Giveaway: Tell Us Specifics About Regional Fashion, and You Could Win a Love Quotes Scarf
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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.
I moved from Chicago to Seattle somewhat recently and very early in my career. I had just gotten used to the regional specifics of a big midwestern city, and then I had to get used to a whole new work environment. It was difficult at first, but as long as you’re a keen observer, I’m sure it will work out well for you.
I work in Seattle, WA.
I am a beginner in my career.
On a Chicago scale, my office would probably be considered a 3, but on a Seattle scale it is closer to a 7.
I think interview outfits are probably the same everywhere – you can’t go wrong with a black or dark suit (wear hose if wearing a skirt). Closed-toes pumps, low or mid heel with skirt, or up to 3″ is fine with pants. Unless you’re working in a niche company/firm that prides itself on being casual, no one will be offended that you wore a suit.
Jeans are definitely allowed on casual days in Seattle. In fact, you see jeans, short sleeves, “comfort” sandals, and other midwest no-no’s on someone almost every day.
I err on the side of conservative and follow all the “rules,” but most people here will not – unless they are going to court. Always wear traditional conservative garb to court, no matter where you are. Even though this office is rather casual, I think covered arms are always a good move. Also, I rarely see skirts above the knee. Peep toes are fine, and some women here wear 3″ and higher heels. Definitely keep cleavage covered. In Seattle it doesn’t get too hot, so most of the excuses to wear skimpy outfits or flip-flops won’t fly.
I have seen people show up to unplanned client meetings or other important events wearing jeans or other casual outfits – clients have made snide comments like “looks like you have your comfy clothes on for the meeting. Should I plan to stay a long time?” Even if your office is casual, keep a suit (or whatever your region’s “nice” attire is) in your office for emergencies.
Although Seattle is rather casual compared to Chicago, I do not get funny looks for wearing suits day in and day out. I find that a suit is the easiest thing to put on in the morning, and even though it’s not requied, I know I always look put together.
1. What city do you work in? Wichita, KS
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 8
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? A dark, solid-color suit (skirt or pants) with a plain blouse and plain, closed-toe shoes.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Jeans are never allowed at my office. A typical outfit is a nice blouse or sweater with slacks or a skirt. Dresses are also acceptable, but less common.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Open sandals are allowed at my office, but they’re required to have a heel. The dress code at my office requires hose with a skirt, but no one I know actually adheres to that.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Ill-fitting clothes and outfits that are too casual.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? It gets very hot here in the summer, but over-air conditioning is common, so always keep a neutral sweater handy to pull on over short sleeves.
What city do you work in?
Los Angeles
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 (navy, black or charcoal). Skirt suit preferred but not necessary. Classic pumps.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Jeans are allowed on Fridays only. People tend to dress up their jeans (i.e., very similar to what one would wear the other five days, with jeans swapped in for dress pants.)
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!)
Many women wear peep toes. Women wear more color to work here than when I worked in D.C.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Women wearing 5″ heels to interviews.
1. South Florida
2. First year associate.
3. Seven (monday through thursday). Generally, we are told to “dress like a lawyer.” That seems to translate into a suit without the jacket or conservative dresses.
4. Generally dark or grey suits.
5. My firm permits jeans on fridays which i usually pair with flats and a twinset or a pressed button down. In the summers I tend to trade the jeans for a skirt.
6. South Florida sees its fare shares of open toes and bare arms in the workplace.
7. Sometimes going to state court is like watching a real life episode of “What Not to Wear”; hot pink suits, lots of cleavage, and five inch wedges, just to name some of the greatest hits I have witnessed!!! Also, strappy high heeled sandals, especially when metallic, worn with suits. ugh.
1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Beginner
3. 8: supposedly business casual, but really means just a step below formal (sans ties for men; women usually still in suits), esp. in litigation.
4. I would say color is more acceptable here than in other places. I wore ice blue (variation on a traditional color), which seemed to be well received. Anything closed-toe seems to be fine, but okay to wear slingbacks, unlike NY.
5. Jeans are only allowed as part of special fund-raisers. “Business casual” every day, and no “casual” days
6. Peep toes okay for work, not interviews. Maybe uncovered arms with a much more conservative neckline, but I wouldn’t personally.
7. Summer dresses that are clearly not business material–too flow-y, short, whimsical, flowery, etc. Putting a cardigan over it doesn’t necessarily fix it. Second, I don’t think partners appreciate LA fashion–they don’t get it and they don’t care how expensive it was.
8. These rules vary between downtown (where I am) and places closer to the coast. Santa Monica is much more casual as a general rule.
(I’m doing one for Vegas as well, below, since I worked there for a bit)
1. Las Vegas, NV
2. Beginner
3. 6
4. typical conservative: closed toe, suit. Perhaps less appreciation for fancy detailing etc. than LA.
5. jeans are probably not allowed in downtown firms.
6. Las Vegas summer: most rules go out the window. When it’s 120 degrees, no one cares. Nylons: never. Sandals: practically essential.
7. Tackiness?
8. The criminal side centered in downtown is much more formal than firms in the suburbs.
1. I work in Cincinnati, Ohio
2. I’m a beginner. Graduated law school in 2006.
3. My office is a 7 – somewhat formal, obviously more formal for days with court, but casual Fridays (the attorneys still don’t wear jeans on Fridays though some of the office staff occasionally does).
4. Typical interview outfit is standard Corporette suggested attire. Dark, conservative suit. Black, dark grey, navy are most seen colors. Skirt suits are always acceptable but most decision makers are OK with pants, though there is one who always prefers skirts. Closed toe shoes for women at least during the interview. Follow up interviews have a little more leeway in terms of suit color, maybe something a little lighter and have seen burgundy but nothing that isn’t conservative.
5. Monday through Thursday, casual means nice separates, such as a skirt with a crisp shirt and low heels or nice dark pants and a sharp looking sweater set or button down. We have casual Fridays. The attorneys never wear jeans (though that isn’t officially banned), but will wear typically wear casual dresses, skirts, or slacks – anything from a crisp T-shirt with a nice skirt and a cardigan to dark pants with a cute top. Also more leeway in shoes on Friday – have even seen dressier versions of Flip Flops but more often sandals, flats, low heels. Weekends anything goes, even jeans, although people still try to look clean and put together.
6. Almost everyone in my office covers her arms, but there’s no rule to that effect. Sometimes I’ll see someone in a suit with the jacket off wearing a sleeveless shell in her office. Usually people who aren’t wearing a jacket or sweater at least part of the day have a cap sleeve or longer. Other than an interview or court appearance, lots of shoes are acceptable. I’ve seen peep toes and even strappy sandals that show both the toe and the heel. Plus, while dark colors are the norm for interviews, a lot of women wear bright colors during the work week.
7. I’d say the biggest gaffe I’ve seen is just people who get sloppier over time. I’ve seen women come in with still wet hair, people wearing a nice outfit but with very very casual shoes, etc.
8. I think Ohio is pretty casual but still requires a degree of formality at the larger firms and for corporate settings. I’ve seen people who are business-casual at Court but there are several judges who prefer formal dress and take it as a sign of respect of them and of the Court.
1. Fairfax, VA
2. Beginner
3. 7
4. black skirtsuit with closed-toe pumps
5. tailored pants with a slim-cut sweater
6. bare arms and peep-toe shoes are regularly seen
7. too short pants with ugly shoes
1. Minneapolis, MN
2. Beginner
3. 4 (but I’m clerking). I see lawyers in Court every day.
4. Black suit, hose, closed toe black heels, pearls. Few offices are this formal after the interview.
5. Jeans are never allowed. The Twin Cities are politically progressive and open to funkier looks, including big jewelry with black shifts, vintage suits, peep-toes, and brightly colored flats so long as the entire look is well tailored and put together well. I think for lawyers 35 and under, there’s a pretty even split between men and women, and about 40% of the judiciary is Female, so perhaps there’s a greater appreciation for style than in other parts of the country. On the flip side, as is too often the case with women, if someone tries a unique look and doesn’t pull it off, the women are more likely to notice (and be catty about it).
7. It snows here 6 months out of the year … everyone wears boots from the sidewalk or parking lot into the office … sometimes the salt from the sidewalks and roadways kicks up onto clothes and leaves white stains and/or residue on tights or pant-hems. Also, lawyers who run late in the winter-time don’t have time to change out of long underwear before coming to court – looks lumpy, plus the lawyers start sweating profusely after 5 minutes inside. For those moving here from out of state – add 10 extra minutes to any arrival time to account for the time it’ll take to change out of boots, long underwear, fix hat hair, increase blood flow back into cheeks after walking outside at -20, etc.
8. Amazingly, I’ve seen a few women here wear white suits and pull it off – it’s all in the tailoring.
1. DC
2. Somewhere between beginner and mid-level (3 years out of law school)
3. 5. No one wears a suit on an average day, but no one dresses casually either. I work in the public sector and private-sector firms are more conservative – most would be an 8-10.
4. Black skirt suit, neutral collared shirt, no or minimal jewelry, hose, wear sneakers on the commute and change into black pumps (I hate this look, never wear a collared shirt, wear brown suits as well as black, wear silk scarves, and have never had a problem gaining employment, fwiw).
5. Sundress with cardigan, dark jeans with heels.
6. Everyone wears sandals to work in my office in the summer. This seems to be true among my friends in private firms, too. *Note I said sandals, not flipflops.* I’ve seen women in my public sector office wearing long shorts or capris with heels on casual days, too, and they seem to get away with it, although I doubt it’s officially okay.
7. I realize it gets really hot in DC, but “formal” bermuda shorts are not officewear. Ever. Period. Even if you’re a 22-year-old paralegal.
8. Everyone wears sneakers on the commute (or flipflops in the summer). Do not attempt the DC sidewalks in pointy heels. I once saw an single abandoned heel wedged into a subway grate – it was a sorry sight.
1. San Diego, California.
2. Beginner (low-level management in finance).
3. 4-8. At my firm (in a wealthy, beach suburb), the brokers wear anything from khakis and a Hawaiian shirt to dress slacks and a tie (suits are only for special occasions). Management is more dressed up, usually in a dress shirt, pants, and a tie (I’m the only female manager at my office). At more conservative firms downtown, suits are more common.
4. In my experience, it doesn’t matter if the interview suit has pants or a skirt, but usually it’s a dark color. Peep-toe and slingback shoes are fine for everyday, but I wouldn’t wear them for an interview—dark pumps are the norm.
5. My office is business casual only on Fridays (jeans aren’t allowed, unless there’s a half-day for a casual client event), but outside of finance, jeans on Friday are more common here than in other parts of the country, and capris are common also. Monday-Thursday, I usually wear a sweater or dress shirt with a black, gray, or navy pencil skirt or dress pants (always with hose). On Fridays, I substitute a pair of tailored chinos or khaki skirt, and the men wear khakis and a polo.
6. Peep-toe and slingback shoes (and dressy boots with dress pants) are fine. Sleeveless tops are acceptable sitting at your desk, although the A/C is so high, I never do.
7. There aren’t that many women (who aren’t secretaries or executive assistants) in the world of finance, and the ones at my firm, at least, don’t really know how to dress—they think California casual is okay and just look messy and not professional. On junior women, the major issue is clothing that’s too short/tight.
8. In San Diego, things are more casual, but it all depends on your field of work. My office is very casual for finance (compared to places in New York, Chicago, etc), but very dressy compared to more “creative” fields or fields like IT. Also, I worked in Korea for a year, and what the poster said about Tokyo and the cleavage/leg thing is also true there—my female colleagues there wore skirts that would be too short for anything but a nightclub in the U.S., but I never saw them in any shirts/sweaters lower than the collarbone
1) Chicago, IL (in “the loop”)
2) Mid-level (I like to think)
3) 7 (circa 1993)
4) Dark pant suit with pumps
5) ANYTHING goes. While walking to work you’ll see plenty of women in solid colored beach dresses with casual sandals and and others in somthing they bought at Talbot’s (yes, Talbot’s is still around.)
6) Maybe covered arms, but I’ve always thought the air conditioning was causing that.
7) Men in golf shirts. (I hate it when they show up like that.)
8) Honestly, we don’t look so good out here.
1. Des Moines IA
2. Beginner
3. 8 Suits daily. can get away with no panty hose
4. Dark skirt suit, black (closed toe) shoes
5. No jeans. Casual means just no suit coat.
6. I don’t know if it is a regional issue – certain firms strict and others not.
7. wearing bar shoes to the office
what a great survey! it’s pretty amazing how much these things vary from region to region. i’m still acclimating to the fashion rules in my new hometown, but i’ll do my best!
1. portland, or
2. i’d say i’m on the senior end of the scale :)
3. probably a 5 – staff has a dress code, but professionals are trusted to use their discretion.
4. oh, it really depends on the type of job. portland is a really casual town, so i’d think slacks or a pencil skirt and a turtleneck or something would be more than fine for 90% of interviews here. people really like color here, so i wouldn’t think a bright top would be out of line for an interview either.
5. lol…cut-off khakis and tevas? seriously…portland is very, very casual. even in a more conservative office, i’m sure jeans would be fine for a designated casual day.
6. again, pretty lax – unless you’re at a big law firm or something equally “strict”, i think it’s mostly a common sense thing – no midriffs, no ass-bearing skirts, but no hard & fast rules beyond that.
7. i’d say it’s staff dressing a little too provocatively/casually for the office. whether it’s innocent or intentional, i’ve always thought it’s best to err on the conservative side. female professionals in particular don’t take kindly to the overtly sexy attire of other women in the office, i’ve found. better safe than sorry!
8. in general, if your office is anywhere other than downtown in portland, you’re probably not wearing a suit to work. that’s the one area of the city that you will see suits during the average workday.
thanks again for putting this together – such helpful info!
1. San Francisco
2. Beginning
3. 7 (a pretty formal business casual for my region)
4. Honestly, I’ve seen people interview in Dockers. it’s the Silicon Valley, so many workplaces are casual. But, in my industry you would interview in a neutral pantsuit, play it safe.
5. For me, jeans are Friday only. Though at the aforementioned tech companies, many wear jeans daily. I know people who could wear yoga pants to the office if they wanted.
6. Nylons and closed toe shoes are completely thrown out the window here. And bare arms, bright colors and high-high heels are entirely accepted. We’re definitely less conservative than much of the country, even in the more formal offices.
7. There is always a summer intern who gets a skirt too short or a top too tight, slight misinterpretation of California.
8. SF and the outlying area has a huge variety of dress, it all really depends on whether you’re in the city proper and what industry you work in.
1. What city do you work in?
Alberta, Canada – at a regulatory tribunal
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Probably 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.
10 for hearings, court work and important meetings; 5 for stay- in-the-office work
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Suit, trouser or skirt. Probably dark colour is wisest choice, but I think I wore beige to the interview that got me the job I have now. Professional looking pump, open or closed toe depending on culture of that office, and the season.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
For Stampede week in July, almost everyone dons western wear, such as jeans or jean skirts, western shirts (even loud ones).
During July/August, dress is relaxed when in the office. Jeans with nice tees, blouses or sweaters, summer weight dresses that cover shoulders and most of the upper legs. A very, very senior guy floated the idea of knee-length shorts for in-office work only, but it flopped since I think none of us wants to see that much of each other!!
During the rest of the year, there’s no official dress code, but good condition jeans are worn Fridays.
No casual outfits for regulatory hearings or courtwork. The exception is when a regulatory hearing takes place in a remote area or small community – suits are sometimes ditched for casual but presentable clothes.
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!)
For stay- in-the-office work, my office has loosened up alot in the past 5 years. Suit jackets dropped in favour of nice sweaters & blouses with skirts and trousers. Some coloured dresses. Fashionable but not vampy boots. Open shoes.
Traditional dress for regulatory hearings (suits) and court (gowns are worn in certain Canadian courts). Instead of suits, pregnant women can wear conservative separates when attending regulatory hearings.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Probably myself, breaking most of the “rules” mentioned: peep toes, sling backs, strappy (but not sexy) sandal, short sleeves, (recently) coloured dresses. However, this happens in the office, not in court or hearings. I commute by bike to work, and have a little wardrobe in my office stocked with an assortment of clothes and shoes. I can change into a formal suit if needed.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
There’s a big pay difference between large firm private practice and regulatory tribunal counsel – and different reality in what you can spend on wardrobe.
I’m told that evenings out and events are much less formal here in Alberta than other major urban areas.
What city do you work in?
Honolulu (really)
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
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.
Honolulu is unique. Most offices are “aloha business”. Men wear crisply-pressed khakis with aloha shirts. If it is a military organization (ubiquitous here) men tuck in their shirts. In other offices, they may wear the shirts outside their trousers. This all makes it tough for women to define “appropriate.” I wear dresses or skirts with short sleeved blouses. I wear a suit maybe five times a year. In winter, I wear little sweaters (as are in fashion now) with some of my dresses. Frankly, while all this means I’m a little more dressed up than the guys, dresses make me very comfortable and I know I look good. As far as footwear, I wear a lot of sandals (heels) but I also wear pumps, unless it’s so hot that my feet will swell too much by the end of the day to bear them.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
At my level, I’d show up in a suit (any color, within reason) and shoes other than sandals. Junior folks could probably wear something a smidge under a suit, but why risk it?
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
People do not wear jeans here, period. Also, no matter what the fashion mags say, even here, people do not wear walking shorts to work. Finally, while this is the land of “slippers” (flip flops), you will never see them — or anything reminiscent of them — at work.
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!)
Hmmmm. Given how hot it is here in the summer, sandals (showing off nice pedicures) are de rigeur. You can’t even buy pumps at the mall; I order mine from Zappos. No one wears stockings, though I’m beginning to wonder if I’m too old to continue skipping them. Sleeveless is okay, but for meetings I throw on a cotton sweater or lightweight blazer. The military influence means your iron and your hair clips are your best friends. Neatness counts.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Well, there are Honolulu gaffes, and there are everywhere else gaffes. In Honolulu, I think the worst thing is women wearing the men’s uniform of aloha shirts with khaki trousers. (You only see transplants from the mainland doing this.) It’s just not a flattering look for most women. They would be better in dresses, or monochromatic trousers and tops. Also, I have nothing against a little cleavage (I like the new fashion) but some women carry it to a ridiculous and embarrassing extreme.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
It’s pretty much as wonderful here as you think.
1. Vancouver
2. Beginer
3. 7
4. Black suit, black shoes
5. no jeans
6. covered arms
7. people dressing to scantily!!!
1. London, UK
2. 1st year lawyer
3. 8 – men wear suits every day, but inside the office they usually have their jackets off and sometimes don’t wear their ties. (In fact the partner I share my office with just arrived in a blue gingham shirt with rolled up sleeves and no tie.) It varies by department though – IT and IP are very casual, no ties ever for men, but Corporate and banking are much more formal. I really hate wearing suits because I’m quite busty and finding shirts and jackets to fit my top is a real chore. Instead my “suit” is a sheath or cap-sleeve dress with a contrasting jacket eg. I have a few Chanel style tweed 3/4 sleeve jackets that I wear over black or grey or navy blue dresses. I was worried this would be too informal but I’d say I’m on the more formal end of things.
4. Jacket and dress as above, but the majority wear a black trouser suit, fitted button up blouse (often the kind that are tailored so they don’t have to be tucked in), closed toed shoes.
5. Every Friday, as well as all summer, is business casual – this is unusual for London, we are seen as a very laid back and relaxed firm for this reason. Business casual is defined in our HR guidance as “a professional, albeit more relaxed, appearance (e.g. no sports shirts, no blue denim, no strappy tops, no bare midriffs).” Most women wear trouser or skinny jeans with flats and some sort of more casual top, or a dress. We’re expected to have a suit on hand in case there’s a client meeting.
6. I don’t think any of the rules really apply – the senior partner in my department regularly wears knee high black patent leather stiletto heels with a skirtsuit (this really surprised me when I first met her!), bare arms are absolutely fine as long as the clothing is lovely eg. Michelle Obama style sheath dresses are seen as quite formal, associates regularly wear sleeveless silk shells with trousers. For shoes, anything goes except trainers, strappy sandals or flip flops. The senior associate I work with regularly wears very high Louboutins and doesn’t look out of place because she can walk in them easily. Most people wear either black opaque tights (in the winter) or bare legs if it’s warm enough.
7. Fashion victim dressing (just because it’s in the fashion mags doesn’t mean you can wear it to work), anything super sexy or distracting.
Reading all the other comments it seems we are actually much more laid back than offices in the US – thinking about it the few American lawyers that work in the office do tend to dress a bit differently.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Mid-level.
3. 10 — my firm is known as particularly conservative, at least sartorially speaking, so take what I’ll say with a grain of salt
4. Dark suit (black, navy, grey). Most women wear skirt suits, but pants are fine, too. It really doesn’t matter as long as it’s a dark, well-fitted suit. Interview shoes should be closed-toe medium heels.
5. The joke that’s not really a joke is that casual Friday means that the men take off their ties. In truth, they usually have the good sense to wear a sports coat with slacks instead of a tie-less suit, but you get the idea. For women, pants with a sweater or buttoned shirt, a dress with a cardigan, or a skirt with a sweater or buttoned shirt is typical. Jeans are only possible on specific, sanctioned “denim day” Fridays.
6. I see a lot of peep-toe shoes at the office, with the requisite bare legs.
7. Ill-fitting clothes and too-short/too casual dresses.
1. What city do you work in? Los Angeles
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? senior
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. My office is a 6
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Depends on industry. Creative industries more flexible. I work in the architecture field. Anything goes within reason (propriety and traditional suits driving the corporate side; fashionable and well-constructed driving the design side)
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Jeans are completely allowed – keeping them stylishly paired with cute tops and shoes or accessories is typical in the downtown area
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 it’s cute that peep toes would be a special thing! Peep toes, 4″ stiletto platforms, super cool flats – it’s all good here as long as it’s fashionable. Covered arms? please, who cares. Hose? forget it, so fuddy duddy and grandma (tights are hip in winter). Jackets? only if it’s cold. L.A. is very forgiving.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Fashionable becomes fashion victim. Bare midriffs at work. Super tight clothes. Those awful “business shorts” suits and skinny jeans on people who don’t have the shape for them (not so much at work but just in general).
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I love the wild range of L.A. Each neighborhood (almost) has its own style and creative flair – beach casual, Echo Park funkiness, downtown business, Hollywood rocker-be etc.
So: Here are the questions. We can’t wait to start reading the responses…
Work: Birmingham, AL. From: Richmond, VA
Rising 2L. (and the daughter of an atty. in the Richmond area for 27 years)
My office has older attorneys, they can wear whatever they want. I wear a suit every day. I will probably wear my (gorgeous) turquoise and green summer tweed suit at some point. I’ve seen several attorneys in similar suits here. So B’ham – 6; RIC – 8+
Interview: black skirt suit, white blouse, hose, closed-toe heels
Casual outfit: it runs the gamut. I’ve seen female attys in court in a burgundy pair of pants with a cream top with burgundy flowers on it, and in the common interview suit. And I’ve seen jeans, but I wouldn’t wear jeans during the week.
Established “rules”: peep toes seem to be fine with pants, and okay with skirts if you can find the peep toe hose.
Biggest Gaffe: in B’ham, just very casual on women, and men in khakis with those insipid brass button blazers; in RIC, women in those J. Jill/hippie long skirts, long shirts, long vests, etc. and that hideous hippie hair on a 45 year old woman … it just looks unhealthy.
What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? B’ham has a fabulous quality of life standard. Working 60 hours a week seems to be working really hard for the younger attys/bigger firms.
1. I work in Washington, DC
2. I consider myself a beginner because no one reports to me — YET.
3. I would rate my office as a 6 — only senior managers wear suits every day. Most people wear business casual dress pants and button ups and most participate in casual Fridays. Some people get REALLY casual, like more casual than jeans. But overall, DC is a very conservative place in terms of work attire. Most business people out on the streets are between an 8 and a 10.
4. For interviews in the region: a dark suit and designer heels are probably typical. But for me, separates with a blazer in dark colors have been the norm for the jobs I’ve interviewed for.
5. For casual days, most people will wear jeans on Fridays, except senior managers. Those of us who don’t visit the customer site or meet with the customer don’t see the need to dress up as much.
6. Unspoken “rules” I have noticed: To look professional, short sleeved shirts are fine but sleeveless is a no-go. Short skirts are a bad idea. (Only girls at the trendy ad agency next door wear minis.) When I worked in Missouri, I wore flip flops to work on Fridays, but I wouldn’t never do so in DC. I’ve noticed that when you’re meeting with the customer or with division managers, everyone tends to take notice and dress up more than when they’re hiding in their cubes.
7. To me, the biggest gaffe I have noticed is women who get too comfortable in their work environment and tell themselves their clothes don’t matter. I have to assume that is the line of thinking that leads them to wear too-tight velor jogging suits to the office or denim that is old and unkempt.
8. In general, DC is a place full of people trying their darndest to work their way up so most people dress the part. If you’re a young woman (like me), it’s a good idea to avoid dressing too trendy because in a conservative place like DC, it ends up making you look young and inexperienced.
1. White Plains, NY
2. beginner
3. 7
4. dark skirt suit with white shirt
5. no jeans — I always wear at least dressy pants and shirt or sweater
6. the rules ring true — although some of the outfits I’ve seen in courtrooms are pretty shocking (flip flops and a sleeveless silk shirt)
7. not wearing a jacket in court
8. Westchester County is fairly conservative (as it’s just north of NYC), but slightly more casual
1. Boston, MA
2. Senior
3. I’ll say a 2, but, really for the men just about anything goes. They all wear jeans every day. But designer jeans with a golf shirt or button down. We women (a small minority in a technology consulting firm) tend to dress it up a bit more – nice slacks or pencil skirt, heels or cute flats, trendy top and some sort of jacket/sweater. In Boston, you have to do layers.
4. For interviews, wear a suit. Even in our office full of casually dressed people, you have to wear a suit, and it should be a stylish pantsuit. I learned long ago in consulting that you always want to dress a notch better than your client – as a sign of respect.
5. Every day is casual day for us! If you want to be casual for casual, it’s designer jeans, heels or boots, top/sweater/belt, fun bag.
6. Still, there are limits to casual – no faded wash denim, no flip flops, no shorts all still ring true. Peep toe shoes are fine, and don’t ever wear nylons in summer.
7. The mistake I see is women who just don’t pay any attention to fashion at all, and they come across as having no style. So, they’re still spending money on clothes, but they’re not getting any bang for their buck.
The streets of downtown Boston are a fashion show every day – you see every kind of gorgeous outfit and some of the most bizarre. And wow do we know how to do outerwear. Very entertaining!
1. DC
2. Not a beginner, not yet a mid-level (4 years – gov’t)
3. It sort of depends… for men, probably a 7/8 – always ties, but not usually jackets unless there is an important meeting. For women, I think it varies a lot more from season to season… somewhere in the 6-8 range? It’s a business casual office.
4. Black, gray, navy suit – skirt or pants ok. Closed toed shoes & hose. This is when I think DC is at its most conservative.
5. Jeans on Friday (unless you know you have an important meeting), but nice shoes (no sneakers) and a nice top.
6. I don’t think DC is quite as rule-bound as everyone seems to think. In my office, no one bats an eye at peep toes, and in the summer lots of people wear sandals. Wrap dresses are common. Sleeveless would also be ok in my office, but so much energy is wasted on air conditioning that it would be painful to go without a cardigan most days.
7. People wearing clothes that just don’t fit… and not taking the time to look polished and put together. Some of my older colleagues wear FAR too much makeup (caked on) with skirts too short, while others rely far too much on the pastel/floral combo or don’t seem to have a fashionable bone in their body. (And don’t even get me started on some of the ensembles I have seen on the elevator… red leather minis, fishnets, jerseys… other divisions seem to have even looser guidelines than my own.)
8. I think it’s hard to pigeonhold DC… the younger crowd is fairly fashionable (at least compared to the earlier conservative looks), and I don’t feel very constrained by rules. The old guard is a bit more conservative, but I think it’s not as buttoned up as it seems from the outside. Some of the people seem to have no regard for rule at all and go too far the other way.
1. What city do you work in? Birmingham, AL
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Young partner/10 years of law practice
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. Monday through Thursday our office is a 7; Friday it is a 3 (business casual).
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Dark colored suit, normally a skirt suit, closed toes shoes, plain blouse
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No jeans (unless “jean” slacks), no shorts. Khaki pants, casual skirt, casual shirt. Open toed shoes.
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!) There are different rules for going to court/meeting with clients than just a day in the office. For court/clients, we are still fairly conservative. In the courtroom, most women wear skirt suits (there is always a controversy as to whether pant suits are ok, but most people say it’s not worth risking it) and closed toed shoes. At the office, women wear anything from suits to dress slacks to dresses and everything in between.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women who wear panty hose with open toed shoes. YUK!
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I’ve seen women lawyers become more casually dressed over the years since I started practicing law. Unless you are in a big firm, women really can dress however they want as long as they look nice and professional.
1. Miami, FL
2. Senior
3. hard to rate the whole office; we are a small law office. But the secretaries are business casual every day, jeans on Friday. We vary from suits if court to business casual if in the office.
4. I generally wear a suit or jacket with pants, never dresses. Stockings are passe in Miami (unfortunately) and awful to see old legs without them. Peep toes and even sandals are accepatable here.
5. Jeans only on Fridays and usually only by staff.
6. We also have the airconditioning issue but that is the only reason for arms to be covered. Generally sleeveless is worn by all younger staff. Bright colors are acceptable all around.
7. Miami fashion is young, short, tight and often inappropriate for business and certainly for court.
1. What city do you work in?
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Mid-level associate, 4 years out of law school.
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 6-7 for the office as a whole, and a 9 as a department.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Skirt or pants suit, dark color, probably black, and low conservative heels.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Jeans are allowed on Fridays, but in our department only if there is no chance in hell you will run in to a client. Most of the men still wear suits on Fridays in my department.
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!)
They all pretty much ring true. Bare arms are fine for running to and from the printer, but you should always have a jacket/suit in your office for emergencies. Dresses are fine, bare legs are fine (but not when it is -40 degrees!) tasteful peep toes are fine in the summer, but definitely none of that in court.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
People wearing “holiday” sweaters–horrible!
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
Downtown Minneapolis is fairly fashionable (believe it or not!), there are quite a few young people working in corporate jobs who care about fashion. Not all of the Midwestern stereotypes are true, but unfortunately for much of the population they are.
1. What city do you work in? Los Angeles
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Junior Associate
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 6-7
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Dark suit (black, navy, dark gray, but I’ve seen others, and I’ve seen people get jobs at even more conservative places with more interesting suits, such as a darck chocolate plaid), I was always told a skirt suit but honestly, no one seems to care, plain dark pumps
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Fridays we are allowed jeans. Most people wear nicely tailored jeans and blouses, blazers, pumps, tailored flats, or other more dressy items to spiff up the 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!) At my law office, women wear peep toes all the time. Very few people wear hose unless going to court. I never expose my arms outside of my office (I always but on a cardigan or jacket to go into the halls/meetings), but some other women do. That said, bare arms are rare. I do feel people wear more color here than in the Northeast (where I worked previously). From blouses to shoes, color is much more accepted (not for interviews and court, but otherwise). I feel like fashion is still tailored and covered up, but allows a few more fashion forward touches than other places. If the baseline is “Banana Republic”, women, both junior and senior, tend to throw in more marc jacobs/nanette lepore than brooks brothers.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women who wear panty hose with open toed shoes. YUK! People who wear WAY too much perfume, people who wear their clothes too tight (not in a sexy way, but as if they have outgrown their clothes, particularly blazers that pull every which way)
1. What city do you work in? Chicago, IL
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. 7
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) A grey or black skirt suit with pumps
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) It’s business casual, so usually a nice dress with a 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!) Well, usually it’s so cold that we have to cover our arms, but covered shoulders and knees are usually enforced
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? People wearing flip flops on the job.
What city do you work in? Memphis, TN
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner (Finance industry)
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?) 6-7
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) We have casual Fridays, but that really only applies to the men. They can wear polos with slacks. The girls can wear “slacks” as well, but we all just wear nicer dress pants anyway. In the winter, casual Friday means jeans are acceptable. I will note though that we (our dept) do not interact with our clients at all and those that do are never allowed to wear jeans.
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 the summer, sleeveless is fine, open toed shoes are fine. Alot of the girls wear flip flops even. It gets really hot here in the summer. No one really wears hose accept for the older ladies.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Some women tend to wear dresses that really aren’t appropriate for a work environment. Again, this is more in the summer time…
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I would say in general, it’s a fairly more conservative city to work in, although it depends on the industry as well. My friend works in PR and her work clothes range from jeans anytime she’s not with a client to really nice dresses…
1. Pittsburgh
2. Very Beginning
3. 2
4. Dress very nice, usually black, but wear something red because it’s a powerful color
5. Casual = Jeans, Flip flops, Tank top, summer dress
6. Peep toe shoes are usually okay, jeans on Fridays some places!
7. Women who get in a slump and just don’t care. You should always try to look your best!
8. I wish I lived at the beach so I could wear flowy dresses and flip flops all year long!
1. Los Angeles
2. Beginner at a small law firm
3. 6
4. Interview suits are generally dark suits (navy, black charcoal), skirts if you want to be cautious, but I’ve done pants and seen others do the same. I rarely see anyone wear stockings. Shoes for an interview are closed toe, but slingbacks seem to be fine.
5. Jeans are fine for a casual day, but casual days are only if no one has to be in court and no clients are scheduled to come in, which doesn’t happen very often. Jeans are never paired with sneakers, only heels or dressy flats, and jeans can’t be too casual only fashionable dark wash with a nice blouse or sweater.
6. In LA a lot of rules don’t apply, uncovered arms are fine unless you have tattoos that need to be concealed (there are a lot of those in LA, myself included), peep toes are always fine, dressy sandals are usually fine, slingbacks are always fine. In less conservative industries than mine almost anything seems to go. I have a friend who is the assistant to a CEO in the entertainment industry and she can pretty much be as casual as she wants at work, torn jeans with sneakers and an old t-shirt would be perfectly acceptable as long as it seemed fun and funky and fashionable.
7. Too tight shirts, skirts, jeans on people who don’t have the body for them! Too much cleavage!
8. I love the variety of LA, it all depends on area of the city (dowtown is more conservative, toward the beach things get more casual) and the industry you are in (we have sooo many creative industries in LA).
1. Pittsburgh, PA
2. Beginner
3. 1-2
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Business formal I’d say…usually a black suit with a colored collared shirt underneath. Keeping it classy, yet still trying to have some color
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? Jeans for sure and usually just a nice shirt/tee…flips flops are allowed!
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Arms nor toes need to be covered…loose dress code, just keep it appropriate.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? People who wear outfits they just can’t pull off!! (i.e. too tight of clothes or too short if you don’t have the body for it)
1. Minneapolis, MN
2. Mid Level–4 years out
3. I would say we are a 6.
4. Interview suits are usually pretty conservative. I tend to wear a skirt, they make me feel more powerful–and high heels for sure! Love the suggestion to wear red.
5. Jeans are worn on casual Fridays–but I would say most people try to dress like they are going out to dinner, and not like they are going to the gym. I have a personal rule not to wear flip flops to work–I wish everyone else did as well. Dressier jeans and tops with high heels are the norm.
6. I don’t think sleveless tops would go over real well in the office, although I don’t think anyone would say anything. We have a very small office–nobody wants to offend anyone.
7. People that dress like it is 80 degrees when it is -20 outside. Really girls–can’t you wait until Spring to whip out the mini skirt? Lord, I sound old. ( I am only 30, I swear.
8. I agree with the other Minneapolis poster. People especially in downtown Minneapolis, tend to dress very trendy. Especially people that happen to work for a certain MN based retailer. I think most people that come to MN that are unfamilar with the area are surprised by the fashion that resides here in the midwest.
1. St. Louis, Missouri
2. Partner at mid-size law firm.
3.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?
1. Pittsburgh
2. Beginner
3. It’s a one…and I love it!!!
4. Depends on the place. Here, jeans and a nice shirt work. At more formal companies, black suit & tie all the way
5. For my typical region, casual day would be jeans and nice shirts/sweaters/blouses, etc.
6. No rules here…we wear what we want :)
7. Not dressing for your body type. If you have love handles, don’t wear a skin tight shirt! Also, I shouldn’t feel uncomfortable having a conversation with somebody because I am afraid that their blouse is going to pop.
8. It’s a bummer…but I think that so many people are afraid to be bold and daring. If I were to wear a new trend, I’d probably get some crazzy looks.
1. What city do you work in? – Amarillo, TX
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Senior (I’ve been practicing 30 years. I have a son who just graduated from law school & a daughter who is in her second year of law school.)
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. – 10. The Staff can wear jeans and a button-down shirt on Fridays, but the lawyers are always in suits.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) There is a UNIFORM. – Navy blue suit, white or beige collared blouse and navy pumps, no more that 3 inches high. Hose are MANDATORY for women & a skirted suit is more common than a suit with pants. If you wear anything else, people will assume you didn’t get the memo!
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) On a weekday, when a client might come into the office but you’re scheduled to just work on files, you could wear a jacket and slacks with a shell or blouse. You can take the jacket off in your own office, but wear it whenever you’re in a common area.
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!) – Peep toes are OK here. If you wear them, you wear them with the pantyhose that have bare toes (there’s a loop that goes between the big toe and the next toe, to hold the hose in place).
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Women lawyers with too high of heels and too tight or too short skirts! We have a couple who look like hookers and everyone laughs about them.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Many of our local judges even have written rules concerning dress and the rules are either handed-out or posted on the judge’s website. A couple of the judges allow men to go without ties in the summer, due to the heat. Most of the men take advantage of this, unless they have a jury trial. (The “summer dress code” normally goes from Memorial Day to Labor Day.) Hose are MANDATORY for women lawyers (except when wearing pants), and the young women lawyers hate the rule, but play along to fit in.
1. What city do you work in? Cleveland
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. 4-7 (wide range of dress, depending on department)
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) darks; black/grey trousers or skirt; more often than not, suit jacket; pumps
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) jeans are allowed, especially in more creative areas of company; khakis/jeans if Friday &/or no “big” meetings
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!) arms don’t need to be covered, but the building is cold, so many wear shawls/cardigans; if tattoos, less likely to have bare arms. open toed shoes, even sandals, are totally fair game (unless in aforementioned level “7” of conservativeness… then closed toed pumps more appropriate
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? flip flops (younger associates); low cut shirts (tanks/tees); very short skirts (with VERY high heels)
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? regionally, cleveland is fairly conservative, and a little behind RE: trends. For office dress, it is probably wise to err on the side of caution starting out, and getting used to the surroundings, unless working at a more creative company, where there is more freedom.