Women Lawyers: Dress Do’s and Don’ts
8 Ways to Polish Your Appearance – Or Ruin It
Poor professional appearance can sabotage your career.
Often attorneys think as long as they're smart and competent, outward appearance doesn't matter.
They are sadly mistaken. The way you dress reflects your BRAND.
Your physical image is a crucial component of your PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE. That includes your hair, make up, nails, clothes and personal hygiene.
If you look sharp and well put-together, your good taste engenders respect....not only for who you are on the outside, but for who you are on the INSIDE as well.
YOUR IMAGE is just as important as your hard work at the firm.
You can polish it using these eight do's and don’ts for women adapted from Renee Weisman, author and owner of Winning at Work.
Do:
- Dress for the occasion.
Know the difference between business attire, business casual and casual. Unless you’re going to a company picnic, you should always wear business casual on dress down days. Stick with business attire, like a polished suit, for client meetings, business lunches, galas, and court appearances.
- Be ready for surprise visits.
You want to be ready when a client stops in unannounced, so keep a fresh suit hanging in your office along with a pair of shoes or heels. They’ll be lifesavers for those unexpected visits.
- Care about your appearance and hygiene.
Look in the mirror several times a day. Make note of how your hair and makeup look. You may even want to carry a tooth brush with you, because fresh breath is always appreciated.
- Be comfortable.
Don’t distract your clients or your colleagues at the firm by pulling at uncomfortable, ill-fitting clothing or stepping out of your heels. Wear clothing and shoes that you can comfortably spend the whole day in.
Don’t:
- Wear the same thing everyday.
Like tugging at uncomfortable clothing, wearing the same suit everyday is just as distracting around the office. It also says a lot about the effort you put into purchasing clothes for yourself.
- Show too much skin or cleavage.
That means skin that should be hidden should stay hidden. And never go braless – ever.
- Obsess over being perfect.
Obsessing over what you wear to work will only cause stress. Understand that you don’t need to be perfect – just neat.
- Pretend your image doesn’t matter.
Remember, your image does matter!
Like hard work, professional image inspires confidence, trust, respect for your competence – and attention!
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