Formal Business Wear?

I am starting an internship next week for a law firm which requires formal business wear. Can someone provide me with places to shop and ideas on what I can wear. I think they strongly encourage skirt suits. Does that mean I have to wear pantyhose? What types of shoes do you think are appropriate? Can I get away with pant suits?

You have received a number of good answers as where to shop for suits. But I would like to address the notion that what others are wearing would be an indication of what's acceptable to the company and would be a good guide. I have worked for law firms for a number of years and have watched a number of associate attorneys come and go. The name of the game is "Impressions." Getting by is not going to cut it. Being the best in everything you do--whether it's your work or how you dress--is going to put you at the top of the pack and be the difference between an eventual 6-figure income or 4-figure income. When you ask if you "have to wear pantyhose," I know that you're not going to make it in this game. It sounds like minutia but it's an indication of your mindset and it will need to change in order to play with the big dogs.

If they "strongly" encourage skirt suits, that answers your question. Remember: nice blouses. Get a skirt suit, go to work and check out those around you. After a couple weeks, you'll know if a business pants suit is okay. Good luck with your internship.

I like shopping at Ann Taylor for work clothes. Some TJMaxx, Ross, Marshalls have business suits also that you can check out. I think pant suits are okay and closed-toe shoes - no sandals. After your first week, you should have a feel of what you should and should not wear. Observe your co-workers.

Burlington Coat Factory has a tremendous selection of business attire and at a great price. Also go to the Factory Outlet Stores.

You will be doing a lot of running around so low flat shoes would be best, but make sure they are closed not open sandles.

Skirts should be about knee length. Re the pantyhose, depends on the dress code of the particular office.

Call into the office and ask them about the dress code there from one of the secretaries.. they will be able to give you some great info.

I don't know where you live but try places like Macy's, Dillards, JCPenny's... pantyhoses are needed... nice shoes... blouses... and either skirt or pant suits and a few dresses that come with a jacket or use one of your pant suit ones....


good luck

Definitely need to wear pantyhose. Also although they encourage skirt suits you can get away with a very nice pant suit (I have a few.) Make sure your shoes are not clogs or stilletto heels or have any fancy type of jewelry on them. You can shop at Macy's, Annie Sez (this is where I buy the majority of my suits), JCPenny (sometimes they have pretty nice stuff), Chadwicks, Womensuits.com, and blair.com.

There are many retailers who sell quality suits and separates that you can mix and match. A skirt and blazer is an acceptable alternative to a skirt suit and will provide lots of versatility - you can wear the blazer with slacks (which is acceptable business attire in most any office).
Remember, quality counts -when you're shopping, grasp a portion of the suit fabric, make a fist while "scrunching" the fabric, then quickly let go. How does the fabric look? If it is extremely wrinkled, you can be sure that is how it will look while you are wearing it - particularly after sitting down (rayon blends and linen are notorious for wrinkling, year round wools and poly blends wear the best). Select quality fabrics and neutral shades. In doing so, you will have a versatile business wardrobe, with pieces that are interchangeable.
Footwear: If "formal business" is the office policy - avoid open toes and bare legs during business hours.

if they strongly encourage skirt suits, then that is what you need to wear. formal business wear involves a jacket, nice blouse and skirt/pants. usually in neutral colors such as gray, black, navy or tan. some firms require you to wear hose. i would wear nice pumps or open toed shoes. do not wear sandals and do not wear loud colors. wear what you did to your interview and once you start at the firm, see what others in the same position as you are wearing. then you will have an idea what the exact dress code is. as far as shopping, it depends on how much money you have to spend. macys has a nice selection. good luck!!