What personal items should you bring on your first day at the office? Here’s what I’d bring to keep in my desk…
When Should You Wear Pearls?
When is the right time to wear pearls? We’ve talked about how to buy pearls, but Reader C sent in a super short email wondering when to wear them… One of my favorite jewelry pieces is my strand of Mikimoto pearls that I got for my 30th birthday. They were an investment piece, and they … Read More about When Should You Wear Pearls?
What to Wear on the First Day at a Very Casual Office
2018 Update: We still stand by this advice on what to wear on the first day at a very casual law office — but you may also want to check out our newer discussion on what to wear on your first day at work. (You may also want to check out our Ultimate Guide to Business … Read More about What to Wear on the First Day at a Very Casual Office
Business Lunch Etiquette: When Do You Offer to Pay?
2020 Update: We still stand by this advice on when do you offer to pay for your share of lunch — links have also been updated below. What is good business lunch etiquette where interns or summer associates are concerned — when should you offer to pay for your share of lunch? In general, when in … Read More about Business Lunch Etiquette: When Do You Offer to Pay?
How to Schedule Appointments When You’re Very Busy
How do you stay on top of hair cuts and other personal care appointments when you’re a busy professional? Reader S, who is about to start as a summer associate, wonders… I’m in law school, about to start as a summer associate at a firm in NYC, and I was wondering if you had any … Read More about How to Schedule Appointments When You’re Very Busy
Can You Mix Different Black Fabrics to Create a “Suit”?
2018 Update: We still stand by this big NO on the question of “can you mix different black fabrics to create a suit,” but you may also want to check out our most recent discussion of how to wear a black dress with a non-matching blazer. Can you mix different black fabrics to form a … Read More about Can You Mix Different Black Fabrics to Create a “Suit”?
Statement Pieces and the Intern
When can interns wear statement pieces like necklaces or shoes? Reader C, a law student, wonders…. I am a current law student preparing for a summer internship. I’ve been reading through a lot of your old posts trying to get a gauge on appropriate office wear. My question is about shoes. I’m wondering how far … Read More about Statement Pieces and the Intern
How to Do the Work You’re Not Ready For
A reader wondered how to do the work that felt way over her head.
When Can You Buy an Expensive Briefcase or Handbag for Work?
A young woman associate wrote to us, wondering if a $2700 bag was too expensive of a briefcase for someone just starting at her law firm.
How to Show Your Secretary You Appreciate Her
Reader L has a great question about how to show her appreciation for a new secretary who’s doing a great job: I’m a young associate at a new firm and a few times recently, my secretary has helped me put together and file huge motions. Of course such filings are always done up against tight … Read More about How to Show Your Secretary You Appreciate Her
‘Geek Chic’ Glasses and the Office
Can you wear hipster/geek chic eyeglasses to the office — especially if you’re young? I’m hoping for your input on a quandary I’m having. I’m starting my first real job this summer so trying to build an adult wardrobe now. I am nearsighted and strongly prefer glasses to contacts for everyday wear. I love my … Read More about ‘Geek Chic’ Glasses and the Office
Back-Handed Compliments at the Office
How do you deal with back-handed “compliments” at the office? Reader B wonders… I am a 30 year old lawyer working in Washington, DC. My late 20’s/early 30’s professional female friends and I have experienced a strange and disconcerting dynamic amongst women in the workplace: getting negative comments from other women for being smartly/well- dressed. These … Read More about Back-Handed Compliments at the Office