How To Dress Like A Female Lawyer?

Are you wondering why female lawyers dress so neat without exaggerating the outfit? That’s because most female lawyers wear a tailored suit, if not a black suit is acceptable for as long as it is formal and well-fitted.

Professional women take dressing seriously because it can damage our reputation by dressing too casual or sloppy, especially during an important meeting. Here are my style tips on how to look professional in the courtroom.

1) Black tailored suit or black blazer: No lawyers wear a colorful suit in the office, and there is an exception for a navy blue suit however if you are going to attend a court hearing it is important that you are wearing a black tailored suit or black blazer.

Extra tip: add a shoulders pad to give you broader and less sloping shoulders.

2) White long sleeve blouse: Choose a good fabric that is comfortable to wear for long hours. I typically buy sleeve blouses at Mark & Spencer, Zara, H&M, and if I have extra money I have tailored blouses.

3) Black pencil skirt: We have a dress code of not 2-3 inches above the knee. It is important that your skirt is long, slim-fitting with a straight, narrow cut. Don’t wear a mini-skirt or you will be rejected in the courtroom. You can save it for your Friday night party with your girlfriends.

4) Shapewear: A shapewear will give you an instant feminine silhouette. It will give you an hourglass figure and it looks neat in formal dress.

5) Black shoes: Formal black shoes that have no brand or printed design. Don’t wear high heels at work as it looks inappropriate for most professional women and most offices.

6) Black bag: Most lawyers use a standard briefcase. However, for regular office days leather document bag, leather shoulders bag, and expandable business case are okay. The most important thing about selecting a bag is that don’t wear a branded bag when meeting your client and attending a court hearing. If you are representing a petitioner who supposed to be the victim in the case, you don’t want to look lavish. Keep the Birkin away and wear it on other days.

7) Proper make-up: If you are a beauty enthusiast but also a lawyer, it is important to wear minimalist make-up. Use primer for long-lasting smooth makeup, use a foundation that suitable to your complexion, don’t exaggerate your blush-on powder and contour, and don’t wear dark lipstick color shade. Avoid heavy smokey eye makeup, highlighter, and dramatic style. You don’t want to be the center of attention during the hearing.

8) Hairstyle: Classic hairstyles like the bun or the low ponytail are recommended for lawyers. High-lights and color hair like blue, pink, green, and other extreme hair color are inappropriate.

9) Accessories: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, especially diamond, gold and branded watch. There is a code of conduct that lawyers are not supposed to accept gifts from clients. You don’t want people to notice every little thing and assume that you are receiving expensive gifts. Stay low-key, especially at work.

10) Perfume: Choose your perfume carefully I recommend Chanel Eau Vive, Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Tom Ford, and Chloe. The scents are energizing but also not exaggerate.

To dress professionally is how you can build credibility in the law firm. It is also the way to getting your clients and colleagues to view you as a professional. Wear what makes you feel confident but also dress responsibly as you don’t want to be mistaken that you are flirting around the firm. Invest in a good wardrobe but you don’t have to go into debt just to maintain a lifestyle. You can still dress like a lawyer on a budget.