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.
What city do you work in? Atlanta
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Senior (18 years in practice)
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. Probably a 5/6. Most men wear dress slacks and dress shirts (no tie), polos or sweaters in the winter; women generally wear slacks or skirts and blouses or sweaters/sets. Suits only if going to court or a business/client meeting. Our office is technically “business casual,” although I think the staff go a little too casual sometimes.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) to ME, it is a skirt suit – navy, black or gray – w/ a blouse or nice shell, closed toe pumps, and HOSE. to others, it is a pants suit, and I’m OK with that as long as it is dressy enough. But I’m a stickler on the hose and pumps.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) more casual skirts/pants and a tee-type shirt (nice material) or sweater. jeans are allowed on specifically designated “jeans 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!) there are some bare arms in the summer w/ sleeveless tops – we are in Hotlanta after all! but most women also have a sweater or jacket to pull over it if necessary (we do have AC down here). almost no one except some of us old fogeys ever wear hose. I wear hose or opaque tights in the winter, but even I’ve given up hose in warm weather unless I’m going to court (I insist on this w/ the younger women) or a business/client meeting. Also, open toes – not just peep toes – are widely worn and accepted. But it shouldn’t be flip-flops.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? TOO MUCH CLEAVAGE. I don’t get how, after the struggle of the women’s movement to overcome being looked at merely for our natural endowments, women now flaunt it ALL the time. If I am distracted by it, imagine how the men are! Also, women wearing clothes TOO TIGHT. It only makes you look bigger, ladies. Finally, wearing shoes that are torn up. and if you are going to wear open toe shoes, get a pedicure, get rid of the rough skin, and PAINT your toenails, even if it is a pale pink or neutral – bare toenails are just gross.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Although I sound like I’m a 105 (and feel like it sometimes), I really am glad I don’t have to wear a skirt suit every day like I did when I started practicing. Or, God forbid, those bowtie-scarf things with blouses. I like a more relaxed dress code and being able to show some individual flair (sometimes I wear my floral-patterned slides in the summer just because I need a smile). But I feel that it has become a bit TOO relaxed at times so that women may not be taken as seriously as they should be.
What city do you work in? Seattle
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Mid/Senior. (Starting worry less about “impressing boss,” more about “set a good example and be taken seriously.”)
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 7-8. “Business casual” that is officially supposed to be “courtroom ready.” Some people push that to include sweaters with slacks or jacketless dresses.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Dark suit, pumps. I’ve seen slingbacks but anything strappy looks too frivolous too me. The women I know all consider the skirt / pant choice to be a matter of fit and taste, not formality.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? I’ve never been allowed jeans on a workday. No capri pants on attorneys (maybe ok for staff). A casual day is a cotton pants or skirt, sandals, sweater or cute top.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Bare legs and sandals are common in the summer (not for court or a deposition). On a rainy day, baggy gortex jacket goes over anything. And what is with no bracelets?
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Dressing too casually to be taken seriously. Nice clothing isn’t a burden, it’s an opportunity package yourself and advance your career.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
I’m tired of hearing “here are my 10 excuses for not dressing better” from women here. We have Nordstrom. No excuses!
1. Houston, TX (downtown)
2. Mid-level
3. I work for a bank, so it depends which department you work in and what your position is. In my department, probably 6.
4. Neutral suit. Skirts are preferred, but pants are fine. Simple/sophisticated pumps, peep toes are fine, but not slingbacks.
5. It depends where you work. Anyone who faces customers typically wears a suit, even on Fridays. The men might not wear a tie on Friday. I don’t interact with customers so I do wear jeans on Fridays, but always dark jeans with a jacket or cardigan of some sort and nice shoes.
6. The rules about wearing hose have gotten more lenient and everyone’s desire to be really tan has waned. In the winter (if you want to call it that) more women wear hose and tights, but once the weather gets warmer, fewer women wear them. I’ve also noticed more women who never would have thought about going without hose or sleeves because they weren’t “Coppertone” tan are less concerned about it now.
7. Taking business casual too far. This week a colleague was crying on my shoulder because she was passed over for a promotion. After three years of listening to this, as it has happened more than once and subtle hints have not worked, I finally told her that no one takes her seriously because she dresses like she’s headed out on Saturday to run errands. I cannot imagine why people think it is ok in any office to wear their Old Navy flip-flops to work. The sad part is that I’m not exaggerating.
8. Overall, I think that many nationwide retailers and magazines do a poor job of representing the varying regions of the country. It seems like everything I see is for those that live in cooler areas. I don’t see many of the layered looks I see in magazines on the women I see here in Houston–cardigans thrown over jackets or layered under them, lightweight trench coats, long scarves wrapped around your neck, lightweight leather jackets. It’s just too hot here in Houston. Even though we blast the A/C indoors, it just looks silly when you know that it feels like a steam sauna outside.
What city do you work in? –St. Louis, MO
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? –mid level
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. upper level business casual on the corporate floor.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) == suit, usually dark, pumps no peep toes
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) jeans are allowed on Fridays only unless its a special casual day. Still have to look not super casual
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? they alll ring true. bare arms and bare toes are fine particularly during the summer. No tanks ever.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? dressing too casual. No one ever got in trouble for being too formally dressed but too casually dressed employees usually result in the dress code being sent out regularly to employees.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? St. Louis is a little more casual than NYC, but more formal than the west coast. Creativity in dressing is not widely encouraged.
1.What city do you work in? Chicago, Illinois
2.Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Senior (former partner at midsized firm, now in-house counsel)
3.How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 8
4.What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Suit (pantsuit is fine) in a neutral color. The navy skirt suit/white shirt/navy pumps look is not wrong, but it is soooo boring. I have interviewed a lot of attorneys, and I appreciate a litle bit of creativity, within reason, of course.
5. Casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No
jeans, ever. Dress pants and twin sets, sheath dresses, skirt and boots.
.
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Peep toes and bare legs are OK in the office, but I would never go to court without a suit and closed-toe pumps. I’m one of the women a previous Chicago poster saw on the street wearing fishnets with a skirt suit and boots. I agree that bare arms are a no-no UNLESS you are Michelle Obama.
7.What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? It used to be too-short Ally McBeal skirts and the Bebe suits a previous poster mentioned. Now it’s just general sloppiness — ill-fitting suits, wrinkled shirts, messy hair.
8.(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I agree with a previous poster that Chicago is becoming more conservative. In addition, in my mind there are different rules for federal court and state court, for jury trials and status conferences, for taking the lead at a dep of an expert witness vs. a sit-and-sip deposition. We all have to plan for whatever the day holds (and there should be a black skirt suit and pumps in the office at all times, in case of emergency!)
1. What city do you work in?
My employer is based in Chicago, but I’m a consultant (to nonprofits) so there’s a travel component to my job. Most of my clients are in or between Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Mid-level, but I’m by far the youngest person in my office – and that certainly affects how I dress.
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.
Exactly a 5 – men could, theoretically, wear jeans if they wanted to (caveat: on non-client meeting days), but they rarely do so. Suits are always a MUST if a client is involved.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
This varies between Chicago and Milwaukee. I personally believe a suit is the only way to go (in my career field), although women can wear skirt suits or trouser suits with equal aplomb. I’ve definitely seen women wear nice slacks and a coordinating blazer, but I don’t see that as entirely appropriate.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Most of my mid-to-large-sized clients do not allow jeans for the staff I work with (fundraising), even on a casual day. My smallest clients do. Open toed, DRESSY shoes are okay but never flip flops or the like. A solid casual outfit would be a pair of tailored khakis or slacks, a dressy top (although not a t-shirt), and bigger earrings than one might perhaps wear on a normal day. I find the dress codes in Milwaukee to be more relaxed than Chicago on a regular basis, but people generally adhere to the same casual rules in both 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!)
Bare legs are OK in summer, sandals, and sleeveless is fine (i.e. a shell or shift dress under a jacket or cardigan).
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Open-toed shoes worn by women who aren’t taking care of their feet; CLEAVAGE, hairdos straight out of an episode of “The Hills.”
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
It obviously depends on the field you work in, but I think good ol’ Chicago has become more fashionable over the years…
So: Here are the questions. We can’t wait to start reading the responses…
1. What city do you work in? Pasadena, CA (Los Angeles area).
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Mid-level government (legal side).
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 suits are pretty common (especially for more senior women hires), but newer graduates often wear pants suits which still kind of new to me. Dark suit colors, white or cream shirts, conservative heels. Pearls are making a big comeback a la Michelle Obama for both older women and teeny-boppers (my co-worker’s 16 yo and I have the same Forever 21 rope of fake pearls).
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Jeans and nice shirts are fine, khakis are pretty common. Open-toed shoes are OK on Fridays and in the summer.
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!) Makeup for work. I see a lot fewer women wearing any makeup at all than I do on the East Coast.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Honestly, people in LA get way too casual. Also, lots of too tight, too casual, too rumpled, clothes that should be replaced. I don’t know why this is, but I’ve seen more than one woman wear a skirt suit with no stockings to court. In a word, ick.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
Pasadena and downtown are more preppy, the beach cities are more casual, creative industries are a lot more stylish. Women seem to have more freedom with clothing “rules” than men do, though people are often surprised if you dress up at all. Logo bags are really big here, which is not my thing and can really get ostentatious.
What city do you work in? Philadelphia, PA
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Mid-level
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. Suits for all professionals every day.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Black or Navy blue pants suit with blue or white blouse. Limited jewelry.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No jeans allowed. Conservative suit.
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 the professional personnel, it is always closed toed shoes. You can take off your jacket in your office but no one meets clients without their jackets.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Sloppiness–messy ponytails; wrinkled and ill-fitting suits (a tailor makes all the difference!); no make-up; scuffed shoes. A general run-down, overstressed appearance that translates into what people are wearing.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Philadelphia is a conservative city (I am an attorney).
1. South Carolina
2. Beginner (2 years) Prosecutor
3. 10
4. Interview is dark skirt suit, hose, closed toe heels and conservative jewelry (i.e. pearls). I had a friend who wore a beautiful brown suit to an interview and the interviewer commented on it in a good way, but most people stick with black or navy.
5. In court, everyone wears a suit. If not in court the men still wear suits; the women can be a little more casual, but I watch the boss and he wears a suit every day so I do too. In the winter, I will wear a skirt and sweater. Other than that, we don’t have “casual day.”
6. Peep toe shoes are fine. I’ll wear a solid suit and some cool patterned shoes. Higher heels are acceptable so long as the rest of the outfit is conservative. Hose are a must for skirt suits when in court, but not when just in the office. Less conservative jewelry is generally accepted, but don’t pile it on and don’t wear huge earrings.
7. Capris to court; bare arms in court (I clerked for an old fashioned judge who had me ask a female attorney to please put on a jacket. I don’t know if any other judge would do that, but I’ve certainly never gone into court without a jacket since that.) Sandal heels with a skirt suit in court
8. If I’m trying a case to a jury, I always wear a skirt suit. It’s old fashioned, but none of the women ever wear pants in front of a jury. Pants are fine if we’re just doing guilty pleas in front of a judge. It’s so interesting to read all the comments. In the South, we probably dress a little more “cute” than the rest of the country. Don’t worry though, I do not own and never will own a Christmas sweater!
1. What city do you work in? Paterson, New Jersey
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner (assistant corporation counsel/prosecutor & a solo in private practice)
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? In the Corporation Counsel’s Office, a 3, my office a 1!
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Navy blue skirt suit with black shoes.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? Jeans and sneakers! Even sweatsuits!
6. What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? None. They all ring true, I just suspend them all during the summer months in municipal court!
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? An ill-fitting suit.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? New Jersey is known for being conservative, however, it is my belief that women attorneys are given more latitude as long as the “look” is kept classy. Further, in my particular jurisdiction, dress code is more relaxed in municipal court. Although I may wear a sleeveless dress while prosecuting traffic offenses, when I go to superior court – suits and jacket dresses are the order of the day.
1) Minneapolis
2) Mid-level
3) 6-8 (depending on practice area)
4) Dark suit, either skirt suit or pantsuit. Pumps.
5) Jeans allowed on Fridays, though most people wear slacks. Again, this differs among practice areas, with some never wearing jeans and some always wearing jeans on Fridays. Right now more groups tend toward no jeans, though.
6) Peep toes and open toes are fine. I see lots of people who wear bracelets on occasion, depite your seeming hatred of them. Very, very few women wear nylons with their skirts unless they are going to court, then most do.
7) Ill-fitting clothing. People seem to be allergic to tailors. USE A TAILOR! Have your pants taken in at the waist or your jacket sleeves lengthened or the button placket across your bust sewn down. I think it’s misplaced Midwestern thrift.
8) Looking too fancy is its own no-no here. Ostentatiously branded bags, shoes, sunglasses, or jewelry are considered graspy and immodest. The cultural expectation for both women and men is that you should look nice but not like you spent a lot of money on it, even if you did.
What CITY? St. Petersburg, FLORIDA
Where are you in your career? Senior trial lawyer – 20+ yrs in government law;former chair of the FL Bar Govt Lawyers Section; former traffic court magistrate
How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 7 in winter, 5 in summer
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? This may not be typical, but it is what is appropriate: Skirt suit in blue, black, gray, (brown if it flatters you), black skirt/ red or white jacket, no cleavage, medium to low heeled pump, slingback OK, no sandals, no contrived hair-dos, pantyhose.
NOTE: I was the beachiest law student you could imagine (I worked for Hawaiian Tropic in the summers), but I learned what was appropriate over time and wanting to “be me” does not get you a job.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? Jeans are OK in my office as it is the government, but they should never be worn with sneakers or flip flops–it is still an office and you never know who may drop in. If you have to come in on the weekend and are working alone, anything goes, even shorts. It’s hot here!
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? Peep toe pumps are OK. Short sleeves OK in the office. Short sleeved jacket suits OK in summer. Bare arms OK when sitting at one’s desk, but not in court or at meetings regardless of whether one has Michelle O arms. Panty hose expected only at interview and at trial.
(What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly? Women lawyers in pant suits during trial; sandals or 4 inch heels in court (BIG NO); men in court & office with no socks (can you believe it?); skirts that are too tight; women wearing black ALL the time (it’s work, not a funeral, and oftentimes it helps to stand out); too much cleavage and clingy tops on support staff; wrinkled shirts; wearing wool suits and sweaters in summer and pastel linen in January.
What other comments do you have about your region? In places where there are more distinct seasons, such as northern and central FL, it is best to have different work clothes for summer and winter. Wearing a dark wool suit in summer or a searsucker one in winter is just bad form and makes one look out of touch and poor. It does not cost a lot to dress properly, it just requires smart shopping.
What city do you work in? Seattle, WA
Where are you in your career — beginner (2 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. Seven. The dress code is described as business professional by our HR Department but everyone pushes the limits. Most of the men wear suits but hang their jacket on their door all day and don’t put them on for meetings. One guy wears a corduroy jacket with patches but I think he is an outlier. Women are also expected to wear suits but I see a lot of cardigans instead of jackets. I have heard rumors about support staff being sent home for not wearing pantyhose.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Not necessarily black but still something fairly conservative like navy or dark brown with a colorful shirt. I see a lot of women wearing pants and I have worn pants on all my interviews.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) My company recently changed its “casual day” policy so that jeans are no longer allowed but they previously were. I think it had to do with the fact that people were pushing it by wearing sweatshirts, running shoes, and light-washed jeans. Casual days only come once every few months, usually the day before a holiday or the Friday after a particularly busy week.
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 don’t see shoulders in my office but I often see bare arms and short sleeved shirts.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Scraggly hair that is to long with no bangs, layering, etc., or has been left to air dry with no product or even brushing. (I think the hair thing is really a Northwest low-maintenance thing) Clothing that is too big or otherwise does not fit properly.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
1. What city do you work in?
Dallas
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.
1
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Pant suits. Usually black or navy blue.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops
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 fine. It is HOT here – so open toed shoes aren’t frowned upon.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Too much makeup.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
NA
What city do you work in? Minneapolis, MN
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. 6- lots of slacks and botton-down or polo shirts with or without tie; rarely jackets/full suits
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) solid black or pinstripe; skirt
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) no jeans; sleeveless dresses for women, polos for men
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!) Number one difference I’ve noticed – it is perfectly acceptable for women to wear big, funky jewelry (around the office; not so much to court); peep toes and slingbacks are definitely acceptable here; bracelets are fine; bare arms around the office are acceptable
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? wearing clothing that is too big, or too small; oxford shoes with slouchy socks; pants that are too short in the leg (WITH the chunky shoes), or too tight in the butt
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Minneapolis follows trends on the coasts, lagging behind by several months; things aren’t as formal or upscale here as it seems to be in NYC, but people tend to play it safe in terms of showing skin
1.What city do you work in?Phoenix
2.Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Upper end of mid-level prosecutor.
3.How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? Monday through Thursday it’s a 7, but jeans are permitted on Fridays.
4.What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Skirt suit, dark color but the shoes can be a little less conservative.
5.What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Jeans are allowed on Fridays, provided your client also allows jeans AND you have a change of clothes for unexpected hearings.
6.What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? It’s Phoenix, where the summers are routinely 110 + degrees, so the rules are definitely relaxed in the heat — hose can go by the wayside and peeptoes are definitely okay. Layering is the way to go because some offices have really cold air conditioning, but walking outside (even just to your car) is brutal.
7.What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Ill-fitting bras is the biggest!
8.(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Phoenix is odd because there are so many transplants here, so many of the firms bring their midwest/CA/Eastern mentality about what is correct, but then the summer wears them down and eventually they concede to a more casual dress style.
1. What city do you work in?
Seattle
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.
On this scale, my office is a one, but the only men who wear jeans every day are a handful of partners and women typically only wear them after a disaster (flood, snow storm, etc).
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Dark suit (skirt suit probably a little more common) with conservative heels. But I don’t think people care that much as long as you look put together.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Jeans for men and staff (on Fridays); women attorneys will sometime wear nice jeans, or might wear a casual skirt and top.
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 and bare arms are both allowed, although you don’t see much of them (especially the bare arms).
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
Sloppiness, including messy hair and ill-fitting clothes.
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
What city do you work in?
Chicago
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior?
Mid-Level
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.
7/8
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Black or navy skirt or pantsuit, button-down or shell, heels
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
No jeans during the week. Casual might be pants in a lighter color than black/brown (khaki, light gray) and a sweater rather than a 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!)
Peep toes are fine for a regular day (I wouldn’t wear them, or wear too-high heels, to meet a client). Wearing boots to the office and changing shoes when you get there is fine.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
wearing cheap-looking clothes in bad fabrics
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention?
Some concessions to the weather are okay (very cold/snowy in winter, very hot in summer)
1. What city do you work in? Minneapolis, MN
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. 8, but I”m at a mid-size firm that I think is unusually conservative in dress. Full suit every day, although men will leave their suit jacket in the office when they are wondering the halls. Pantyhose are an absolute must when wearing a skirt. No slingbacks or peeptoes.
I’ve also been at the other end of the spectrum at a small general practice firm where it was perfectly okay to where hoodies and flip flops so long as you were not meeting clients or going to court.
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?)
Black skirt suit is the safest bet. Pant suits in dark colors are also fine, too.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?)
Polos and lighter slacks are acceptable for men on Fridays, but frankly, I consider a skirt suit sans-jacket “casual” as a young female associate in the office.
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 was told flat-out on my first day that pantyhose were a must (thank goodness I wore them because I had been debating), even in the middle of the humid summer.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Frumpy! Don’t wear jackets that are too big. And please, get your pants tailored if they are too long. It’s inexpensive and worth every penny.
1. What city do you work in? Morristown, NJ
2. Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginning
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, suits and jackets are technically required, but not everyone wears the jacket
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Black skirt suit or pant suit, classic tailored button down shirt, conservative shoes (nothing too “trendy”)
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No jeans … we drop down to business casual on “casual day”…although in the summer, I can get away with a sundress!
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!) Pantyhose is not a must during the summer.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career?
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Bad hair accessories – scrunchies, poorly chosen headbands – they can totally ruin the outfit!
1.What city do you work in? Boca Raton, Fl
2.Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? Beginner, summer 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. – It’s about a 5. No ties for men, button shirts, shorts sleeves are okay, polos, sweaters etc. Women wear nice outfits, no one really wears a full suit each day. Open toe shoes are acceptable, and almost common – as are sleeves shirts (however the a/c is too cold to not be wearing a sweater). No nylons.
4.What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) I interviewed in a suit when I had interviews. It was black, 3 button jacket, closed toe shoes.
5.What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) No jeans. Nice slacks, and nice tops. Open toe shoes, no ties for me.
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!) Open toe – okay all the way in South East Florida! Bare arms okay too, but it’s just too cold inside to have bare arms.
7.What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? The biggest thing I’ve noticed is other students who interview are not put together at job fairs or even through OCI. Their hair is messy, sloppy clothing, wrinkled, dirty shoes, shirt hanging out, etc. I attend a south Jersey school – and interviewed and attended job fairs in Philly and Delaware – and it was so obvious by looking around a room who did not care enough to look presentable.
8.(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? I’m still learning all the “acceptable” rules down in SE Florida – put I promise to post them as I learn more.
1. What city do you work in? Denver, CO
2. Where are you in your career — beginner
3. How conservative is your office, scale of 1-10? 1-2
4. What is a typical interview outfit for your region? Nice tailored pants and a button down shirt. Skirt suits seem almost over-the-top formal. Closed-toe shoes.
5. What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) “Nice” jeans are allowed. I’ve seen lobbyists wear cute denim cropped jackets. Khakis are much more acceptable, however. I tend to wear tailored pants and a nice shirt with cute ballet shoes or low heels.
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’m of two minds about the closed-toe shoes. Some people abide, others never do. Also, bare arms. It’s hot in Denver in summer! Most women tend to layer as opposed to wear just one long-sleeved shirt.
7. What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Wearing Chacos to a big meeting! (they’re a hiking shoe!)
8. (Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? Denver has a huge hiking/outdoors culture, so it’s not rare to see people in “performance” outdoorsy gear. Also, people aren’t afraid of color, and it’s awesome to see pops of green, blue, or yellow lately.
What city do you work in? Brooklyn, N.Y.
Where are you in your career — senior
How conservative is your office: 9-10
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color; black, gray, blue… Skirt suit: pants or skirt suit Shoes: close toe pumps, not too high for interview)
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? pants and sweater during the winter, cotton skirt & t-shirt, cropped pants for summer)
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — I work for the Court System and attorneys who appear are appearing in Court…most woman have covered arms, in the hottest days of summer I’ve seen sandels with suits, no stockings in middle of summer with the suit, lots of dresses and skirts with some feminine flare…but almost always a sweater or jacket.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? A woman displaying her sexuality blantenly: too high heels, too short skirt, too tight clothes, breasts seen through top, cleavage…Also a younger woman attorney who is dressed too casually…I’ve seen her not be “heard” (even if she is talented…she is not portraying her professionalism) An older seasoned woman attorney can be “artsy”, or even a bit disheveled and be listened too more acutly (like an older disheveled male).
What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? This is New York…just over the Bridge from downtown Manhattan so we see attorneys from conservative big firms who dress very conservatively (but pants suits are always a “go”) to the “gum chewing” private attorney in a too short skirt, who has a killer argument, great clients and makes lots of money…so if you want to dress provocativly or just do your thing … have your own practice!
What city do you work in? Houston, TX
Where are you in your career — beginner, mid-level, senior? I’m an “experienced hire” (energy industry) with less than 10 years experience.
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. It’s 3-5, with men tending to dress more uniformly.
What is a typical interview outfit for your region? (Color? Skirt suit? Shoes?) Conservative & coordinated – preferably a suit.
What is a “casual day” outfit (weekday) for your region? (Are jeans allowed?) Jeans are definitely allowed – I’ve seen the gamut of “running errands” casual to “going to happy hour at 4pm” casual.
What established “rules” that we’ve mentioned — covered arms, covered toes, etc — don’t ring true to your region? We really don’t have 4 seasons, we have three – hot/humid, hot/warm, and cold. The art is in transitioning between them while remaining professional. Bare arms are definitely seen in the warmer months, and peep toe shoes abound.
What’s the biggest gaffe you’ve noticed repeatedly in your career? Ladies whose slacks lengths are not tailored to their height/shoe heels…it’s my pet peeve.
(Optional) — What other comments do you have about your region do you care to mention? You have to dress for hot & humid for Houston, for a good part of the year. Hose is not a given; materials that breathe, require no ironing/steaming and are wrinkle-free tend to do best (for me!)