Cecily Zamora
Dressing appropriately for any occasion can be a daunting task, especially for first-year law students who are navigating a new environment. While law school is a professional school, the dress code is generally casual, with jeans, hoodies, sneakers, and sweaters being common attire. However, there are times when a more formal or professional dress code is expected, such as networking events, interviews, and extracurricular activities. Striking a balance between comfort and professionalism is essential for law students to feel confident and presentable without standing out for the wrong reasons. This guide will explore the different tiers of dress codes law students may encounter and provide suggestions on how to dress appropriately for each occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formal extracurricular events | Business attire, professional suit |
| Informal extracurricular events | Business casual attire, slacks, a nice button-down shirt, a knee-length skirt, a sweater, and/or a blazer |
| Daily attire | Casual and comfortable, nice jeans, fitted t-shirt or button-up |
| Job or networking events | Suit, avoid black, opt for navy, grey, and pinstripes |
| Business formal | Full suit, dress pants, jacket, dress shirt, dress shoes, belt, tie |
| Cocktail attire | Full suit (black, charcoal, or navy), cuff links, flashy watch, accessories; neutral and conservative dress or slacks with a blouse, stylish jewelry/belt, dressy cardigan or blazer |
| Black-tie events | Tuxedo with a bow tie |
| Business casual | Dress slacks or trousers, tighter-fitting sweaters with a collared shirt, cotton long-sleeved button-down shirts with a blazer, dress shoes, fitted jeans with a collared button-down shirt or sweater |
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What You'll Learn
Business casual attire
While law schools generally observe a casual dress code, it is still a professional school that prepares you for your career. It is important to keep this in mind when choosing your attire. You should aim for a casual and comfortable look, but avoid dressing in a way that is memorable for the wrong reasons. Revealing, flashy, unclean, inappropriate, or overtly sloppy attire will give your peers, professors, and administrators the impression that you are equally careless about your legal career.
You can also wear business casual attire to networking events, but if you are unsure of the dress code, it is better to wear a suit. This includes job fairs, on-campus interviews, office interviews, and informational interviews. It is recommended to purchase two nice suits to wear for formal law school events and job/networking opportunities. You can find affordable suits at stores like H&M, Nordstrom Rack, and The Limited.
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Formal attire
While there is no dress code for law school, it is a professional school, and you should dress accordingly. You will need at least one or two formal outfits for law school. For men, a full suit is typically considered business formal attire. This can include dress pants, a jacket, a dress shirt, dress shoes, a belt, and a tie. The suit should be fitted but not too tight or baggy, and the shirt should be wrinkle-free. Avoid black suits, and instead opt for colours such as navy, grey, or pinstripes. For women, a suit can include dress pants and a dress shirt, possibly paired with a jacket, or a dress skirt or business formal dress and closed-toe shoes. You can add a bit of pizzazz to your outfit with some stylish jewellery, a belt, and a cardigan or blazer.
For formal extracurricular events, such as moot court competitions, mock trials, or oral arguments in the local courthouse, adhere to the stated dress code, or assume the dress code is business attire and wear a professional suit. For other extracurricular events where no dress code is stated, business casual attire is a good rule of thumb. Business casual attire generally includes slacks, a nice button-down shirt, a knee-length skirt, a sweater, and/or a blazer.
For any occasion that pertains to job or networking, without question, wear a suit. This includes job fairs, on-campus interviews, office interviews, and informational interviews.
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Daily attire
While law school is a professional school, there is no formal dress code, and you are not required or expected to wear a formal outfit every day. In fact, law schools generally observe a casual dress code. However, it's important to keep in mind that your daily attire should be casual and comfortable, but not memorable for the wrong reasons. Revealing, flashy, unclean, or overtly sloppy attire will give your peers, professors, and administrators the impression that you are equally careless or unserious about your legal career.
For your daily attire, a good rule of thumb is to opt for a nice pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt or button-up shirt. This look is casual and comfortable, but also law school-appropriate. Dark denim in a fitted look is a good option, and you can pair it with a casual top such as a button-up shirt, sweater, or nice t-shirt. For women, an informal skirt or dress can also work well. If you live in a cooler climate, adding a scarf can help keep you warm while also changing up your look.
While you don't need to wear suits and heels to class every day, there may be times when you need to dress more professionally, such as when participating in extracurricular events or networking opportunities. For formal extracurricular events, such as moot court competitions, mock trials, or oral arguments, adhere to the stated dress code, or assume the dress code is business attire and wear a professional suit. For other extracurricular events where no dress code is stated, business casual attire is generally appropriate. Business casual attire for men typically includes dress slacks or trousers (like khakis), a collared shirt, and dress shoes. A blazer or sweater can also be added. For women, business casual can include slacks, a nice button-down shirt, a knee-length skirt, a sweater, and/or a blazer.
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Job/networking attire
When it comes to job interviews and networking events, first-year law students should aim for a professional and polished look. While the specific dress code may vary depending on the industry and company culture, it is generally advisable to wear a suit to these events.
For men, a well-fitted suit in colours like navy, grey, or charcoal is a good choice. A dress shirt, dress pants, a jacket, dress shoes, and a matching belt and tie complete the look. The suit should be tailored to ensure a professional appearance. While black suits are traditional, they may come across as too sombre. Instead, opt for colours with a bit more personality, such as navy or charcoal, which still maintain a formal tone.
For women, a suit with dress pants and a dress shirt is a safe option. Alternatively, a skirt or dress in a conservative style can be paired with a blazer. Closed-toe shoes, either heels or flats, complete the ensemble. While black is a classic, adding a bit of colour or pattern can make your outfit more memorable and charismatic.
It is important to remember that your attire should be comfortable and reflect your personal style. You want to feel confident and at ease during these events, so choose outfits that align with your taste. Additionally, pay attention to the culture of the industry and company you are interviewing with or networking in. If in doubt, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Finally, remember that your attire is just one aspect of your overall presentation. Ensure that your background setting is appropriate and free from distractions during virtual interviews. Practice good hygiene, maintain good posture, and be mindful of your body language to make a positive impression.
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Extracurricular events
While law school is a professional school, there is no formal dress code, and you won't be expected to wear a suit every day. However, as a first-year law student, you will likely have many opportunities to network and participate in extracurricular events, and it is important to make a good impression and understand the basics of professional attire.
For formal extracurricular events, such as moot court competitions, mock trials, or oral arguments, adhere to the stated dress code, and if there isn't one, assume it is business attire, and wear a professional suit. For other extracurricular events where no dress code is stated, such as faculty receptions, social events, or a presentation by a visiting professor, business casual attire is a good rule of thumb. This may include slacks, a nice button-down shirt, a knee-length skirt, a sweater, and/or a blazer. Dark denim and chinos in neutral colours also work well for men and women, and you can pair them with a button-up shirt, sweater, or nice t-shirt with a cardigan. For women, an informal skirt or dress is also an option.
If you are unsure of the dress code, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A suit is a safe choice for any occasion that pertains to job or networking opportunities, and you will never be overdressed by wearing a suit in a legal context. A quality suit is a valuable item for any law student, and it is worth investing in a well-fitted suit that can be mixed and matched with your business casual looks.
Finally, remember that comfort is key. Lawyers are more confident when they feel comfortable in what they are wearing. You want to be yourself and feel confident and comfortable while still looking professional and making a good impression.
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Frequently asked questions
The dress code for law school orientation is typically "professional attire" for the first day, “business casual attire” for the second day, and “casual attire” for the rest of the week. However, it's still a student setting, so comfort is important.
Law schools generally observe a casual dress code. Dark denim or chinos in neutral colours, paired with a button-up shirt, sweater, or nice t-shirt, is a good option. For women, a skirt or dress can also work. Avoid ripped jeans, graphic t-shirts, and loungewear.
Law students should dress professionally when attending networking events, interviews, or speaking with outside guests. A full suit is typically appropriate for these occasions.
Law students can find affordable professional attire at stores like H&M, Nordstrom Rack, and The Limited. Department stores often have sales on suits, and second-hand stores are also a great option for reasonably priced business pieces.
