height and have a very hard time leaving the juniors department in finding clothes with a good fit. I would love some suggestions for brands that are good for tailoring to shorter people or styles that are flattering. For example, I would love to wear a pencil skirt but it falls at my ankles instead of just below the knee.
CL
With all the discussion that we have on navy suits on here, I thought I would point out that in the very beginning of the movie “The Ugly Truth” Katherine Heigel wears a navy suit and it looks great and not at all like a flight attendant IMO.
queep
I have found the perfect purse in size, shape, pockets, handles, everything… except material. It’s a Decode Zero Two in sporty black nylon with a flaming orange lining — impossible for work. I prefer classy fabric since leather is too heavy for me — any thoughts on something similar that would look grown-up? Is there any place that could actually make me a microfiber bag in a similar design?
Laura
I am a consultant that works in the legal industry so dressing professionally daily is a must. Suits are the standard for all of my client meetings. I take great pride in dressing well, but my dress size is an 18 and I find it difficult to find suits that are cut to fit my proportions. Short of having suits custom-made, are there any stores out there that sell suits made for women of my stature?
Rachel 2
When I went to draft this question, I noticed that my question is the same as commenter #2, also a Rachel, had above. Like commenter #2, I am also 26 and have long blonde hair. I am currently clerking, so the dress code is not nearly as formal as in a firm. I have been told by some attorneys that I should dye my hair darker and shorten it before interviewing at firms. Should put any stock in these suggestions?
j
I love the trend of wearing sleeveless dresses in the warmer months, but a sweater feels a little informal and the dress fabric is usually too lightweight for my wool blazers. Any thoughts on alternative blazers? I’m thinking silk and linen, maybe cotton?
Aliya
Hello! I have a reader question for you — I work in a professional environment (not a law firm, however) and am dying to know what everyone uses to bring their lunches to work. I need something that can hold “real” food — i.e. a large salad or leftovers in tupperware, not just a sandwich and an apple — and that looks professional. I can’t seem to find anything large enough (but not TOO large) that seems to work for this purpose. Help!
Lisa
I’d be interested in your thoughts on this scenario:
You are invited to a dinner after work with some clients that you have not previously met. Clearly, a suit is in order. Typically, you wear heels with a suit. However, the dinner is a few blocks away (and you have to walk there with a few colleagues). Do you:
1) Suck it up, wear the heels to walk to the dinner, and bear the foot pain and occasional embarrassment of having to dodge potholes and sidewalk grates while trying to keep pace with your male colleagues.
2) Wear your more comfortable shoes (that you typically wear to and from work) to the dinner instead, carry the heels in your bag, and quickly put them on when you arrive (and no one is looking).
I went with option 1), but option 2) would have been so much more pleasant…
EmilyRyan
Hi Corporette! I am interning at a Federal Agency in D.C. this summer. Is it okay for me to wear a knee length pleated skirt with a matching blazer, or is that too school-girl (and maybe, suggestive to some pervy older man)? Here is the skirt…it is MUCH longer in real life…they must put a really small size on those models. Thanks!
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsavt300.html?cid=151
Bridget Castle
What are some good brands and colors (nude) for pantyhose for the office?
M
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?
anonymous
Can we have a post that discusses what to do for Administrative Professionals Week? thanks.
Mcat
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?
NGO doesn't mean No Good Outfits
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.
Legally Lizzy
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!
L
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.
Megan
I also would really like to see a post about what to do with big/curly/difficult hair. I am starting a new job at a Manhattan law firm next week, and could use some advice on how to wear my hair looking professional but still feminine. My hair hits just below the shoulder, and behaves relatively well worn down and curly but only if I wash, style, and let it air-dry in the morning, but tends to get out of control towards the afternoon. Also, I probably won’t have time to completely air dry or blow dry it in the morning, and showing up to work with semi-wet hair in the morning seems like a pretty big faux pas. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Thanks!
R
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.
Karla
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!!
Meredith
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!
Marissa
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
AM
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
S3L
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.
carly
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??
SR
An article on how many and what kind of pieces should be in your wardrobe – how many suits, pants, blouses, skirts, heels, flats, etc.
Ashley
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?
Megan
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.