As a professional woman, you know the details can make all the difference.

In preparing a case for trial, you have to know all the facts, good and bad. If you don’t, you face surprises that could derail your case.

When it comes to your style, the details can derail you, or you can use them to your advantage.

Professional style is simple and practical. Everything you wear should serve you, represent you, but should not take away from your purpose.

Jewelry should be understated, simple. But that doesn’t mean it can’t carry your personality, yourself.

My favorite necklace is a simple gold strand with a few little pearls. It was a law school graduation gift from my dad’s Air Force buddies and his lovely wife, both of whom have been like family to me my entire life. The necklace itself is small, simple, but its meaning couldn’t be bigger, more important to me.

I typically wear gold hoops. Small ones, nothing flashy. But they’re my mother’s, a staple in her impeccable, unwavering style. Wearing something of hers makes me feel just a bit more like her: unshakable.

A watch is also helpful, but I make sure it’s more of a classic style and that it fits my wrist. I also avoid bracelets, which I find distracting as they slide on my arm and clink on tables and podiums. 

I also keep my rings to a minimum. I wear my engagement ring and wedding band, both of which fit my fingers well and which I am not able to turn on my fingers. Otherwise, I might be tempted to play with them when I’m particularly nervous, which would be a distraction for the judge or jury. 

The details are the perfect place to show personality, to display what makes you unique, and to keep whatever talisman you need to help you feel grounded.

The details are, inherently, small but powerful.