The most important aspect of how your clothes fit you is how they make you feel. Too tight, and you're uncomfortable. You're also left adjusting yourself frequently, and you can't feel confident if you're constantly tugging at a snug skirt to keep the hem down or at a waistband that is too tight. The opposite … Continue reading Elements of Style: Fit

We lawyers are trained to accept certain confines. We work within rules of court practice and professional conduct. We study laws and cases with the understanding that they generally form the foundation and boundaries of our work and efforts. Style, while certainly less rigid in its “rules,” also requires the observance of certain elements, without … Continue reading Elements of Style: Fit, Fabric, and Function

Part of finding your personal style is finding which shapes, overall, make you feel most powerful. This is not necessarily the same as finding the right shape for your body type; what makes you feel powerful won't necessarily fit into pear, apple, banana, or any other fruit-based shape. One of the most important elements of … Continue reading Finding Your Perfect Neckline

When the temperatures drop, it's easy to resort to slacks and a bulky, warm sweater for the office. Or perhaps you turn to tights and an oversized sweater dress, like I do. But as cozy and comfortable as you might be, being covered in cable-knit can leave you feeling a bit frumpy. If you're looking … Continue reading Business Casual in the Winter

If you ask another woman if you have to wear pantyhose to be professional in a courtroom setting, the answer will depend on her age. For women who have been practicing for decades, it's most likely that they'll tell you pantyhose are a necessity (and also that a pant suit is simply not an option). … Continue reading Do I Have to Wear Pantyhose?

Your outerwear is as important as your outfit. In some situations, you'll make your first impression with your coat on: walking into the courthouse with opposing counsel; taking the elevator up with the partner conducting your interview. If your coat is frumpy or unprofessional, it won't matter whether you've planned a perfectly powerful outfit. So … Continue reading Powerful Outerwear

I maintain that the quintessential Power Suit does not have to involve pants of any kind. But there's still something about the right kind of pants, the ones that accentuate your body in the ways that make you feel confident, the ones that celebrate your feminine shape rather than hinder and hide it. For me, … Continue reading What pants are most flattering with a suit?

The wrong shoe can ruin the right outfit. Like anything else you wear, your shoes should give you confidence. For me, my shoes need to be comfortable, the right heel height, the right color, and the right style. I can't focus on my work if I'm hobbling to the podium or if I know my … Continue reading What shoes should I wear to court?