Law Office Dress Code

For Men

According to the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), the male dress code builds on the traditional suit and tie to attract a new and younger associate. The new code is a more relaxed form of business casual that accommodates a few earrings, rings and bracelets on males. However, body piercings and tattoos should still be covered. For a casual office dress code, khakis still work, but so do polo shirts and button-down tops. T-shirts have no place in the modern law office, no matter how young your new associate may be.

The matronly look no longer works for the female law office worker. Today's business casual for women is a little more lax than in years past and a lot more fashion forward. Tailored suits, heels and pant suits are the norm. Women can wear color without violating the code of business casual. However the amount of skin to show is debatable. In many offices, a hint of cleavage is fine, but a deep scoop neck on a blouse is a workplace distraction. Women should gauge the office dress atmosphere before attempting too deep a neck on a blouse. Women are still debating over the use of hose or bare legs. Today's law office code is open to the individual choice. It is no longer a dischargeable offense to enter the office with bare legs.

Whatever the dress code the office chooses, the ALA urges that they enforce it consistently. Failure to do so can lead to inconsistencies in dress and even a few embarrassing choices. The last thing a client needs to see is an office that seems out of control in the area of fashion. It gives the impression of being out of control in the courtroom as well.

Shoes and purses are a part of the female dress code and should be considered when shopping for the office wardrobe. Try to go fashion forward without looking comical or distracting. Peep-toe shoes are fine and so are high heels, but try to keep the sensual look under control.