I wrote this for the KU Law Free Press Online Newsletter, but wanted to repost it here, just for a little record of what I’ve been up to. Look for another article next week!
When I graduated from high school, I wanted to become a fashion journalist, so I studied apparel marketing and public relations at K-State. Later, I decided I was not cut out for the cutthroat nature of the fashion industry (did you see The Devil Wears Prada?), and I switched to a far tamer career path: law.
When I graduated from high school, I wanted to become a fashion journalist, so I studied apparel marketing and public relations at K-State. Later, I decided I was not cut out for the cutthroat nature of the fashion industry (did you see The Devil Wears Prada?), and I switched to a far tamer career path: law.
My goal is to help you all build a summer work wardrobe affordably. Am I qualified to give this advice? If loving online shopping, killing time during class reading style blogs like Atlantic–Pacific and Capitol Hill Style, and working at Banana Republic during college makes you qualified, then, yes.
First Step to Saving Money: Sign up for e-mails from your favorite retailers. They often have 20%, 30%, and even 40% coupons in their e-mails. I sort of refuse to buy anything unless I am getting at least 30% off. Additionally, a blogger, Chloe, maintains this amazing list of sales and coupon codes online. Seriously, the woman knows her online shopping.
We are pretty lucky to be so close to the Legends. J.Crew, Banana Republic, Polo, Ann Taylor, and Tommy Hilfiger would all be great destinations for work clothes. If you want to have a style consultation post-finals let me know. I’m very good at spending other people’s money––just ask my boyfriend.
To get more information on an item, click on the image, which will pop you over to Polyvore, and then it provides links to the store websites.
For the Ladies:
Suiting: Invest in a summer-weight cotton suit. This will be the expensive portion of your wardrobe, and hopefully the only things that have the dreaded words “Dry Clean Only” on the tag. One option is from Banana Republic and the other is from J.Crew. Unfortunately, J.Crew suiting is typically full-priced, but the gray suit pictured is actually on sale. Buy the jacket and one or two bottoms. These items usually stay in stock, so you could buy one now and wait until the summer loan money or paycheck comes in to buy more. This suit will go into a rotation with your interview suits, which you can wear as separates.
Also, check out this quick guide to hem lengths from the blog Corporette. The blog is also a pretty great read––I don’t always love the pieces she recommends, but the general advice is great.
Tops: Add a basic blouses or two, a set of layering tanks (I recently bought these camis at Banana for 50% off), a cotton cardigan, and a “fancier” blouse to fit your style––flowers, polka dots, or just a little sheer pop of color. Again, cotton is key. Dry cleaning is bad for your wallet and the environment.
Accessories: I wear the same jewelry pretty much daily, and recommend basics from Lauren Ralph Lauren or Michael Kors, which are available at Macy’s. Also, wear a watch! Pick one up at Target or splurge at Nordstrom.
Shoes: It is probably best to stick with closed-toe shoes, so if you have a pair of black and nude pumps they should work with most outfits. I like Calvin Klein shoes because of the built-in gel sole under the ball of your foot. Additionally, I picked three flats that each have hints of spring trends: a slightly pointed toe, brightly colored with loafer styling, and cap toes.
For the Gents:
I assume a well-dressed dude builds his wardrobe in a similar fashion, but honestly, I’m not sure, so go ask the debonair Grant Williams or Evan Jarrold if you need some serious advice. I’ll give it a shot anyways. I am loving the styling advice on the Banana Republic Men’s homepage right now. Check out the “Five Days of Style,” which would need to be adapted to work in the legal profession, but the model is still hot.
Fit: If you are slim, look for “slim” or “tailored” fits. If you are tall (maybe like 6’2” or taller), order “Tall” sizes online. Please. Serious game changer.
Suiting: I love cotton suits for women, but they are probably not as appropriate for aspiring male lawyers. Instead, get a lighter-colored lightweight-wool suit to add into the black suit rotation. I realize your suits cost a little more than women’s suits, but remember to look for discounts or head to the outlets to keep the costs lower. The “Essential Spring Blazer” piece on the BR Men’s site is great, too.
Chinos: Fit and fabric are key to making you look polished vs. making it look like a uniform. I think you should have two pairs of khaki chinos and a pair of navy or dark charcoal, too. Some brands will put linen into pants for the spring/summer season, but I would avoid these. Too many wrinkles.
Shirts: I know you guys already have lots of dress shirts, but here are a few fresh options to add to the mix. Look for “non-iron” shirts, which will still need a little maintenance, but not much.
If your office environment is more “business casual,” these are some affordable polos and sweaters, and a sweet, affordable, chino blazer at Target.com. Perhaps you’re going home to live with your mom this summer and she’ll do your laundry, but if not, these are all machine washable and worry-free.
Shoes: Despite working in men’s shoes for the majority of my career at Payless, I don't know where to start with recommendations. I actually was pretty impressed with the current selection of men’s dress shoes online at Payless. Things have changed since I left! I mean, they haven’t changed that much, because they’re still synthetic leather, but they have updated the line and added comfortable insoles. If you want to invest in leather shoes, you can still go someplace like DSW for a large selection of discounted men’s shoes.
That’s my fashion advice for the week. Even if you don’t like my personal style, I think I have a decent grasp on what is appropriate for the workplace. If you’re seeking individual advice, ask!
