Curating Personal Style: Comfort and Professionalism
Everyday Law School Outfits
I’m definitely more of a casual girly—I’m not always in slacks. Dunks, jeans, and a hoodie are my vibe, but law school has been my time to figure out my personal style. Back in undergrad, I was an athlete, so I lived in athleisure sets. Now, with professional school and just getting older, I’ve taken the time to curate my style. In doing so, I’ve honestly realized that I can’t dress. I am not fun or creative in mixing, patterns and colors. I do know one thing for sure: I love an elevated basic, and a well-fitting outfit will always make you look put together, so this is what I live by.
All that to say, I am still not dressing up to have class all day. I will still occasionally throw on a set, maybe wide sweatpants or leggings, because it truly isn’t a fashion show, and the days are long. My everyday looks are all about balance: comfy, effortless, but still put together.
For me, that usually means:
✔️ Jeans
✔️ A sweater, hoodie, or basic shirt (depending on the mood … and the weather)
✔️ Sneakers—9 times out of 10, Dunks are my go-to.
The key to looking like you tried (without actually trying) is fit. Even if I throw on jeans and a hoodie, I make sure the jeans fit well and the hoodie is structured rather than sloppy. As a general rule, there’s a clear difference in dress codes. Smart casual means jeans paired with a nice blouse or sweater. Business casual, on the other hand, is always slacks. If I want to look a little more polished, I’ll swap the hoodie for a sweater and trade my sneakers for loafers.
Dressing for Interviews and Professional Settings
When it comes to interviews and professional settings, it’s important to know that different environments call for different dress codes. Understanding your setting and adjusting accordingly is key. Whether you’re networking, attending a panel, or interviewing, first impressions are everything.
In the legal field, business casual usually means slacks—jeans just won’t cut it. For a more polished look, a blazer can elevate any outfit, even a simple top. When the dress code is business professional, like for interviews or formal events, a full suit (blazer and matching slacks) is the way to go. Keep your shoes sleek and simple—loafers, boots, or flats will work perfectly.
The goal is always to look put together without feeling stiff or uncomfortable. You don’t have to lose your personal style, just make sure it meets the occasion.
Dressing for Panels and Networking
There will be days in law school when professionals come to campus—judges, firm partners, government officials, etc. These are not the days for the dunks, jeans, and hoodie combo.
The outfit is your first impression. Before you introduce yourself, people see what you’re wearing, and in the legal industry, perception is huge. When you know there’s an important panel or event, opt for a more polished outfit—this could be a nice sweater with tailored slacks, a blouse with jeans and loafers, or a full business casual look. You don’t need to wear a suit, but you do need to look like you put thought into your appearance.
Internships Caution and Confidence
Internships are an entirely different ball game, and dressing for them can be tricky. There can be a noticeable difference depending on where you are interning: law firms, judicial internships, or in-house positions may have slightly different dress codes, but the key is to always err on the side of caution—especially at first.
Firm internships often lean more formal, so starting with business professional attire is a safe bet. This usually means slacks and a nice top.
Judicial internships can be a bit more conservative, so a more traditional business professional approach is typically best, likely a traditional one.
In-house positions can be more relaxed depending on the industry, but again, it’s better to start with a polished business casual look (slacks and a blouse) and see how the office culture evolves. After the first few weeks, you’ll have a better idea of whether sneakers and slacks are acceptable.
Always over-dress than under-dress for your first impression. No one will ever fault you for showing up a little more professional. And if you’re unsure, go business professional—you’ll never be wrong with that.
Tattoos Authenticity and Navigating the Legal Space
As someone with tattoos, it is something I’ve thought about when wanting to enter the field, and it’s true that many legal environments are still very traditional. The legal field is a professional industry, and there are still some spaces where visible tattoos may be frowned upon, especially in more formal or client-facing environments. As a general rule, I would err on the side of caution when it comes to visible tattoos. You are more than qualified, and the focus should be on your skills and knowledge—not something as trivial as appearance. Even though it’s a silly rule, you don’t want anything taking attention away from what actually matters.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself. There’s a balance between being authentic and professional. I’ve learned to navigate this space in a way that feels true to who I am. For instance, when I go into interviews, I often choose to wear minimal makeup because that’s what I wear every day.
And my braids? Honey, they will always be done. I won’t be losing my edges to conform to an employer's expectations. The key is to find ways to remain professional while still being true to yourself. Don’t sell a dream to an employer about who you think you need to be—just show up as you, and you’ll always be more comfortable. If you stay authentic to yourself, it’ll come through in your work and how you carry yourself.
My Wardrobe Staples
At the end of the day, I’ve learned that having a few wardrobe staples makes getting dressed so much easier, especially for someone like me who likes a simple sleek look. Here are my must-haves:
Elevated Basics
A solid collection of neutral tops and bodysuits is a must, and little details like an asymmetrical cut or a subtle cutout can add some interest while still being easy to mix and match.
👖 Good-Fitting Jeans & Slacks
These will take you so far. The key is fit—tailored slacks will always look put together, and structured denim makes even a casual outfit feel intentional.
🧥 A Solid Sweater
An effortless way to look chic without much thought. Drape it over your shoulders for an easy, layered look with some dimension.
👟 Sneakers & Loafers
Sneakers for casual days, loafers for when I need to look a little more put together. These two shoe styles are all you really need.
🛍 Where to Shop (Especially for Tall Girls!)
I’ll list a few of my go-to stores here because, as a tall girl, I know the struggle of finding slacks and jeans that fit.
Asos
Gap
Madewell
Express
Nordstrom Rack
THRIFT
Banana Republic
Uniqlo
Primark
Use Pinterest to create vision boards for your style, so when you shop, you're picking pieces that actually fit the look you're going for. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding a balance between looking put together and feeling like yourself.