How to Dress in Law School for Women

Knowing how to dress in law school is a lot easier than you think. Law school tends to have an interesting reputation when it comes to physical appearance, and for some reason, people imagine that you have to wear a suit and heels to school everyday. In reality, it is a lot less strict!

In law school, you must know when it matters to dress a certain way. Usually, you can dress however you want, but there are specific occasions where you need to dress professionally.

Keep in mind that different law schools also have different cultures. Styles and attitudes on the West Coast can differ from those on the East Coast, and so on. If you love fashion, it may also be a different story because you have your own image to uphold and personal preferences. Remember, every person is different, and every law school is different.

For fashion ideas as a law student, read this post: 15 Outfit Statement Pieces Ideas That Will Make You Look Like an Attorney

So you know what to wear and when, I have made a list of the most important things you need to know about how to dress in law school, for every occasion. Again, you need to know when it matters how you dress!

How to Dress: In Class

You will be surprised to know that you can dress however you want to class. It is one of the most casual times in law school. You are not always going to be in class either, as you will be spending a lot of time outside of studying. Law school is like undergrad because you can show up in sweats and crawl back into the library to finish studying for the day. Essentially, it really does not matter how you dress.

And sometimes, you show up in gym clothes because don’t have time to change before the gym!

If you like to workout, read this post: How To Keep a Regular Workout Routine During Law School.

Just remember that law school is also different than undergrad. It is a more professional environment because you are studying to become a professional lawyer! Your image is also important, if that’s important to you. I personally would not show up to class in booty shorts and low cut shirts. Your professors will expect professional attitudes from students, and they will usually dress in business attire themselves.

I believe in dressing to impress, not for others, but for yourself. Sure, it is important to create a professional appearance for yourself, but I believe that getting ready in the morning and being prepared physically is important for your own mind set. This may simply mean putting on make up and swapping the sweats for jeans. I believe this will help you feel focused each and every day.

But, law school is stressful, and sweats are comfortable. With that in mind, focusing on your schoolwork is the #1 priority.

How to Dress: Meetings with Professors

Again, there is no dress code for meeting with professors. However, I tend to take a more strict approach. I like to put a little more effort into my appearance when meeting with professors. I value how my professors perceive me. This should not change their view of me, but I take my education seriously! A one on one meeting is different because in class, you can hide amongst the 60 other students. Although not required, put some extra effort into yourself when meeting with professors, whether that is jeans and make-up or business casual.

How to Dress: For Socials

There are two different types of socials: networking with lawyers and networking with law students.

When it comes to networking with law students, the event tend to be more casual! These are your fellow peers, and hopefully, a few of those peers have become your friends. You should feel comfortable to dress however you want. Have fun, be comfortable, and get to know your classmates and peers. Networking with law students is important!

When it comes to networking with lawyers, the story is a little different. Of course, it depends on the venue and event, but you should err on the side of more professional. Make sure to dress the part when networking with other lawyers. You may not always have to wear a formal suit for these networking events, as some may be more casual. However, make sure to wear at least business casual. You are there to meet lawyers in your community and grow your own professional network!

For advice on being social during law school, read this post: How to Enjoy Law School When You Are Broke.

How to Dress: For Interviews

For interviews, this should be obvious. You should dress like you are going to court for any interviews you have as a law student and beyond. Period. I am a big believer that dressing to impress is important in interviews, both for yourself and the interviewers. I love to wear a knee-length pencil skirt with a blazer over a turtle neck. Accessory wise, I love to add simple jewelry and add more make-up than I normally would, which is usually pretty minimal. This depends on your personal style, but you should look like you put in some effort into looking professional.

However, you should dress for comfort! You will be less able to put your best self forward if you are sitting in something that is obviously uncomfortable. Trust me, I bought some one-inch Clark’s heels. They are my favorite formal shoes, and no one would ever know they are orthopedic shoes unless I told them.

Read my article on the best suits for law students on a budget here!

How to Dress: For Court

It is not uncommon for law students to attend things at the local courthouse. This can range from depositions and hearings to actually arguing in front of a judge as a law student! You should dress modestly and formally, just as you would for an interview, as described above. You definitely need to present yourself as professionally as possible.

How to Dress: For Oral Arguments or Presentations

Any time you are presenting yourself to a judge of some sort, whether that is a class presentation or oral argument at school, you should dress like you would for court or an interview. Trust me!