Now that I’m able to buy non-maternity clothes (thank goodness), I’ve been obsessed with scouring clothing websites while I feed the little one approximately eight hours a day. Literally. Fortunately, it’s fall — my favourite season for weather and clothing — and there are tons of mouth-watering trends this season that can easily be incorporated into your work wardrobe. Read on below for my hand-picked list of the best fall trends for lady lawyers!
Cobalt. Cobalt’s 15 minutes of fame isn’t up yet, and this gorgeous colour remains a key component of fall 2013 fashion. I love Le Chateau’s Stretch Piqué Notch Collar Blazer. Try this Factory Pencil Skirt from J. Crew Factory (my dirty little fashion secret — basically a cheaper J. Crew), paired with a crisp white button down and cropped peplum jacket. Or try J. Crew’s classic ballet flats, which I’m picturing with a dove grey cigarette pantsuit and simple knit top — add a statement necklace for extra kick (I like this one from Aldo). Cobalt is a perfect colour for female lawyers: it jazzes up otherwise plain neutrals, but it also conveys polish and seriousness. Plus, it’ll help you stand out in a sea of black-clad professionals.
Satchels. Satchels are never really not in fashion, but when they are, you can find tons more options of this classic bag at various price points. For the budget-conscious, check out this amazing quilted satchel in black and cream from Forever 21. Town Shoes also has a range of satchels in various lawyer-friendly colours and styles. And finally, for those lucky ladies who aren’t on a budget (I’m jealous), I love the Coach Madison North South Satchel. You can’t go wrong with any of these bags; they’ll never go out of style, and they impart a chic and ladylike look to your work wardrobe. What else could a lawyer want?
Statement coats. Call me crazy, but I love fall and winter, partially because I am obsessed with coats of all kinds (that time I told my husband I needed an “interim” — code for “in-between weather” — coat is now a running joke in our household). This fall/winter is all about statement coats: in other words, not your generic black peacoat or puffer. From the mixed-material toppers at Zara (here and here) to the colourblock car coat at Gap, the stores are full of options, and the selection will only get better as winter approaches. Statement coats are the perfect way for otherwise conservative dressers to experiment with fashion: business by day, hipster by night (and, um, morning).
Tartan. I almost wish I wasn’t on maternity leave just so I could rock this trend as an ode to my Scottish heritage. These Marisa Plaid Ankle Pants from Loft are ultra cool and professional (pair with a classic jacket and simple blouse, with suede booties). I am also a huge fan of this Ralph Lauren Tartan Plaid Silk Top — try pairing it with a navy skirt suit or neutral separates. Finally, if you’re feeling particularly Highlands-esque, try this plaid A-line skirtfrom Talbots. To avoid frumpiness, glam it up with patent black pumps, black tights and a cream silk blouse.
Now take your fabulous new purchases, add some of-the-moment dark green nail polish and plum eye shadow, and enjoy those beautiful fall leaves (if you can see any trees from your office, that is)!
Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at Dentons. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Follow her on Twitter: @EmmaWorkStyle. Have questions or a column idea for Emma? Send them here.
Photo: ajt via iStockphoto