We are here to explain the top three dress codes for the law profession.
Business Professional
This is the most formal dress code that will be requested.The Suit
Business professional usually indicates that people are looking for a dark suit. Both pantsuits and skirt suits are permissible, and you can even wear a dress with a perfectly matched jacket. Light colored blouses (white, off-white, and pastels) are considered acceptable.
The Shoes
With business professional, you usually want to dress as conservatively as possible, with your shoes matching the color of your suit. Basic black pumps for black and gray suits and basic navy pumps that match the shade of your suit.
Choose a heel height at which you are comfortable walking. You do not want your feet to be throbbing half-way through a networking event where you are searching anywhere for a place to sit down. This could even make you miss an opportunity to meet the partner that is there for a short period of time. It is also smart to break in the shoes a few days before the event. Just put them on and walk around for thirty minutes at home each day until they are comfortable and form to your feet.
The Bag
The one things girls don't usually consider when planning for events is what bag they will bring. The smartest choice is a medium-sized purse that you can fit a pen and notepad in, just in case someone forgets their business cards and you need to write down contact information.
A basic bag without too many frills is always a smart choice, so you don't look too trendy. It also makes it easy to grab and go if you are in a bit of a rush, and it does not look like you are trying to "walk the runway" when you are making a first impression.
Makeup & Hair
Makeup and hair: the trickiest hurdle. For business professional events, keep it super simple. You want to make sure that you look presentable, but not like you are going to a nighttime gala.
A mostly natural face is the best way to go. That way, you are easier to recognize at other events, and you look polished. The essentials that I always wear if I am in a quick time crunch are a foundation, powder, blush, mascara, pinky nude lipstick, and neutral eyeshadow. If I have some extra time, a thin line of eyeliner and some simple contouring.
Your hair should be neat and simple. I like to tie my hair back into a bun at the top of my head to avoid my bangs getting into my eyes. If you have curly hair, finger combing through with some anti-frizz mousse is a safe bet. Or, if you have the extra time to spare, straightening your hair is always an option. I always set my hair with hairspray--it prevents flyaways and from your hair collapsing on you before the event is over.
Jewelry
With jewelry, it is always good to go dainty and simple. Nothing too flashy. Small pieces in either silver or gold (depending on your taste and preferences) are a good bet. Save the statement jewelry for another occasion.
If you have pierced ears, it is best if you wear some kind of earring, otherwise, your ears look oddly naked. Simple necklaces that sit nicely on your blouse are a cute, feminine touch. Bracelets aren't a necessity, but they pull your look together. For those girls that like to wear more than one at a time, make sure that they are not too clinky when you move your arm--it can be distracting.
Business Casual
This is quite a step down--it is more laid back open for a little bit more for freedom of expression.
The Outfit
Business casual is quite a bit laid-back, and you can "mix it up" a little.
Cute sweaters, patterned skirts, decorative blouses, and colored slacks are all a definite yes in this category. You can reveal a little more of your personal style. One of my favorite things to do is wear an outfit in my school colors with matching red pumps and a red purse. (I am definitely one for school pride, and there is an adorable skirt I found that has my three school colors weaved together.) Don't be afraid to be a little bolder.
The Shoes
Here, statements and originality are not a bad touch. It is okay to let some of your personal taste sneak in.
I always like to wear heels because I am short, so it makes me feel a little bit more confidence and power, but a pair of nice flats is completely acceptable. Just make sure they aren't the pair that has been hiding in your closet since freshman year and looking a little worse for wear. If you are wearing an extra special pair of shoes, cropped pants or a skirt can help you make your statement.
The Bag
Your bag should always match your shoes, even if they are the ones making the statement. If you are wearing black shoes, pair them with a black bag. If your shoes are nude, then wear a nude bag. But, the bag can be a little more exciting because of the nature of the event.
Again, I recommend a bag that can fit a pad of paper and a pen to collect some contact information. A good rule of thumb is a bag that can fit your wallet, your phone, and has a little extra room for anything else you may need to carry.
Makeup & Hair
Here, you can be a little more laid back with your hair--but by no means does that mean that it cannot be styled. Messy buns, as long as they are pinned up can pass as a trendy and cute fashion choice. You can also wear your hair down, as long as you set it with a flexible hold spray. Frizz is still a strong no.
If you are worried about your hair going flat, investing in a good set of hot curlers is a fantastic idea. Since full-on 80s hair hasn't quite made it back into the fashion world yet, you can comb your hair once you unpin it. Then, flip your hair upside down and make sure to spray both sides of your hair with flexible hold hairspray.
The makeup rules here are also slightly more lenient. You can accent with a bold lipstick or a little bit of "oomph" with your eyeshadow.
Jewelry
You can pull out some of your statement pieces for business casual occasions. If you have a cute statement necklace or interesting earrings that match your outfit, feel free to use them to stand out from the crowd.
Snappy Casual
Snappy casual essentially follows all of the rules of business casual, but rather than slacks or a skirt, you wear your best pair of jeans. The jeans should not have any rips or designs, they should be a solid dark wash.
We hope this guide has been very helpful, and that it will help you plan ahead for your next law or business event.
Hugs and kisses,
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