Profession-hommes' Picks

Even though I always think that you should dress for yourself first, and then dress for other women, sometimes it's fun to get a guy's perspective on what looks good.  I asked five of my male friends to peruse commonly visited websites and pick out three items of women's clothing they liked and one item they hated.  They were asked to make these choices without the help of their significant others or female friends.  So Professionelles, how did these Profession-hommes do?

David (Theory)

David wasn't a huge fan of Theory in general, but he was still able to find a few pieces he liked.  Even though David wasn't allowed to ask his wife for her input, I think she would have approved of everything he picked. 

Kabilla B Dress, which my officemate just bought so I know it looks great in person (147.50)

Gabe B Blazer (197.50)


Joanie Skirt (100.00)

This was David's least favorite piece from Theory.  I happen to love this blouse which just goes to show how differently men and women think about clothing.

Primo Top (122.50)

Brian (Bloomingdales)

We may be seeing a theme here because Brian's wife also agreed with all of his choices.  Perhaps men pay more attention to what their significant others wear after all?  Either way, Brian found some great pieces at Bloomingdales.

Lafayette 148 New York Clarissa Stretch Cotton Bow Neck Top, aka the Juelle top (198.00)

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Aaron Classic Non-Iron Shirt (59.50)

I'm sensing another theme, Brian also choose the Theory Gabe Jacket (375.00)

Brian's least favorite was a DKNY long sleeve cozy, but the good people at Bloomingdales have since taken down that truly ugly item.  This was Brian's second choice for least favorite.  With the exception of the belt, I don't think it's terrible, but the thin cable knit probably makes it inappropriate for work.

Milly Cable Knit Belted Dress (295.00)

Lucas (J. Crew)

Lucas works in a less formal environment so his picks are slightly more casual, although he wouldn't recommend any of these items if you've got client meetings or court appearances.

Souvenier Dress (148.00)

Stretch Perfect Shirt in Class Stripe (68.00)

Perfect Shirt in Amory Floral, shirt only, skirt is obviously too short for work(59.50)

Although I love floral patterns, I have to agree with Lucas that this skirt is not my favorite:

Mirabel Pencil Skirt (128.00)

Chris (Banana Republic)

Chris wasn't a huge fan of any of the options at Banana Republic, and I think in general he's right.  It seems like every season, one chain store has nothing of interest, and this season Banana Republic might just be it.  Despite that, Chris managed to find some great pieces.  I particularly like the BR Monogram Silk Belted Blouse.

Bianca Sheath Dress (129.99)

Sleek Suit Skirt (39.99)

BR Monogram Silk Belted Blouse (79.50)

Unlike the ruffles Brian liked, it's no suprise that this Jacket was Chris's least favorite.

BR Monogram Ruffled Leather Jacket (149.99)

Aaron (Shopbop)

I originally gave Aaron Forever 21, but I really should have known better.  I can barely navigate that website myself so I wasn't surprised when Aaron couldn't find anything work appropriate.  So, I gave him Shopbop, a similarly trendy yet upscale store and he managed to pick some very work-appropriate items.  Of all of the items the Profession-hommes picked, Aaron picked my favorite, the Rebecca Taylor Perfect Shift Dress.

Theory Tenois Dress (365.00)

Rebecca Taylor Perfect Shift Dress (350.00)

Equipment Brett Washed Silk Blouse (218.00)

I don't actually think this is a terrible dress (if you can get over the sticker shock), but Aaron's least favorite from Shopbop is certainly hard to pull off if you aren't a tall skinny super model. 



Calvin Klein Arah Dress (895.00)

So what do you think Professionelles?  How do these guy's styles compare to yours?  I think in general, this little experiment shows that men like simple clothing that fits well and dislike anything too complicated or baggy.  Many thanks to all of the Profession-hommes that helped with this post.  

Summer Associate Wardrobe Guide 2011

It's only the beginning of April, but it's time to start thinking about summer (or at least summer associate programs)!  Most summer programs start in early May so it makes sense to start preparing.  As stores begin stocking up on spring/summer clothes, now is the best time to start building your new career wardrobe.  I would say it's the best part about being a summer, but that's just not true since being a summer associate is quite possibly the best job on earth - no exaggeration.  Below is an updated list of law firms and what you should expect to wear to fit in, or at least not stand out in a bad way.  Best of luck and have a great summer!

Cleary Gottlieb 

Cleary is business casual and a former associate says that she's seen women wear fun and funky dresses.  According to her, Cleary associates probably push fashion boundaries more than associates at other firms.

 

Nanette Lepore Go Getter Dress (298.00)

Covington & Burling

A Covington associate described the D.C. law firm dress code as a pencil skirt and cardigan with basic dark heels.  Covington itself is business casual (except when meeting with clients) and there are a number of female associates who sport colorful sheath dresses.  Open toed shoes are ok during the summer and sometimes younger associates will wear a lower cut shirt or a lower back shirt if they have plans after work.

Kate Spade Pineapple Cardigan (295.00)

Cravath

Cravath continues to require formal business attire.  Most women wear suits all of the time, although blazers with mismatched skirts/pants are acceptable. Stockings and closed-toe shoes are technically required and are also the norm. To push the envelope, women will wear cardigans instead of blazers, patterned stockings (technically a no-no), above-the-knee skirts, and very tall heels. Not a lot of loud nail polish, make up, or jewelry. It's a pretty buttoned-up place in the end, but women make an effort to look well-dressed nonetheless.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Stretch Wool Suit (965.00)

Davis Polk

Davis Polk is technically business casual, but there's a wide variety to what people wear.  Some associates will push the fashion boundaries with sleeveless dresses or tops in the summer.  Blouses with ruffles, colorful dresses and even some animal prints can be seen around 450 Lex.  I would suggest wearing a suit on your first day but after that, it's not required or expected.  Open toed shoes are ok in the summer and lots of women accessorize otherwise conservative outfits with trendy jewelery. 

 

David Meister Pleat Front Belted Dress (227.99)

Dewey & LeBoeuf

Dewey is business casual, but most female partners wear suits, although not always with a full button down shirt underneath.  They might opt for easier options like tanks, blouses and short/long sleeve crew necks.  Younger associates are seen wearing dresses, sweaters and skirts or sweaters and pants as opposed to more traditional business formal attire.  Younger associates do wear open toed shoes in the summer.

Dolce & Gabbana City Savvy Skirt Suit (929.00)

Sidley Austin

One Sidley New York associate described her ideal outfit as clean, neat and comfortable enough to survive those inevitable long days and nights at the office.  Although summer associates are working longer hours than they did when the economy was better, there will likely be few long days or nights at the office (again, being a summer associate is awesome).  But the point remains, the key is to be comfortable because even if you're only at the office for 8 hours, that's still a long time to be sitting constrained in a pencil skirt.  There's also the fact that you'll be eating massive lunches so stretchy fabrics can be your friend.  Below is a comfortable, stretchy, yet fashionable option.

Diane von Frustenberg Jeanne Silk Jersey Wrap Dress (325.00)

If you're an associate, what kind of advice would you give to incoming female summer associates with regard to work apparel?  If you're a summer associate, what dress code questions would you like the answer to?  Now that comments are anonymous, feel free to be totally honest and ask any questions you'd like.

Theory Winter Roundup

Just in time for Christmas, the Theory website is full of amazing pieces to get you through a winter work week.

Riva Sweater Jacket (355.00)


Abree E Dress (695.00)


Betty Dress (285.00)


Lentora's Blazer (425.00)


Ellery Coat (645.00)

New Job, New Clothes

I start my first “adult” job tomorrow, as a law firm associate. How have I prepared? I went shopping. It sounds silly; I know. But given that so much about this new job seems uncertain—What kind of work will I be doing? Will I like it? Will liking the work be enough to sustain me for many long hours?—the only preparatory thing that seemed certainly helpful was to buy work-appropriate clothing and accessories. While I don’t know how I will take to my new job (or how it will take to me), I do know that it will require a new suit, comfortable pumps, a sensible handbag, and many pairs of stockings. So that’s what I bought. Specifically:

A sensible pinstripe pants suit from J. Crew

A black velvet blazer to pair with a black skirt or a pair of black pants I already own to form a make-shift suit (my new employer is business formal!). It’s Ralph Lauren from a consignment store, so I can’t link to it;

Two pairs of sensible Cole Haan pumps, one black, one brown

Two pairs of shoes in which to walk to work:

Riding boots 

Patent leather low-heeled pumps (Link is to the suede version.  I need a little heel to wear with pantsuits so that they don’t drag on the ground)

A black nylon Longchamp bag that can hold a laptop and files when necessary and that is courtroom appropriate

And as mentioned, many pairs of Hanes Silk Reflections stockings.

I am curious; have other professionelles had this experience, where shopping seems to be the only clear way to prepare for a job? And what new-job purchases have you made?

A Suit in a Pinch

A good friend of mine (not saying who) got a spur of the moment clerkship interview while visiting her boyfriend. Of course she didn't bring a suit with her so she needs to find a suit, buy a pair of shoes, and research the judge all in 24 hours. I figured I'd help her out. These pieces are all from major national retailers so they should be relatively easy to find.

Banana Republic Petite Cotton Suit (209.00): Like me, my friend is petite and definitely does not have time for alterations


J Crew Isabel Dress (188.00): This is a great option if she packed a cardigan. A dress is infinitely more versatile than a suit if the right suit can't be found.


Theory Gabe Suit (660.00): I've never met a Theory suit that wasn't worth the investment. Buying a suit like this will last her a lifetime.

Understandably, my friend is willing to invest in a nice suit since it's something that she will probably wear again, but she already has a million pairs of heels so here are a few very inexpensive, interview appropriate shoes.

Dexter Patent Pump (24.99)


Maryam Slingback (26.99)


Anne Klein Darena (26.99)

Lastly, Good Luck!

Summer Associate Wardrobe Guide

Just a few more weeks and thousands of rising 3Ls will head to New York embarking on the best [working] summer of their lives. Being a summer associate in New York is a surreal experience. What other profession treats its interns to little work, high pay, and amazing perks for an entire summer? Summer associate positions, however, should not be taken for granted. Especially in this economy. Summers should do everything in their power to avoid giving firms any reason not to hire them. They should also attempt to stand out in a good way. This applies not only to work product, but also to a summer's professional style. Chances are, the associates in your firm will not only be appropriately dress, but also stylishly dressed, and you should follow suit. Pun intended. Because each firm is different, consult the unofficial guide below to determine what pieces to invest in for the summer.

Suits required: Cravath (closed toe shoes required as well) and Wachtell

Max Mara Belted Suit (1335.00)


Vivienne Westwood Asymmetric Suit (782.00)


Banana Republic Classic Skirt Suit (247.99)

Suits optional, business casual: Cleary Gottleib, Davis Polk, Jenner Block, Sidley Austin, Simpson Thacher, Paul Weiss

Elie Tahari Renita Dress ($348.00)


Banana Republic Graphic Sheath Dress (150.00)


Diane von Furstenberg Della Dress ($325.00)