A decade after the dot-com boom pushed casual workplace attire into vogue, casual dress has become commonplace in many industries. Not so in the conservative legal field which has been slow to embrace casual dress. Even in firms that have adopted a business casual dress code, law firm associates might do well to ignore it for many reasons. First, formal attire is necessary for many lawyering activities such as courtroom appearances, corporate closings and client presentations. Second, the lawyer's wardrobe is an important way to command respect, inspire trust and convey a polished, professional image. Finally, workplace attire can affect the image you convey to partners and influence assignments, promotions and your future within the firm.
Unfortunately, many associates have not caught on. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, law firms are attempting to raise awareness of the importance of dress, going so far as to hire etiquette consultants to lecture on grooming and personal shoppers to give advice on how to shop and dress for work.
What are your thoughts on workplace attire? Feel free to comment.
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