Thank you so much for thinking of Corporette! 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!
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Thank you!
govvie girl
Not an attorney myself, but…. For DC Corporettes, this month’s (Dec) Washingtonian has an interesting article on 3 new attorney hires at the U.S. Attorney’s office here…tracks them for a year through their experiences.
Elaine
I am a first-year law student who will soon be going on her first summer job interview with a public sector/government office. I am also have a minor meltdown with regards to the color of a perfect “power suit.”
I currently own an affordable black suit that has seemed to serve its purpose. However, as I look into investing in something for the long term, should I go with black again? Or, perhaps, change it up with a charcoal grey instead? What is the most common/preferable color female attorneys wear to the office and to court?
Thank you!
Hetty
I have a specific wardrobe issue for which I have yet to find a decent solution – maybe Corporette can help?
This summer, I’ll be working in a business-casual law office. As a student, I don’t have much professional wear, and I don’t know what pieces I should pick up to augment my existing wardrobe. My shape is the biggest issue: I’m 5’4″, with an exaggerated hourglass figure (35-24-37), and I can’t figure out how to look both attractive and professional at the same time.
If I don’t wear something that has a defined waist, I look several sizes larger than I actually am (dowdy). If I do wear something with a defined waist, my curves stand out, which I’m afraid would read as too ‘sexy’ in an office.
It is very difficult to find pants or button-downs that fit me well off the rack, so I tend to buy skirts, dresses, and tops that stretch a bit (sweaters, thicker t-shirts), and I throw cardigans overtop as necessary.
Any suggestions or tips? As a student, I don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend on alterations or really high-end clothes – I’m mostly just hoping to learn what “types” of pieces might flatter without coming off as inappropriate.
Texas
I generally love the clothes you feature. But they seem to be geared towards the slimmer variety of professional women. Also, perhaps, the younger gals (perhaps I am just too frumpy). Could you feature some ideas for professional women who are not a size 6 and who are not 30 years old. I am 45 years old and a solid size 14. I am 5’7″. I have luck at Brooks Brothers and Talbots but both brands can be a bit staid. They are fine for court, but how about some sitting at my desk all day kind of items. Also, I want to look as hip as I can. I really do not like wearing suits and do so begrudgingly. My lawfirm is middle sized and so I can get away with a bit more casual office wear.
CR
Hey Kat! You’ve talked before about controlling involuntary behavior like crying, but I have another one: yawning! Whenever I’m in an office-type environment, I sometimes can’t keep myself from yawning, even if I’m not tired. As a law student, it’s not that bad, but I don’t want to offend people once I’m interning and in meetings at my summer firm! Obviously I know proper ‘yawning etiquette,’ but if anyone has advice on how to head off a yawn I’d appreciate it!
me
I am finishing my bachelor and considering buying myself a nice designer bag as a graduation gift. When reading your website I found LV monograms speedy, which I am in love with, is considered inappropriate for work. Is the Burberry bag more appropriate (I mean smoked check bowling bag)? Is it a sort of bag the intern or young employee could wear to work? If not, what bag should I buy? I need a beautiful, speedy-shaped designer bag, which I could work to work, priced below 600-700$.
I can’t attach the picture, but the bag I mean: smoked check bowling back in tanned colour
Anna
check out rebecca minkoff. super nice bags and reasonably priced
Anna
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/TooSuccessfulForAMate.aspx#pageTopAchor
Article disscussing successful women and dating… could be a very interesting topic to get feedback from. The article implies that successful women are staying single… i think they could argue maybe they are successful because they are single? I have heard several top women leaders at major companies say the most important career decision is who you do or dont marry!
Martha
Ladies great site!
You have it all from fashion to health tips.
Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for being there for us.
Lauren
I’m dying to get my hands on a women’s vest suit. But I can’t find them anywhere. Any suggestions? Why so scarce?
YetAnotherLawyer
It’s going to be 48 degrees in Chicago tomorrow (mid February) and I’m considering wearing a navy skirt suit to an interview. Can I wear my tan trench coat (lined), or is it too early to rock the trench? My alternative is a red wool peacoat, which hits mid-thigh. Thanks!
Sarah Carter
Hi there.
Love the site. Could you do a story about the best makeup cases? Sounds silly, but I have been looking FOREVER and keep buying cases that just don’t work.
Thanks!
Jacketless Jane
Have you done a post on how to handle the awkward coat season that is early Spring? I have a hard time figuring out what to wear in between my nice wool winter coat and the jacketless season that emerges in late April/May. I usually fall back on a cotton trench coat, but it seems like there must be many other professional options for early spring jackets.
Jane
My daughter is only 19 but she needs corporette-style fashion advice for her upcoming summer Congressional intern post in July. She’s willing to wear blazers and skirts, but absolutely no pants or pants suits. I’d like to call on your excellent advice so we can put together a fashionable, young but professional-looking wardrobe from head to toe. Thanks.
Jane
Martha Clump
618423
LawChick
There was a post (well, in the comment section action) sometime in 2011 where a reader asked everyone to post their salary, billable hour requirement, and billable hour bonus structure. I can’t seem to find this post anywhere on the site, probably because it was only in the comments and not the actual post. Could you direct me towards it? I told a friend of mine about it and she couldn’t find it on the site.
Thanks!
liz
Does anyone know a good brand/brands for very small sizes? I usually have to wear a zero which is always hard to find and usually have to get them tailored.
Mike Anthony
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nana
Do you think Tom’s are OK commuting shoes?
CVM
Hi!
I have been reading this blog for years and am asking for advice for the first time. I was a happy prosecutor, then I moved to a new city for my husband’s job. I haven’t found a permanent job yet, so I have been doing contract work through legal staffing agencies – aka: document review.
I am currently on a project with 40-ish attorneys. We all sit at long tables in the same room. Generally, on projects like this, there is a lot of talking. On this project, there are a few isolated areas of people talking throughout the room. I usually listen to audiobooks on headphones while I work on easy projects (like this one).
Occasionally, the woman who sits next to me taps me on the shoulder to tell me about something, we chat quietly for a few minutes, then I go back to my headphones. That happened today, except after a few minutes, a guy in a blue shirt a row over looks over his shoulder at me – I think he is looking past me and turn around to see what’s going on. Nothing. I look back and he says something that I don’t understand, then I hear him say “I’m trying to concentrate.” The girl across from me looks shocked and rolls her eyes at him to me. I say “I’m sorry” in a way that sounds more confused than sincere, I’m sure, and he turns back to his computer.
Now, in the aftermath of this event, a guy in a polo shirt a row behind me is loudly talking to another guy, laughing it up about some nonsense or other – oblivious to what happened between me and blue shirt. Blue shirt hasn’t told polo shirt or any other near-by conversationalists to be quiet. And I know that they are all talking louder than me because I can hear their conversations, and the lady next to me tends to whisper, so I usually respond in a very low voice. And she does most of the talking anyway.
Why did this guy single me out? Am I wrong to think that it was inappropriate for him to shush me like a child in a room full of attorneys? If I am not wrong, what would have been the appropriate response from me?
Lauren
I’m 24 and recently left a paralegal job at a small litigation firm for a research and editing job at a large publishing company. The new job is great and a much better fit for me but I’m still struggling with the transition to the more casual attire I’m seeing in my young, tech-centered office. I see jeans and gross sneakers every day of the week, which clashes with my wardrobe of pencil skirts and blazers.Even when I try to tone it down, the basics in my closet just aren’t in the same spectrum. I’ve tried to pay attention to what the seniormost woman in my office wears, but there are a LOT of pay grades between a manager and someone in my entry-level position.
I really want to stand out, make an impression and start advancing. At the same time, I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard or oblivious to office culture. My question is: is it more important to dress in a way that feels professional and appropriate (and, to be selfish, much more comfortable for me) or to mimic the people around me? If it’s the latter, any tips on looking sharp and competent when dressed down?
Firm Fashionable
Hi, Lauren!
I just saw your post as I was finishing up with a question of my own for Corporette, and I thought I could offer my own insight. Personally, I find the best way to stay casual but sharp is to simply swap out the bottoms. Chose dark skinny jeans instead of the pencil skirt and some elegant flats over the pumps. Done! Anything from the waist up stays the same. One of my favorite looks is to wear jeans, a basic tee, and blazer, which sounds perfect for your desire to match your co-workers without letting go of your polished style. Hope this helps!
Firm Fashionable
SL
Could you do a post on where to buy more formal office accessories, such as desktop business card holders? I’ve been looking for one forever, and now am just thinking of getting one engraved, but I am having a terrible time choosing between different website.
Melissa
Hi there-
Would love to know where to find cute and inexpensive laptop sleeves.
Thanks !
Jaclyn
Hi,
I recently found out from one of my closest friends that my law firm made an offer to one of her male friends with a significantly larger starting salary than mine. She did not give me numbers but said his starting salary is larger than what I currently make after my recent raise. That means he’s starting out making at least $7K more per year than I did when I started.
I hate playing the gender card, but I honestly feel like the only reason he’s starting at a much higher salary is the fact that he’s a guy and I’m a girl. I graduated from a great law school with great grades and amazing credentials, and have proven myself to be a great asset to the firm (my boss’s words, not mine). I research and write extremely well. I worked with this guy fairly closely over the summer, and he is nowhere near where I was the summer of my 2L year. He went to a state school and graduated with mediocre grades and nothing of note on his resume. The only fathomable reason his starting salary will be more than my salary after working my ass off for a year is his gender.
I work at a very small firm in one of those big rectangular states in the West still known for its cowboy culture. There are two male partners at my firm. I was the only associate until just recently, when we hired another male associate who just found out he didn’t pass the bar. I knew the legal field in this state is still very much a good ole boy club and was prepared for the challenges. However, this to me is unfair. How can I approach this subject without telling them outright that my friend told me I make less than their new hire?
New to the Firm
Dearest, Corporette.
I have been following your blog for over a year now, beginning when my roommate told me about this one site that she knew I’d absolutely LOVE… She was right. That was when I was a summer associate at a law firm in DC, and I am a week away from beginning my official career there. In the run up to the big day, I am beginning to feel panicked that there are so many things I haven’t thought of that will come in handy, even be lifesavers, with my new lifestyle. So I was wondering whether you could enlighten me with the top “must haves” for any professional woman (with an eye for fashion).
Thanks so much!
New to the Firm
Stephanie Bukowski
Hi,
I just came across your Blog and thought you might be interested in making some quick cash or partnership by helping us promote Kate Bosworth’s new online jewelry boutique, JewelMint. We are interested in linking up with local accounts like yours to help promote JewelMint in the SanDiego area, and would be able to contribute to your fundraising efforts as part of the partnership (basically, we’d assign you a unique discount code and pay you $15 for any new users to sign up using that code).
Please let me know if you’d like to hear more about how it might work and we can take it from there. We’d also love to put you in touch with our team on the ground in SanDiego to discuss possible event partnerships and such (if that’s something you do).
Thanks very much for your time. We look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Stephanie Bukowski
BeachMint
Local Acqusitions
stephaniebukowski26@gmail.com
HolidayPartyGirl
I have a question about what to wear to a conservative office’s holiday party. Are strapless dresses or one shoulder dresses ok, or is the traditional conservative dress that almost could be worn to work a better option. Also, what is your opinion on dress length? I just started at this new firm, and want to make sure I’m not overstepping some invisible line about party dress code. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
Jessica
Has anyone ever wondered about how to tell a boss about a separation or divorce? Are there any etiquette guidelines (ie face to face meeting vs email)?
S
I would love to see a post on dealing with “career hiccups” (for lack of a better term) in the workplace. I’ll share my story, which pertains to the legal world, but I imagine it would be relevant to other fields as well (FINRA or other financial exams like the Series 7, or any other type of licensing exam).
I graduated from law school in May and sat for the July bar exam in two neighboring states (we’ll call them State A and State B). I was successful in passing one of the two, but unfortunately State A, the “bad-news” state, released its results first. I am currently working as a judicial clerk for a trial court judge, so I have a number of co-workers who were awaiting results from the same states. The group went out for a celebratory lunch on the day that State A’s results came out. I felt so miserable that day that I told a little white lie that I was behind on work and needed to eat at my desk. Thankfully, I was not the only person who did not attend this admittedly informal lunch. A few days later, the judge approached me to ask about bar results. I managed to tell him the news without crying, and his reaction was better than I could have ever anticipated. I know that not all bosses would be so supportive and understanding, and I feel lucky for that.
I did, however, deliberately avoid seeing my co-workers during the period between the release date of State A’s results and State B’s because I was so upset to learn that I had been unsuccessful and did not want to subject myself to hearing all sorts of talk about next steps for admission, CLE requirements, and the like. Of course, at that time we were all waiting for State B’s results to be released and I was terrified that the news would be bad there, too. Now that I know I will be licensed in one state (the one I currently work in), I am no longer “hiding out” but I felt silly to duck away as I did.
Admittedly, in hindsight, I know there must have been a better way to approach this issue. I would love to know how other Corporette readers fared in a similar situation, especially in a job where nearly all of your peers are going through the same thing. Additionally, since I am planning to sit for State B’s exam in February, perhaps some tips might be offered regarding how to balance your job and the process of studying for a professional exam.
So, the takeaways: how do you approach a career hiccup with regard to both a boss or supervisor and peer co-workers? What are some tips for studying for a professional or job-related exam while working full-time?
Mark Ivy
Good day,
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Please let me know who I should speak with about this. Thank you ahead of time for your help.
Lydia
Can you discuss interview suiting in cold weather especially snow? What should I wear to keep warm yet look professional.