What a Lawyer Should Wear

Work place dress codes have changed considerably over the last few decades.

Once lawyers were almost universally expected to wear a three piece suit, necktie, pressed white men’s dress shirt and hat. Showing up to work in khakis, sports coat and no tie would have gotten a young lawyer thrown out of court.

The reality is that impressions matter. Regardless if you’re a lawyer, a banker, day trader, tech geek or launching your own start up, tailored men’s suits are still the choice for those who want to look confident, professional and sophisticated. Moreover what you wear can affect credibility with judges, jurors, court staff and other lawyers.

Lawyers should always wear suits to the office, the courtroom and whenever meeting clients. Choose darker colored suits, charcoal gray, navy or a darker Prince of Wales check.

Three piece suits are power statements and great for client meetings and court room appearances. Suits’ character Harvey Specter sports three piece almost exclusively and the wardrobe choice is deliberate. Clients expect their lawyers to be self-assured, erudite and above all, winners. A three piece suit conveys the impression of confidence and competitiveness like nothing else.

Dress shirts should be white or light colored, pressed and starched. French cuffs are acceptable. Shirt collars should be clean and worn with a conservative necktie.

Pocket squares, tie pins and cufflinks can be contrasting colors but should not be gaudy or over the top. Remember the goal is to reassure worried clients, build credibility with the judge and respect from the jurors and appear professional and smart at the office.

Ask a Knot Standard bespoke advisor for help in choosing the perfect suit, shirt and tie for the lawyerly look.