I know you: without my sage advice you’ll be bringing home the same dull black and grey suits you’ve always bought, peppered with a drab assortment of button-downs of the white and blue variety.
It’s fall. That means time for new clothes! But before you hit the mall, you need to read this. Because I know you: without my sage advice you’ll be bringing home the same dull black and grey suits you’ve always bought, peppered with a drab assortment of button-downs of the white and blue variety.
For the love of God, why? Why do you want to look like the senior partner you work for? You are a young and vibrant female, and you need to start dressing like it. Trust me: you can do it and still be taken seriously as a lawyer.
I am not suggesting that your suit palette be extended to fuchsias and greens. Grey and black suits may be a fact of life for us, but there are other opportunities to inject a little colour. And lucky for you, I’m here to tell you how.
The Shirts
I don’t know where almost every girl working in a big firm manages to find the same blue button-down shirt, but I do know there are other options. Tops are a great place to introduce a subtle splash of colour. Go for fitted knits or silks instead of the boring blouse. Purples go great with grey suits. Greens and teals are fabulous with black suits. You look better already.
The Shoes
Oh yes. The shoes. Add crimson heels to that grey suit. Unleash some pointy flats in a beautiful teal with your black suit. Do not be afraid, and please — do not match the shoes to the purse.
The Necklace
Spend some money here! Jewellery is not an afterthought. So many of us only buy necklaces while waiting in line at the clothing store. Make a special shopping trip just for jewellery. Holt Renfrew has a great house line, or find local designers at craft shows. (The twice yearly One of a Kind Show in Toronto is a great source, www.oneofakindshow.com November 22 – Dec 2, 2007. ) And please! No Tiffany tag necklaces — Elle Woods is not a real lawyer!
Style and Error is written by Precedent’s resident Fashionista — a Toronto lawyer who wants her colleagues to look and dress their best. The Fashionista offers up advice, ideas, and occasional scathing criticism every Friday.