how to dress for an attorney position interview in a casual workplace

by Patsy Herzog 10 min read

Crisply pressed cotton pants, light-colored chinos or khakis are great options for a business casual interview. Stick to neutral colors like grey, black, brown and navy blue, since these match many shirt colors. In some workplaces, it may be acceptable to wear dark-colored jeans.

Even if the dress code around the office is business casual, you're an attorney applying for an attorney job and will likely be interviewed by another attorney or high ranking member of the company, and therefore you need to wear the attorney's uniform: a suit or pant-suit. The nicer the better, but don't go overboard.Sep 29, 2017

Full Answer

What should you wear to a law firm job interview?

Nov 02, 2020 · Again, depending on the company and culture, you can dress the button-down up as well. Pairing your button-down shirt with a tie or a jacket can instantly turn up the volume on how formal you look. Cotton Blouses and Skinny Jeans. For women, a cotton blouse and skinny jeans can work perfectly for a smart casual look.

What do you wear to a casual job interview?

Feb 14, 2018 · Dress for a Legal Interview: Key Words to Search for Inspiration. Smart attire; This is formal and conservative wear. Example: Full suit. Smart casual wear; This is generally neat yet casual attire. Example: Blazer, white shirt, neat jeans, and brown shoes. Casual attire; This is a touch less dressy than smart casual wear. Example: Collared shirt and jeans

Can you wear a polo to a casual interview?

May 31, 2015 · At least four suitable shirts, so you don’t have to worry about having all of your shirts stuck at the dry cleaners when you need them for an interview. Several ties for men, which coordinate with your shirts and suits. At least one suitable pair of shoes for each suit (no, you can’t wear brown shoes with a dark suit).

How to choose the right workplace attire?

Jul 20, 2012 · While a t-shirt is comfortable and casual, the blazer adds a professional edge that makes the outfit office-appropriate. Dress pants, jeans, or khakis are appropriate for a smart casual dress code when paired with a blazer. While the look could be just a touch too casual for a job interview, it's a good place to start.

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What should I wear to an attorney's office interview?

Standard attire for law firm interviews is business formal. This is the most strict and conservative work place attire. Your goals should be to look polished and professional -- not unique, cute, memorable or trendy. Your interviewer should remember you for your answers to questions -- not your attire.

What is considered casual wear for an interview?

While a t-shirt is comfortable and casual, the blazer adds a professional edge that makes the outfit office-appropriate. Dress pants, jeans, or khakis are appropriate for a smart casual dress code when paired with a blazer. While the look could be just a touch too casual for a job interview, it's a good place to start.Nov 20, 2019

What should you not wear to a casual interview?

What you should not wear to a job interview
  • Casual clothing.
  • Sandals or flip-flops.
  • Poorly fitting clothes or shoes.
  • Flashy clothes or jewelry.
  • Stained or wrinkled clothing.
  • Too much makeup.
  • Heavy perfume or cologne.
Dec 3, 2021

Can I wear jeans to a casual job interview?

It's best to err on the side of caution.

The answer isn't always cut and dry, but jeans are generally never appropriate interview attire, even if you're a student, you're applying for a part-time or hourly wage job, or you're interviewing with a tech company.

Are black jeans OK for an interview?

You can wear black jeans to interviews in creative, less formal industries such as tech, media, and entertainment, and with companies that have a more relaxed dress code. When selecting your interview outfit, pair black jeans with a more formal top and dress shoes for a polished, professional look.Dec 28, 2021

Is smart casual okay for an interview?

Smart casual is a dress code most commonly associated with the creative industries and start-up business culture, where the workforce is generally younger. In creative interview scenarios, it can be acceptable to present a little of your personality through your outfit.May 3, 2022

What are 6 mistakes that can be made during an interview?

Avoid These Six Common Interview Mistakes
  • Bragging.
  • Answering but not asking.
  • Not knowing the company.
  • Not paying attention.
  • Making a bad first impression.
  • Trying to fake it.

What should a woman wear to an interview in 2021?

General Guidelines for an Interview Outfit
  • Skirt – Should always be below the knee. ...
  • Dress – Below the knee, and semi-fitted or fitted.
  • Pants – Not too long, not too short. ...
  • Blazer or jacket – Fitted or semi-fitted, sitting around your hips.
  • Shirt or blouse – Not too low cut or gaping.
Feb 28, 2022

Do and don'ts of job interview attire?

Don't: Show up sporting wrinkled clothes or unkempt hair. (Believe us, it warrants repeating.) Don't: Wear anything uncomfortable, such as an itchy fabric, or a sweater that will cause you to overheat. Interviews can take a long time, and you can't be sure of the office temperature until you arrive.Feb 20, 2015

What do I wear to an interview if I don't have dress pants?

How to dress business casual (for women)
  • Simple, professional tops. Wear a top that is comfortable, professional and conservative. ...
  • Dress pants or a skirt. ...
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes. ...
  • Simple accessories. ...
  • Collared shirts with long sleeves. ...
  • Chinos or dress pants. ...
  • Dark shoes with matching socks. ...
  • Simple accents.
Oct 28, 2021

Are nice jeans OK for an interview?

For males, it is recommended to wear khakis or nice pair of jeans (darker wash, no holes and not faded) and a nice button down or polo to an interview. Moreover, women can still lean towards a nice pair of jeans and top but it is also recommended to wear slacks and a nice top or casual dress.

What is a statement dress?

Try a Statement Dress

A tasteful dress in an interesting color, such as a muted turquoise or deep red, is a good addition to your interview wardrobe. With a statement dress like the ones here, you don't need to bother to add jewelry or other accessories—the dress speaks for itself.
Nov 17, 2021

Dress for a Legal Interview: Wear Something Dark

If you have ever done mooting or negotiation competitions, you might have heard this tip before. For legal settings you should dress somewhat on the conservative side.

Dress for a Legal Interview: Wear Something Smart

You can sometimes spot law students walking across campus as they are the only ones that are wearing suits. This might be because they are either going to networking events or taking part in competitions. This should be your go-to outfit for a legal interview.

Dress for a Legal Interview: Wear Something Appropriate

Watch out for those unbuttoned top buttons and tight dress shirts or you will be sending out the wrong signals!

How to dress for a job interview?

For example, you might have: 1 Two suits, of different colors. ( Women can further expand their options by having a skirt and pants version of each suit.) 2 At least four suitable shirts, so you don’t have to worry about having all of your shirts stuck at the dry cleaners when you need them for an interview. 3 Several ties for men, which coordinate with your shirts and suits. 4 At least one suitable pair of shoes for each suit (no, you can’t wear brown shoes with a dark suit). 5 Suitable accessories for each version of your outfit, including some way to carry necessary documents (extra versions of your resume, transcript, and writing sample).

Do you wear a suit for a big law firm interview?

If you’re interviewing for a BigLaw job in a large law firm, the answer is pretty simple. You wear a suit and a relatively conservative one at that. For law students doing OCI interviews, it’s handy to have a “suit wardrobe” that you can mix and match for multiple days of interviews. For example, you might have:

What to bring to an interview?

One recurring question is what to bring or carry in an interview. The reality is you need to bring copies of your resume, transcript, and writing sample, in case any of the interviewers need them. For men, the best option is a simple portfolio that you can tuck under your arm. (Don’t bring a briefcase. It’s overkill.

Can you wear brown shoes with a dark suit?

At least one suitable pair of shoes for each suit (no, you can’t wear brown shoes with a dark suit). Suitable accessories for each version of your outfit, including some way to carry necessary documents (extra versions of your resume, transcript, and writing sample).

What is the best dress code for a job interview?

Dress pants, jeans , or khakis are appropriate for a smart casual dress code when paired with a blazer. While the look could be just a touch too casual for a job interview, it's a good place to start.

What is the best outfit for smart casual?

A Blazer and T-Shirt. This is a look pretty popular among men at smart casual workplaces. While a t-shirt is comfortable and casual, the blazer adds a professional edge that makes the outfit office-appropriate. Dress pants, jeans, or khakis are appropriate for a smart casual dress code when paired with a blazer.

Who is Alison Doyle?

Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Smart casual is a bit less dressy than traditional business casual and a bit more comfortable and practical.

Is smart casual business casual?

Alison Doyle. Updated November 20, 2019. Smart casual is a bit less dressy than traditional business casual and a bit more comfortable and practical. If you have an interview at a company where the dress code is casual, nix the business attire . Although the dress code at some companies can be more casual than other offices, ...

What is smart casual?

Smart casual is a bit less dressy than traditional business casual and a bit more comfortable and practical. If you have an interview at a company where the dress code is casual, nix the business attire . Although the dress code at some companies can be more casual than other offices, in an interview it's especially important to look professional ...

What is a good blouse to wear with jeans?

A nice cotton blouse, like the one here, works well with jeans or khakis. With a cut that's slightly more dressy than your average t-shirt, the blouse looks polished but feels just as comfortable as your favorite cotton t-shirt. A pair of tasteful heels will round out the look.

What is dark wash?

The dark wash lends a professional feel to her pants, which are also quite comfy. For an interview, upgrade the jeans to a slightly more formal pair of slacks. A few modest accessories work well with a smart casual look. Her flats, for example, are cute and expressive, but are also comfortable.

What do you wear to work?

For a formal workplace, wear a dark-colored suit. For women this can be a tailored dress with matching jacket or suit pants or skirt with matching jacket. For men, this means suit pants and a jacket with a button-down shirt and tie.

What to wear with a knee length skirt?

A knee-length skirt and button-down shirt or blouse. Both options can be worn with flats or heels, avoid open-toe shoes. For men, this could mean: Dark jeans or slacks and a button-down shirt or polo. Any closed-toe shoes that are neat and clean.

What do you wear to an interview?

If you’re interviewing for a corporate position in finance or law, for example, wear formal business attire. For men, this means a matching suit and tie. For women, it means a tailored dress, pantsuit or skirt suit. However, for less formal positions and workplaces, business casual is almost always the best option.

What to wear to a business interview?

For your business casual interview, wear black or brown closed-toe flats, pumps or low heels. Make sure your shoes are not scuffed, scratched or dirty, and avoid strapped sandals, flip-flops, sky-high stilettos, sneakers or brightly colored shoes.

What is business casual?

For women, it means a tailored dress, pantsuit or skirt suit. However, for less formal positions and workplaces, business casual is almost always the best option. Related: Dress Codes for All Business Occasions.

What to wear with a button down shirt?

If you’re wearing a button-down shirt, you may want to tuck it into your pants or skirt for a polished look. It’s also acceptable to wear khaki or cotton pants, as long as they look professional .

What to wear with nail polish?

Instead, wear simple hoop or stud earrings, a delicate necklace and one or two simple bracelets that don’t jangle. If you wear nail polish, make sure it’s unchipped and in a classic, muted color.

What to wear with long sleeves?

Collared shirts with long sleeves. Wear a light-colored, pressed button-down shirt with long sleeves and a collar, and make sure it’s neatly tucked into your pants. You can wear a knit tie with a simple pattern or solid color, but this is completely optional.

What is short underwear?

Shorts. Underwear that sticks out from your clothing (This could include the top of your boxers, briefs, etc. showing from the top of your pants or skirt, or bra straps showing.) Skirts or dresses that are too short (You can test this by standing and placing your arms straight down your sides.

be authentic to who you are

Interviews are a test of the fit between you and a potential employer. Wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that will translate in the interview.

match your look to the job

If you’re interviewing for a job at a bank, what you wear will be different than if you’re interviewing to work at a bar. Similarly, what you wear when interviewing for an executive role is different than what might be expected in a junior role.

check out their social media

Most companies have an online presence and social media pages these days. Don’t be afraid to scope out their Instagram or LinkedIn pages to get a feel for the tone of their workplace. There’s a good chance you’ll see photos from company events (on LinkedIn especially).

prioritize comfort

Interviews are nerve-wracking as is. Don’t ramp up your feelings of discomfort by wearing something that makes you feel uncomfortable or like you’re playing a role to get the job. This is not the time to pull out the heels that pinch your toes, a pair of pants that are slightly too small, or an itchy dress shirt that makes your skin crawl.

err on the side of dressy

While you don’t want to be drastically overdressed – think a tuxedo or a floor length gown – it’s usually a safe bet to dress up a little more than the average employee. Dressing up shows you respect the company and are invested in making a good impression.

business casual is the safe play

If you’re truly unsure about the appropriate balance between professional and casual, business casual attire is a safe bet in most workplaces. For men this means slacks, a jacket and a crisp dress shirt (tie optional, depending on the workplace).

What is business formal attire?

This typically means a well-tailored suit of a solid color such as: black, navy or grey, which comprises of a blazer, dress pants, a buttoned up shirt and a tie. Also pair this with a black or dark brown leather dress shoes.

What color should a business suit be?

This attire generally means a suit comprised of a pencil skirt or slacks, a blazer and an under shirt. It’s typically recommended that the suit should be a solid color such as: black, navy or grey. The under shirt should be a solid color as well with the exception of pinstripes perhaps being the most adventurous design.

Can you wear a camisole under a blazer?

While it is never acceptable to wear a camisole as your sole undergarment beneath your blazer, wearing this camisole under a sheer blouse as opposed to a buttoned up shirt may be an acceptable undergarment at a more liberal firm.

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