What to Wear to Law School -- Do's and Don'ts
Summer is coming to an end, you just got back from backpacking across Europe and Asia and you're getting ready for your first year of law school. With so much going on, the last thing on your mind is what you should wear to law school.
Which is precisely why you should be thinking about it now.
On the first day, when the alarm goes off the last thing you want to do is start rummaging through your closet figuring out what to wear. So, we're going to make it easy for you and tell you.
Just follow these tips to avoid looking like a dork on the first day.
What to Wear to Law School -- Don'ts
1. Skip the Suits
Please don't be that guy or gal that shows up in full corporate America attire to your first day -- you will look foolish. Unless you are interviewing, or have a moot court trial, (not gonna happen) there's no reason for you to wear a suit to school.
2. Skip the Pajamas and Uggs
On the other end of the spectrum, you don't want to look like you just rolled out of bed and into the classroom. That may have been o.k. for college, but presumably in law school, you're an adult.
3. Bondage Wear
Just. Don't. Do. It.
What to Wear to Law School -- Do's
1. Grooming is Fundamental
You will get busy but please just keep up with the basics, you know, shower, comb your hair, brush your teeth -- that sort of thing. Your classmates will appreciate it.
2. Be Comfortable
You are going to spend all day in classes and all night in the library so you'll want to wear something comfortable. There's no need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Wear what you normally wear and save the money for a new interview suit and shoes.
3. The Last Hurrah
We're going out on a limb here and letting you know that, for many of you, this will be the last time you have the freedoms of being a student. With that said, if you have anything left that you need to express -- do it now -- this may be your last chance. If you never had blue hair but have been dying to see what you'd look like with turquoise locks, now is the time. Just make sure you are ready to be known as the "person with blue hair," and that you may get called on more just because you stand out.
And don't forget to bring your hair back to a standard color come interview time.
There really are no hard and fast rules as to what you should wear to law school (except the one about the suits). Remember, it's school -- not a job -- so the main thing is for you to look clean and presentable. Now, you can spend time thinking about the important stuff -- like figuring out what the hell a tort is.
Related Resources:
- His and Hers Tips for Summer Associate Dressing (FindLaw's Greedy Associates Blog)
- Can a Lawyer Wear Leopard Print to Work? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates Blog)
- Student Can't Wear 'Inflammatory' Confederate Flag T-Shirts (FindLaw's U.S. Fourth Circuit Blog)