Giveaway: Tell Us Specifics About Regional Fashion, and You Could Win a Love Quotes Scarf
The contest to win a Love Quotes scarf has ended, but you can still help Corporette nail down the differences in regional dress! (If you're curious about the details of the contest, please click here.)
So: Here are the questions. We can't wait to start reading the responses…
- What city do you work in?
- Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
- How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let's say it's a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to.
- What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
- What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
- What established “rules” that we've mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don't ring true to your region? (I.e. — I'm from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!)
- What's the biggest gaffe you've noticed repeatedly in your career?
- (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
OK! Hopefully we've kept the quiz short enough that we'll get responses… We really appreciate this, you guys.
1) Austin, TX
2) Beginner
3) I would score my office at about a 3 on the clothing scale. It’s a court though, not a firm (that’s for the whole court staff, not just my chambers)
4) Typical interview outfit in Texas would be a dark-colored suit (usually navy for men, usually black or gray for women). Women wear either skirts or trousers, and dark heels to go with it. Shirts for women are either shells or white collared shirts.
5) In my office casual day is jeans day. I get the feeling that wouldn’t necessarily be the case in firms though.
6) I definitely see a lot of people wearing peep-toe shoes. Also, it is pretty common to see short sleeve shirts on women.
7) I can’t say that I’ve seen many gaffes over and over, but just this morning I was noticing that several of our interns keep wearing flip-flops or really strappy sandals/mules to work.
8) It gets really hot here – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman wearing pantyhose.
What city do you work in? Hartford, Conn.
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner (3 years)
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 5- Women dress more formally then the men; dress varies by job responsibility- those w/o external interaction dress very casually.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Black or grey suit, closed toe shoes.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Khaki pants/skirt with a long or short sleeved button down.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) I see bare arms and open toe shoes all the time!
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women that wear skirts that are too short, belly hanging out from under shirts of extremely obese women
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I moved to CT from NY almost 3 years ago. CT’ers wear a lot more colors and dress more casually when out and about but carry a more snobby attitude with it.
ooooh, this is a fun thread, regardless of prizes or not!
These comments pertain to Los Angeles, and my experience is in PR and corporate communications (not as formal as law or finance).
1. Los Angeles
2. Somewhere between beginner and mid-level
3. 5 – right in the middle of the formality spectrum
4. I’m from the East Coast, so for interviews I usually wear a dark suit with stockings, mid-height closed-toe heels, light blue button-up shirt and simple earrings. Typical interview outfit for LA is probably more casual – I’ve seen everything from more “fun” suits to slacks and a nice sweater, with more color incorporated compared to what I wear on an interview.
5. Jeans are allowed, but here in LA, they would definitely be more fitted (but not too tight!!), fashionable jeans with heels or dressy flats and a nice top as opposed to plain jeans with sneakers. In fact, in the industries I’ve been in, I’ve seen this type of outfit on a regular work day, as long as you’re not meeting with a client.
6. Open toed shoes are fine in LA, but I still avoid them for interviews and client meetings. I personally like stockings, but most people here don’t. Bare shoulders are ok in the summer if the outfit is tasteful.
7. There is a fine line between fashion-forward and distracting or skanky, and some people definitely cross that line.
8. In LA, there’s probably more risk of being “dowdy and out of touch” than “too fashionable bimbo.” As a regional generalization, this area is less formal than New York, but maybe more formal than the South or Midwest, if I had to take a guess. As long as the outfit looks put-together, you have a lot of leeway with clothing, shoes and accessories. I dress more conservatively (and probably more dowdy) than the norm for my industry and area, but I’d rather be seen as more credible and less fashionable than the other way around, especially as a younger person.
Forgot to mention in my previous post – I’ve worn skirt suits and pant suits to interviews – doesn’t seem to be much of a distinction in my industry and city.
1. San Francisco
2. Mid-level
3. 1 on a daily basis, 8 for client meetings
4. Dress slacks and a sweater, or a dark suit with bright accents. We pride ourselves on being different.
5. Jeans are allowed everyday (heck some people wear their gym clothes all day long). I tend to leave Jeans to just Fridays, and paired with a blouse and heels
6. As one would expect, in a casual downtown San Francisco office, almost anything goes. Bare arms, deep Vs, open toes- even flip flops are ok. Overall, the biggest thing out of place thing I notice with professional women is tennis shoes all day long. Since most of us walk all over the city, often times women won’t change shoes unless meeting with a client.
7. Fresh out of college women not understanding the difference in work appropriate and college appropriate. I don’t care you think Juicy and BeBe are to die for, they don’t belong in the office.
8. There is a huge variety in what is appropriate for SF. For your traditional corporate offices and lawyers, you do see a lot of dark suits. But for the tech haven we are, there are also t shirts and jeans, and because it’s San Francisco, even a some more unusual items (ripped leather and chains anyone?) people do wear to work daily.
What city do you work in? NYC
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Mid-level attorney
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 6
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Black skirt suit with mid- to low-heeled black pumps and a shell or button-front shirt under the jacket. Sometimes slightly trendy jewelry or slacks, but most err on the conservative side for the interview.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No jeans – Fridays are considered a slightly more casual day than the rest of the week, although not branded as such by my firm (or any law firms I know of). Basically, I feel I can get away with a little less formality on Fridays, but I never cross into denim territory or wear strappy sandals, etc. Men often wear polo shirts or sweaters rather than oxfords on Fridays.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) I wear peep toes and so do many of my contemporaries. I rarely see bare arms, though.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? ooh, that’s a tough one….I’d have to say large, dangly earrings on young female attorneys and ill-fitting (way too tight) polyester skirt suits on older female attorneys.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Since moving from NJ to NYC, I’ve noticed that it matters more that one looks put-together, rather than following hard-and-fast rules.
1. Dallas, Texas
2. Mid-level associate
3. Conservative level: 9 (Men wear suits every day except some don’t wear suits on Fridays)
4. Interview outfit: Dark colored skirt suit, nylons, button up blouse (not a sweater), 1-3″ pumps (straps ok)
5. Casual day for my region includes jeans at some firms, but I think at most firms (and big law) you’ll see slacks and sport jacket; sometimes khakis.
6. Rules: One big firm est. a rule a few years ago that women can’t wear sleeveless shirts in the summer; women don’t wear a lot of scarves here; we wear big jewelry, including our big engagement rings (hey, it’s Texas!). You can wear peep toes, but some might frown upon it (including me) unless it’s casual day. Maybe it’s just me, but women seem to wear their collars popped out here. I was surprised when the Corporettes said they don’t like/do that.
7. Gaffe? Men wearing shortsleeve shirts b/c they’re visiting Texas. Ugh – we have air conditioning. Put your coat back on. Here, the’s a lot of monogrammed cuffs, power collars and cufflinks in the courtroom – that can be a bad idea. Too flashy for the jury (fine for the judge only). And don’t wear boots down here unless you’re a Southerner. Real Texans get away with boots with their court suits, but we can spot fakes.
8. No other regional comments.
1. Austin, TX
2. beginner
3. 7. men wear shirts and ties every day, no jacket. My firm is considered rather formal for Austin.
4. black, navy, or gray. We’re generally advised in law school to do skirt suits but it’s probably not a big deal to wear pants. Austin itself is fairly casual but most legal jobs in Texas are in Dallas and Houston, which are more conservative, so I think advice tends toward the Dallas/Houston norms. I can’t imagine anyone not getting a job in Austin on account of wearing pants.
5. My firm doesn’t do casual day, but other firms in my building do, and I see people wearing jeans from those firms. Again, this is Austin, and I don’t imagine you’d see as much of that in Dallas or Houston.
6. Nobody really seems to care about pantyhose here. I also see a lot of peep toes. Also, I think flashier jewelry is more accepted.
7. Walking through the office in workout clothes. Please change at the gym.
OHH! This is fun, thanks for letting us enter!
What city do you work in? Springfield, Missouri. (3 hours south from Kansas City– southwest Missouri).
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? I am 27 years old, have been in my job for 4 1/2 years. I am a director of a children’s afterschool program in a big mental health agency. Sort of like mid-level management.
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. I would say 4. We cannot wear jeans, flip flops, skirts more than an inch above our knees, tee-shirts, sweatshirts or hoodies, any kind or shorts, etc. The reason I marked it low, though, is that no one really “dresses up” for work despite such strict codes. Any time I come in with heels and a pencil skirt on at least a couple of people tell me I look really dressed up. Employees often slack a bit– meaning they wear cheap kakhis or dress pants, fitted tee-shirts, minimal jewlry for the ladies, etc. None of the guys wear suits or ties unless they are the big-shots. I would say this trend expands into other businesses around here. Springfieldians I believe think they are trendy and well-dressed, but typically they would fall short of professionals in bigger cities.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Suits and ties for men, long skirts or dress pants (black) with a classy shirt for girls with minimal jewlry and shorter heels. I should know, I have been on the interview parade myself and have stuck closely to the rules. I do have a tattoo on my right foot and have wondered if I should try to cover it up but have chosen not to. So far no one has commented in the interviews, and when I have asked my friends their thoughts on it they think I should just go ahead and show it. This area of Missouri is very conservative so I thought twice about it.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No jeans, and most places around here won’t let you wear them either except on Fridays (we are not allowed to ever though). Casual is kakhi or brown pants or capris, flats or short-heeled shoes, fitted tee shirt or button up/polo for guys.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) We wear peep toes too and sandals, as long as they are not rubber flip flops. Somehow guys get away with hoodies a lot too.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? The number one? Beat up shoes that should have been thrown away a long time ago! After that: Short shirts with low-rise pants so you can see one’s underwear when they bend over. Too-tight pants. Too much cleavage. Leggings with short dresses that may or may not be a shirt.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I don’t understand why its socially acceptable to wear shorts that barely cover the hiney. It happens every summer and makes me want to scream.
1. What city do you work in? Washington, D.C.
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 9
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) black or dark-colored suit (pantsuits ok, closed-toe shoes)
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) NO jeans, no denim, no t-shirts w/ logos – we don’t observe casual day at all. A day where I don’t have an important meeting to attend, I often still wear a suit. If not a suit, then nice slacks, closed-toe shoes and a button down shirt or nice sweater.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) I think they all apply here in DC.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Ill-fitting clothing (too tight, too loose), being too revealing (low-cut top, open back shirt).
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
1.What city do you work in? Denver, CO
2.Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Mid-level attorney
3.How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. About a 5
4.What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Dark suit; hose; conservative shoes
5.What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Jeans are allowed only on Friday. Other days, khakis and a blouse; wool slacks and a sweater set; etc.
6.What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) Colorado is relatively casual — sandles and peep toes are usually okay as is sleeveless clothing. I’ve even seen some women wearing “dressy” shorts with heels.
7.What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Cleavage. Cleavage. Cleavage.
8.(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
1. What city do you work in? – I am working in Leawood, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City as a law clerk. I also go to law school in New Orleans.
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? – I have been a legal assistant in Kansas City for four years and I just finished my first year of law school in New Orleans.
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. – The office I work in is definitely a 10 – the male attorneys wear suits and cufflinks even on Saturdays.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) This is an area I have seen little variation from New Orleans to Kansas City – both regions expect black or dark grey suits. Pantsuits are OK, skirts are better. Closed toed shoes with a sensible heel, a white or light colored blouse, and minimal jewelry. I have noticed that in New Orleans the career services at my school emphasizes having your hair out of your face, preferably in a bun. I’ve never gotten such direction in Kansas City.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) I have noticed that people tend to dress up more in the South than they do in the Midwest. In Kansas City casual day means khaki pants and Polo short sleeved shirts, but in New Orleans casual means more lighter colored dress pants and a nice top. I have noticed more sleeveless tops in the work place in New Orleans – but this could also be because of the heat.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) In Kansas City, I have never seen women shy away from “dangly” earrings. Especially in law, suits year round tend to be black and dark grey. In New Orleans I have noticed more wear-to-work dresses, higher heels, and seer-sucker suits. Also men in New Orleans wear bow ties, something I have never seen in Kansas City!
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? – Heels that are too tall. Some women can effortlessly maneuver in tall heels, no problem. But many women attempt cute shoes that are just not comfortable and kick them off under their desk and then have to scramble to get them back on when they have to leave their desk or become flustered when they have to tell one of the partner to wait while they put their shoes back on.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? The legal community in Kansas City tends to be very conservative. When I have attempted brighter colors or chunky jewelry I tend to stick out. For interviews I always try to dress as conservatively as possible. In New Orleans the women seem to have a lot more flexibility in their professional clothes – not always wearing a jacket or being sleeveless.
1. City:
Denver, CO
2. Career Level:
First Year Associate
3. Conservative Scale:
5 -7 (depending on the firm and practice group)
4. Typical Interview outfit:
Black or Navy suit (could be of the skirt or pant variety) and a white or other neutral, solid colored shirt. Jewelry is generally kept to a minimum though accessories can be used to add a small, tasteful pop of color.
5. “Casual day” (weekday) outfit:
Jeans are allowed on Friday at my firm though I generally accompany them with pumps and a blazer for fear of being *too* casual. Sometimes I’ll wear a more casual khaki skirt instead of jeans. Still, many associates wear jeans, a tee, a cardigan, and flats. The spectrum is wide and varied here.
6. Established “rules” that don’t ring true:
Denver is a pretty relaxed market and provides a large spectrum of “appropriate” dress. Open toed shoes and even strappy sandals won’t get a second look. However, due to the generally casual mentality I’ve noticed that people shy away from more fashion forward outfits–for example, wearing a belt over a cardigan will get you funny glances in the elevator bay. Otherwise it is generally a business casual environment where even bare arms are accepted.
7. Biggest gaffe?
Messy buns as a daily hair-do and Flip flops (with unmanicured feet, no less!) into the office from some casual-to-the-point-of-sloppy associates. All of the partners I work with seem to be perfectly coiffed and strike the ideal balance of business casual yet professional. I guess that’s what years of practice will get you.
8. Other comments about the region?
As an East-coaster, I came out to Denver because the market seemed to provide a much better work/life balance. I continue to believe this to be true. As compared to my friends in other NY or DC firms, I seem to enjoy a more relaxed, collegial environment with generally stress-free weekends. That being said, I think the economic climate has effected everyone and that the relaxed, collegial atmosphere is lessening. All-in-all I believe the slight pay-cut to be well worth what you gain in sanity.
What city do you work in? Houston
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Senior (19 years)
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. (4)
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)- Dark suit, can be pants, no open toed shoes
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)- We are business casual. The only exception is jeans. The only official days we can wear jeans is if it is the day before a holiday. Some of us get away with it more often. I tend to be on the casual side.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!)
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? In Texas, probably because of the heat, sleveless blouses and open toes are OK. Also, the younger attorneys do not wear hose with skirts (I can’t get away with it). I do not wear open toe to court. The biggest gaffe I see or that bothers me is skirts that are too short.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? In the summer, the judges will often let the attorneys take jackets off. All of the women wear pants to the office. Also, corlorful suits seem to be OK. This firm is not a big work on the weekend firm. So dress on the weekends is very casual. No one cares.
What city do you work in? Phoenix
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 5
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Dark suit – pants or skirt ok, most women wear heels but not necessary, I wore hose but I don’t think anyone notices. No one who works here wears hose.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Only on designated casual days. Jeans + anything including tees, sweatshirts, sneakers. I prefer to be dressed a little nicer and will wear my jeans with flats and a cardigan.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) Rarely see bare arms. Open toe shoes are common, especially given the weather. People wear their hair back often. No hose!
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Not repeatedly, but one female associate would wear “sexy secretary” clothes, complete with very high stilettos and bedroom hair – people would definitely comment behind her back.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? More casual than the east coast, and also less fashionable.
1.What city do you work in? Washington DC (metro area)
2.Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Senior associate
3.How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 8 or 9 – men wear suits everyday, woman dress conservatively
4.What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Black skirt suit with black shoes
5.What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Casual fridays allow jeans
6.What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) We are pretty conservative, so most rules apply (no capris, open toed shoes look frowned upon, etc.)
7.What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? skin tight dress with “eff-me” pumps
8.(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? It’s DC! When in doubt, the black suit will prevail!
1. I’m originally from New York and have worked in a large law firm there (not as a lawyer), but now, I am in the Dakotas and I travel throughout the midwest for court.
2. Beginner.
3. 9.5. My office is conservative–we all wear suits everyday–but as long as it’s a suit, it’s fine.
4. Dark skirt suit w/ stockings and heels that don’t draw too much attention. Though, I would say this goes for New York too.
5. No jeans. Casual would be taking off my suit jacket.
6. I don’t think there’s a huge difference in what the majority of people wear here v. New York, except to say that there are more people willing to take risks/have fun with their fashion in NYC and they can probably get away with it more easily there. There are stylish women everywhere, but in the midwest, they seem to be more likely to be stylish within the realm of traditional business attire. Covered shoulders and covered toes are pretty standard.
7. The biggest gaffes are clothes that don’t fit (usually too tight), not being sufficiently formal for court (ex: a matching cotton, patterned skirt & top is not a suit, messy/distracting hair, or heels that are more suited for a nightclub than a courtroom), and, I’m sorry to say this, but more experienced women who clearly haven’t updated their wardrobe in ages.
8. As for what’s “typical,” I don’t think the differences are that great. I wouldn’t be too avant-garde or too casual until I’d been in the new environment for a few weeks to see if it’s appropriate. Personally, I think avant-garde is less risky than too casual.
1. What city do you work in?
Los Angeles
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Between beginner and mid-level.
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to.
5
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Pants suit in a dark color with closed-toe shoes.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Jeans are okay, but no sneakers and no logo shirts. That’s saved for the weekend, and we work pretty much every weekend.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region?
I see a lot of bare arms and open-toed shoes. I seldom see any kind of hose except for tights in the wintertime.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Women who move to LA from somewhere else and think LA business casual allows = sexy dressing at the office.
Also – Un-ironed pants! I can’t stand to see someone otherwise nicely dressed but with the tell-tale hanger marks on their pants.
1. What city do you work in? NYC
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Mid-level
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 6
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) — Dark colored skirt or pant suit, with either a shell or button-down shirt, closed toe heels.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) — No casual days during the week. During the summer, people dress slightly more casually on Fridays, such as wearing skirts and sweater-sets.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) — People in the office wear peep toes. I think most women also generally abide by the covered arms rule.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Low-cut shirts and short skirts!
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
1. What city do you work in? Buffalo, NY (on the Canadian border)
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 5
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Conservative dark colors – black, navy, or grey. Skirt suits or pant suits are acceptable. Many women wear low closed-toe heels, which are practical in this snowy region.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Jeans are usually allowed on casual days, as long as the outfit is understated – no flip-flops, printed tee shirts, torn jeans. Polo shirts and khakis seem to be the male uniform of choice on casual days.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region?
Younger and older women seem to have different styles, but almost always cover their arms. I occasionally see younger women wearing peep toes, but rarely women over 30. For women, sweaters are a very common article of clothing, much more common than suits, probably due to the weather. Between October and March most women wear pants or pantsuits. I’ve worn skirts during wintertime and actually received negative comments (“I can’t believe you’re wearing that in ten degree weather.”) . There is an unspoken rule that winter clothing is conservatively colored (black, deep brown, red, navy blue, grey, and white), but even in the summer I don’t see bright colors like purple, lime green, or yellow.
Because of our proximity to New York, Chicago, and Toronto, we can get fashion labels, but they’re fairly rare.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Too much skin showing, normally in the form of bare arms or low-cut shirts.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
1. What city do you work in? NYC
2. Where are you in your career? Beginning Attorney
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Around a 9
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Black or gray suit (pants or a skirt are acceptable). I’ve been chided for wearing too high or too funky shoes, so I’d stick to something simpler.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? DEFINITELY no jeans. Business casual is acceptable at the office, but attorneys always have a full black suit hanging in their office for court dates.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? The rules apply with force in Court, but there is MUCH more wiggle room at the office. (In fact, I often walk around the office in flip flops). Pantyhose is the biggest iffy area… I wear them sometimes with a full suit in court, but mostly I go bare-legged to the office.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women wearing blouses that are too tight across their bosom, in addition to fake nails, and too teased up hair.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? You have to really think about your audience! At Court, in interviews, or when meeting with clients a full suit is required, erring on the side of conservative. However, when just in the office doing research, appearance is much less important and as long as you aren’t in jersey shorts, you’re pretty safe.
1. What city do you work in? Dallas – city of big hair and humid weather :)
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? 5 years – so mid-level?
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. Mine is pretty casual (I’m in consulting/outside sales) – but I work with all men, so as a female I get away with a lot fashion-wise that I didn’t at my last job (acct firm, blech).
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) On the whole, women tend to be pretty put-together in Dallas (in my opinion), but there is a serious tendency towards a ‘more-is-better’ attitude. Expect lots of big jewelry, big hair, and color – and rhinestones.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Everywhere I’ve worked has had ‘Jeans Friday’, that gets interpreted differently by everyone – the norm is jeans and a button down shirt, with nice shoes though.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) Pretty much anything goes as long as it isn’t jeans or flip flops. It’s freakin’ hot here 9 months out of the year, so capri pants, sandals, and a dressy tank top are considered work-appropriate almost anywhere in Dallas with the exception of law firms and accounting firms.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Flip flops at work – just because they have rhinestones on them doesn’t mean we don’t notice that you are wearing shoes meant for the pool at the office.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Again, it’s really, really hot here most of the year (which I love, but it’s not for everyone), so a lot of women tend to wear sleeveless dresses (with a cardigan for the overly-air conditioned offices) and sandals almost year round – when you get in your car and it’s 117 degrees during July and August, there really is no other option. Also, women tend to dress a little more over-the-top girly here – the southern culture is pretty predominate in Dallas :)
1. What city do you work in? – Houston, TX
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? – between beginner and mid-level
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. – 6
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) – skirt or pant suit; most people wear black, dark gray or navy, although I’ve seen the occasional chocolate brown suit.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) – skirt or slacks with a sweater and flats; jeans are only allowed on designated days (usually once a quarter) in my office, but there are plenty of other offices around Houston that allow jeans on Fridays with a nice blouse.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) – We can wear peep toes, which is nice. Jewelry is more acceptable down south, so we don’t worry about having to pick and choose pieces……of course most jewelry is better in moderation anyway! Most people here do steer clear of sleeveless tops, although we do see plenty of short sleeves. It gets so hot and humid in Houston, so many people favor the 3/4 length sleeve.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? – ill-hemmed pants, stilettos that are way too tall to be office-appropriate, general slopiness; people who don’t fix their shoes when the heel tips break off! That tap-dancing/clicking sound is so distracting. I’ve also seen plenty of younger employees with skirts that are too short and plenty of older women in my office with way too much cleavage.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? In Houston, you really will see a little bit of everything from jeans to suits. Most of the law firms and other downtown offices adhere to a business casual code in the employee handbook, but I would always err on the business side of business casual. Peep toes are acceptable; hose are not required, but many of the more senior members of the office do wear them. The important thing is to look put together. And women just starting out in the corporate environment here should remember that wearing a less expensive suit (from Target, for example) will look more appropriate than a cute dress from BCBG or Anthropologie that does fit into the office guidelines. You can always ease those other cute and more casual pieces in as you establish yourself, but I have noticed that, as a young woman, most people take you more seriously down here when you have on a suit.
1. What city do you work in?
Boston
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to.
About a 7 — no one ever wears jeans, but the men at the top (C-Level, MD, etc) usually wear suits or at least gray pants with a navy blazer.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
A navy or dark gray suit with a silk blouse or perfectly pressed button-down. No one cares about skirts vs. pants, though I always wear skirts because I’m from Texas and grew up knowing that some folks cared a lot about that. Shoes tend to be mid-height, but I wore 3″ to my interview and had no trouble. I would have a strong negative impression of someone who came to an interview in anything but a conservative dark suit.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
We don’t really have a ‘casual day’ — sometimes people wear a polo and khakis if they’re going golfing later on, but otherwise it’s rather formal. No one wears jeans.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!)
I’ve never seen bare arms or open-toed shoes at my office.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Not wearing enough layers! I’ve seen plenty of women in knit tops without a cardigan or shawl get cold from the A/C in the conference room and, well, everyone knew…
Also, chipped nail polish stands out as being slovenly. We had a client rep come in with a fabulous dark purple manicure, and it looked much more professional than my colleague’s chipping pink nails.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
As a Texan in Boston, I’ve noticed that women here blend in more with their male peers — more pantsuits, less jewelry, simple hair, little makeup, low heels. If I need to stand out, a great set of heels and lipstick are all it takes.
1. I live in St. Louis, MO. (I moved here last year from Chicago.)
2. mid-level
3. Formality level is 6
4. Typical interview outfit for a woman is button-up shirt and suit pants or skirt. No jacket or hose needed. 2 inch heels or flats. Neutral colors, nothing too bright. Blues, blacks, browns are good.
5. We have casual Fridays, which means jeans, polos and t-shirts are allowed. Not shorts or tennis shoes.
6. “Rules” that don’t apply here: keep your hair shorter and neatly coiffed (many women wear their long long hair loose), and no toes (sandals are for everyday in the summer).
7. Biggest gaffe I’ve noticed: being too casual at work, like t-shirts or tennis shoes.
8. In St. Louis, people dress a lot more casually at work. I often find myself on the overdressed side, coming from Chicago. I like to keep the formality bar high and don’t wear jeans to the office ever, even when it’s allowed. That’s my personal rule, and I think it helps gain respect since I’m a woman and I want to be taken seriously.
What city do you work in? Mobile, AL
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 8
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Dark suit (usually skirts) with conservative closed-toe shoes and hose.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Fridays are casual at my office, but no jeans. Typically nice pants or skirt and a nice top. Sometimes sandals.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) It’s hot down here – hose are usually not worn especially by younger women. Peep toes are fine. Men wear seersucker or lighter colored jackets frequently.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Ill-fitting clothing.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Much of the attire in our region is governed by the heat and the proximity to the coast.
1. What city do you work in? St. Louis
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? – Advanced Beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 5
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Skirt Suit.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) This is weird, for guys it is what I consider far more casual, golf shirt and khakis. For women, we stick with slacks/skirts and sweaters tops – essentially the suit pieces broken up into separates.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) Well lets see, I pretty much violate many of them. I wear peep toes, and bare arms (generally under suits) I also have killer high heels, 3-4″ are regular for me, but the rest of my clothing is very conservative, so I figure my heel height can slide by – its a weakness.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? I don’t know that it is a gaffe but it is a pet peeve. Women in court not wearing a proper suit. I realize everyone has those days wear you have to run to court at the last minute and are throwing a jacket over whatever you have. I have seen women with sweater sets, hoodies, and long floral skirts in court.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
1. What city do you work in? San Diego
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 1 – it’s So Cal. Attorneys wear jeans every day, some of the men wear Hawaiian shirts
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Skirt suits are always best for interviews, in a darker color. I usually wear black or navy pinstripes. Even though my firm is very casual, I wear closed toed shoes for interviews/court.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? Jeans are ok. As a Summer Associate I didn’t feel comfortable but I was overdressed compared to most of the associates.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Sandals, Jeans are ok. One of the associates has a tattoo on the back of her neck that is visible 90% of the time.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women wearing clothing that doesn’t fit right, especially pants that are too short.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? The women at my firm are extremely stylish. Any of these scarfs would be a perfect addition. San Diego is generally more casual than most communities and especially in the legal community.
What city do you work in? Boston
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner (but I am much older than the typical person who is starting off in my profession…)
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to. 8. The men don’t wear suits every day, but there are no casual days.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Black, brown or navy skirt suit. Heels (closed toe)
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No casual days at my office. However, friends at other similar offices wear jeans and cute heels or flats on casual days, along with nice shirts (that might otherwise be worn with black pants on un-casual days).
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!) I have seen a lot of peep toes this spring. Women also wear really casual flats (like thick, rubber soled, beat-up looking flats). Lots of preppy flip flops worn into the elevator bank. I never wear stockings between April-October, and only tights in the winter. Some people follow this rule, but I see lots of nude hose year round.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? I have seen Birkenstocks in the office more than once! Also gaping blouses. Lots of untucked button-down shirts.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Women here dress very “cute” and “preppy.” The typical office wear seems to be twin sets, and now that it is summer, I see lots of flow-y, flowery skirts worn with said twin sets. Maybe it is OK if you’re in your 20s, but it doesn’t seem very professional to me! Patterned skirts are OK, as are fun pleated skirts, but the kind I’m talking about look very young and sort of weekend-y.
Please don’t post my website on that comment! Sorry about that..
To add to my post — another MAJOR gaffe I see all the time is untailored clothing: pants that are too long, boob gape, skirts that are awkwardly long or too short, etc — all issues a seamstress could fix during lunch. There’s no excuse!
1) What city do you work in? Clarksburg, West Virginia
2) Where are you in your career? First-year associate attorney
3) How conservative is your office on a scale of 1-10? I’d give it a 6. The older male attorneys and the 2 male associates usually where suits everyday. The other male attorneys where suits for meetings, appearances, etc. and nice slacks with button-downs or polos for days when they’re just working in the office. The female attorneys, both associates and partners, are all over the place — from suits all the way down to khakis with button downs or sweaters.
4) What is a typical interview outfit for your region? A black or navy suit (either a skirt or pants for women, although I think pants are more common). Men usually where a coordinating button down in a conservative color (white, light blue) with a similarly-conservative tie. Women usually wear a button down or tank in white, black, etc. Pearls are the norm for jewelry and pumps in either brown or black for footwear (no open toes).
5) What is a casual weekday outfit for your region? Khakis with a button down or polo would probably be the most casual weekday outfit for the region. My office instituted a “Casual Friday” within the last year — jeans and more casual shirts and shoes are allowed.
6) What established rules that we’ve mentioned — i.e., covered arms, covered toes, etc. — don’t ring true to your region? Covered toes definitely don’t ring true for the region. Of course, I’ve never seen a male attorney in a pair of sandals (and would likely have a heart attack if I ever did), but I regularly see female attorneys in court in open-toed shoes that really couldn’t even be classified as dress shoes. Up until today, I would say the covered arms rule rung true; however, in my hearing this morning, two of the attorneys were wearing sleeveless tops. I kept waiting for them to put on a jacket before the judge came in…thank God I didn’t hold my breath for that one. I’d say the jewelry rule (less is more) also does not ring true for many attorneys (as I sit here thinking about a VERY distracting pink and purple necklace that I can only describe as a chain with the heads of lollipops strung around it).
7) What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? CLEAVAGE. Lots of it. I’m not going to lie, sometimes it’s annoying and hard to hide it. Sometimes I don’t want to be so covered up. But for goodness sakes if a straight female is distracted by it, how the heck is a straight male judge feeling when he has to stare right at it?
8) What other comments about your region do you care to mention? I think that as a general rule, many of the rules for bigger cities don’t apply here. I think there’s also a pretty stark divide between male and female attorneys. Men in the region tend to dress more conservatively, usually in suits. I can spot a male attorney a few blocks away because they’re the only people in town who wear suits. Female attorneys, on the other hand, are a much more difficult breed to pick out. They usually dress so casually in my town that they blend in with all of the non-professional women walking down the street.
1. What city do you work in?
Washington, DC
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Entry Level
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to.
4. Typical DC progressive nonprofit, Jeans allowed during week days unless a meeting with the administration or coalition partners is being hosted, the above DCer must be in the government. (P.S, I would like to mention that judging the conservative nature of fashion at an office by only the male gender feels wrong. )
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Navy skirt suit, closed toed high heel shoes for women. Black or navy suits for men, always with white shirt and red tie.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Casual in DC means taking off the suit jacket, rolling up the sleeves, seer sucker, or Argyle. Don’t see many jeans, especially in the Farragut and Penn Quarter regions.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!)
Covered toes and arms- since the city is gym obsessed, most women seem comfortable showing off their guns with short sleeves, and I see open toed shoes galore as long as the toes are painted. Also, I see collars outside of suit jackets frequently.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Any DC-er will tell you: Tennis shoes with the skirt suit. Even worse, mid calf socks.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
Not much color nor attention to high fashion silhouettes or trends- the important piece of your outfit here seems to be the purse. If it isn’t Coach, get the heck out.
1. What city do you work in?
Washington, DC
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Entry Level
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Let’s say it’s a 10 if the men wear suits every day, and 1 if the men can wear jeans if they want to.
4. Typical DC progressive nonprofit, Jeans allowed during week days unless a meeting with the administration or coalition partners is being hosted, the above DCer must be in the government. (P.S, I would like to mention that judging the conservative nature of fashion at an office by only the male gender feels wrong. )
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Navy skirt suit, closed toed high heel shoes for women. Black or navy suits for men, always with white shirt and red tie.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Casual in DC means taking off the suit jacket, rolling up the sleeves, seer sucker, or Argyle. Don’t see many jeans, especially in the Farragut and Penn Quarter regions.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!)
Covered toes and arms- since the city is gym obsessed, most women seem comfortable showing off their guns with short sleeves, and I see open toed shoes galore as long as the toes are painted. Also, I see collars outside of suit jackets frequently.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Any DC-er will tell you: Tennis shoes with the skirt suit. Even worse, mid calf socks.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
Not much color nor attention to high fashion silhouettes or trends- the important piece of your outfit here seems to be the purse. If it isn’t Coach, get the heck out.
1. Houston
2. Senior
3. 2
3. Conservative suit. Pants are ok. Usually a dark color, but I have worn a taupe suit–depends on the position and the season.
4. This depends on the office. I have worked at a conservative firm that required hose (even in our hot Texas summers) and no business casual days. At one point that changed and we were allowed to forgo the hose on Fridays in the summers and could wear business casual (but still no jeans). I now have my own firm, and open-toe shoes and jeans are ok. We leave it to each attorney’s discretion on appropriate attire–do you have court? mediation? sitting in your office drafting motions? So depending on what your schedule is, every day can be casual day. I am usually business casual, but I frequently have a jacket to dress up my look. I do not always wear a suit (even to court), but I always have a jacket on for court. I have even become more comfortable wearing lighter colors in court. This depends on which court I’m going to and what type of hearing I have. If I’m not familiar with the judge, I will err on the side of caution and go conservative suit with hose.
6. In Texas, more firms are ok with no hose during the summer, ok with peep toes and sandals.
7. Biggest gaffe: dressy sandals to court (I still prefer closed-toe shoes to court)
8. In Houston we have big firms that are very conservative. But many of the more regional firms have a more relaxed dress code all year round. It is not uncommon for a firm to have a business casual dress code year round and allow men to wear khakis.
1. What city do you work in? Los Angeles
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? I’m in my fourth year – two years at a firm and two years a tech company – and my husband is a sixth year at a big firm.
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? My current office is probably a 1 (shorts and flip flops are normal), but the law firm I was at was more like a 6.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Black or dark grey suit, shell or button up shirt underneath and conservative shoes – though higher heels seem to be the norm.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? A few law firms have “jeans Fridays” but most seem to just tolerate everyone dressing on the slightly more casual end of business casual. When I was at a firm, I wore the same type of clothes on Friday because I know a lot of partners were annoyed about associates being too casual on Fridays.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Covered arms are a must (short sleeves are okay), a lot of people here wear peep toe shoes, but I know a lot of female partners who look down on that so I’ve always felt it was better to play it safe.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women who come to work looking like they could be at a nightclub – 6 inch heels, low cut shirts and short skirts are not office appropriate.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I think a lot of the wardrobe norms vary from firm to firm – I know some firms where peep toes and sleeveless tops are the norm.
1. Santa Barbara.
2. Beginner-Mid Level
3. 4
4. Dark suit, formal (even if we don’t dress that way on a daily basis, you need to show that you can).
5. Depends on the firm! Where I work, casual Fridays spill into the other weekdays, bare feet around the office are acceptable, but still a suit for meetings and court appearances. It seems OK to wear a smart t-shirt under a suit for court; I have seen some women in Court in very casual clothes (brightly colored jackets, floral things) here but it isn’t the norm.
6. Open-toed shoes OK in Court with a small opening and a good pedicure.
7. Attorneys from Los Angeles showing up for deposition in pinstriped suits, when the witness and hometown attorneys are all more casually dressed.
8. There are some very formal firms in town, and some informal firms. As a rule of firm, if you are working for a local branch of a bigger firm, your dress code will tend to be more formal.
1. West-Middle Florida
2. Beginner
3. 7
4. Always a suit. I would wear either and pant/skirt suit. I try to choose something lightweight since FL is darn HOT!
5. Trouser Jeans, nice blouse, heels. You can also get away with a dressier pair of capri pants.
6. Can have open toed shoes, sleeveless is ok for in-office (not in court)…since it’s so hot here, there are also different rules for color/fabric. Like linen and white can be considered staples. Black is not as popular because it’s just so hot and heavy looking.
7. Shorts are NEVER office appropriate (at least by me!) also, leave the athetic shoes at the gym…they are not cute and are not appropriate for the office, IMO.
8. Florida seems to be a little more relaxed overall. It also tends to be all about layering pieces for work. Why? Cause it’s 40 degrees in the air conditioning and 95 outside. It can make dressing for work tricky.
P.S. No pantyhose!
1. What city do you work in?
Woodbridge, New Jersey — one of the top 10 Jersey-based law firms.
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Mid-level, been practicing 8 years.
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10?
I would say probably it’s a 7-8. The men wear suits on days they have meetings, court, or clients coming in. We went to full-time business casual about a year ago. Sport jackets are seen somewhat routinely. However, polo shirts and khakis are also acceptable.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
A skirt suit– a light neutral for spring/summer is just as appropriate, if not more so, than a dark neutral like black, navy, or grey. I interviewed for my position in the summer and wore my light summer suits, but never pants. As for shoes, peep-toe heels would probably be fine so long as the shoe was not overly revealing– an ivory peep-toe spectator-type heel is much nicer with a summer suit.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
No jeans! Casual at its worst is a pair of neatly pressed khakis and a polo shirt, but that combo is not seen very often on women- more for the men. As for the women, usually casual entails a dress or skirt with a cardigan or blouse, or a pair of trousers and a button-down. Sometimes a dressy t-shirt is acceptable.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? (I.e. — I’m from Ohio and we all wear peep toes to work!)
I’ve actually found that at my firm the rule is really that if a woman looks good and the ensemble is tasteful, it’s fine. Open toed-shoes and sandals are fine for casual days. Bare arms are not an issue (I bare mine all the time!). Capris/cropped pants– as long as it is tasteful and looks good. A skinny girl can even get away with fishnets in a small weave with an appropriate length skirt. However, there’s a double standard- if you are heavy, older, or not attractive, I think people would be quicker to say that something is not appropriate.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Black sheer (or worse, NAVY!) pantyhose in the daytime. Buff (or my favorite “Bare Bisque”) exists for a reason– a suit should be worn with sheer neutral (not suntan) hose. Patterned stockings or tights are ok with casual skirts or dresses, but not formal suits.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
We get away with more in NJ than our NYC neighbors, but a lot depends on your personal style, and of course, seniority. Personally, my look is ultrafeminine- I wear dresses or skirts every day, with high heels, and usually pearls or diamonds. A dress with a jacket is just as acceptable as a suit. I think the overall “put-togetherness” of a look is very important in assessing how businesslike it is– following the rules verbatim is fine, but you can certainly get away with bending the rules if you do it with style.