--- title: Best Buys for a New Attorney's Professional Wardrobe That Don't Break the Bank description: A professional look doesn't have to cost your whole paycheck. Here are some looks to get the new attorney started! image: https://blog.lawline.com/hubfs/Fashion2019%20(1).jpg --- [![LAWL_logo_fullcolor_300px (3)](https://blog.lawline.com/hubfs/Landing%20Pages/LAWL_logo_fullcolor_300px%20(3).png)](https://www.lawline.com/) - [Start Here](https://blog.lawline.com/start-here-welcome-to-lawline) - [Browse CLE Courses](https://www.lawline.com/browse) - [Pricing](https://www.lawline.com/subscription) - [Firms & Teams](https://www.lawline.com/enterprise/pricing) - [Blog Home](https://blog.lawline.com) [Start Free Trial](https://www.lawline.com/register/trial) [Current Events & Fun Stuff](https://blog.lawline.com/tag/current-events-fun-stuff) # Best Buys for a New Attorney's Professional Wardrobe That Don't Break the Bank [![Lawline Staff](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/app-icon%20(1).png?width=50&height=50&name=app-icon%20(1).png)](https://blog.lawline.com/author/lawline-staff) [Lawline Staff](https://blog.lawline.com/author/lawline-staff) 22 August, 2019 ![Fashion2019 (1)](https://blog.lawline.com/hubfs/Fashion2019%20(1).jpg) The July bar exam is over! We’re giving the latest law school grads a minute to breathe. You just studied for three and a half years straight and took a *really long exam* to cap it off. So today, we’re going to tackle a less stressful, yet important, topic: what to wear to work. While fashion doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone, there have been countless articles about [how dress codes impact productivity](https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/2018/10/can-the-way-your-employees-dress-affect-productivity/). And if you’re not worried about your wardrobe, you are free to focus on other things.  You know, like your job. Or maybe your [new CLE requirement](https://www.lawline.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=faculty_partnership&utm_content=Fashion2019)?   So while you gear up for clerkships, associate positions, or the next round of interviews, check out this list of comfortable, affordable, work-appropriate options to spruce up (or finally build?) your “I’m a lawyer now!” wardrobe. From button-down only offices (yuck) to [pantyhose, heels, and skirts](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/09/female-lawyers-sexism-courtroom/565778/)for a women at trial (double yuck), we’ve got you covered.    These professional looks will not bore you to death, pinch your waist, or break your bank. All individual pieces are less than $200 and can be paired with multiple other separates to maximize the mileage of each piece.  Happy shopping!   **1.          The most comfortable women’s suit *ever.*  (No, *seriously*). ** Women’s suiting doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, but most of it is (what is up with the shape of suit pants?!).   Turns out, JCrew made a suit that doesn’t suck. Their stretch twill is soft, durable, easy to clean, and true to size.  You can find the [blazer](https://www.jcrew.com/p/shops/40offwearnow/blazers/goingout-blazer-in-stretch-twill/H2743?color_name=black), [pants](https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/pants/slim/cameron-slim-pant-in-stretch-twill/K5953?color_name=black), and [skirt](https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/skirts/pencil/no-2-pencil-skirt-in-stretch-twill/K5954?color_name=black) separately, and match them as you please. The only downside? It only comes in three basic colors (black, gray, and navy). Can we start a campaign for a few more colors?  I’ll write in if you will!  *![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.44.27 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.44.27%20PM.png?width=278&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.44.27%20PM.png)* *image jcrew.com*   **2.          The chino to end all chinos. ** Women are not alone in wanting to be more comfortable during their waking hours. [Banana Republic](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/) heeded the call and came out with the [Rapid Movement Chino](https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/search.do?searchText=rapid%20movement%20chino&autosuggest=true).  Available seasonally in what amounts to an endless array of colors (steel blue? Yup. Traditional light khaki? Yup. Maroon? Navy? Gray? Yup, yup, *yup*.), this chino puts all others to shame.  Better yet, they come in four different fits so that you can find your perfect one.   ![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.46.35 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.46.35%20PM.png?width=239&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.46.35%20PM.png) *image bananarepublic.com*   **3.          Trendy tie-waist pants. ** While not *actually* leggings, these [Halogen pants](https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-tie-waist-twill-pants-regular-petite/5204552?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FShop%20by%20Occasion%2FWork&color=rust%20sequoia) are so soft you’ll forget you’ve been doing doc review for 11 hours straight. Available in multiple colors at [Nordstrom.com](https://shop.nordstrom.com/), they feature a cinched-waist and tapered leg - offering a professional silhouette with a touch of personality. In warm weather, you can wear them with a chic ballet flat and blouse; in the fall, a fuller-coverage heel or sleek bootie (depending on your office) and a tucked in button-down with funky cuffs completes the look.   ![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.47.58 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.47.58%20PM.png?width=230&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.47.58%20PM.png) *image nordstrom.com*   **4.          Long-line blazer.** Who doesn’t love a good throw-back department store?  [Lord & Taylor](https://www.lordandtaylor.com/) offers a ton of great Tahari pieces, including this awesome [long-line blazer](https://www.lordandtaylor.com/tahari-arthur-s-levine-tweed-topper-jacket/product/0500089174640?R=635273477374&P_name=Tahari+Arthur+S.+Levine&sid=16C4DCB7B043&Ntt=tahari+topper&N=0) (aka a “topper jacket”). Supersoft, in a traditional white-and-black tweed, this look is the perfect combination of old- and new-school. Wear with skirts, dresses, or pants - it’s completely versatile and a fantastic transitional piece for this fall.  *![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.50.21 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.50.21%20PM.png?width=251&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.50.21%20PM.png)* *image lordandtaylor.com*   **5.          The knit polo. ** An elegant take on a more casual look, a long-sleeved knit polo sweater in a rich hue is a great office look. Wear with dress pants or a khaki chino depending on the vibe in your office. [This one](https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/298?originalProduct=119191&productId=1641237&attrValue_0=Deep%20Port&pla1=0&mr%3AtrackingCode=6DE8776A-9F87-E711-80F6-00505694403D&mr%3AreferralID=NA&mr%3Adevice=c&mr%3AadType=plaonline&qs=3136917&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiLfz_oDi4wIVAhgMCh1UowjFEAQYByABEgJBOvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) is available at L.L. Bean and comes in several colors - the “deep port” is particularly enticing. Note: more and more of this style will be available as the weather gets colder, so you can always check back to your favorite department store or online boutique. ![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.51.34 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.51.34%20PM.png?width=278&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.51.34%20PM.png) *image llbean.com*   **6.          Ponte dress. ** Feel like wearing a dress? A [stretch ponte in an unexpected shade of a traditional color](https://mmlafleur.com/collections/dresses) is a great place to start.  Pair with a cropped blazer, a long-lined blazer, or a sweater to change it up. This version looks great with flats, pumps, and even a below-the-knee riding boot for fall. The company ([M.M. LaFleur](https://mmlafleur.com/collections/dresses)) is all about “practical, inspired wardrobe(s)” for women. You can buy their pieces individually or subscribe to a box - they are definitely on the pricey side, but some affordable pieces are worth a look.   *![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.52.25 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.52.25%20PM.png?width=233&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.52.25%20PM.png)* *image mmlafleur.com*   **7.          The classic men’s suit.** While you can spend under $500 on an awesome custom suit from companies like [Suit Supply](https://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/home) and [Indochino](https://www.indochino.com/), you might have a tighter budget than that - and that’s okay! [Nordstrom Rack](https://www.nordstromrack.com/) has a solid offering of discounted Kenneth Cole Reaction men’s suits that are seriously in style. Two button notch lapel, skinny fit, slim fit, “performance stretch”, and even three-piece suits are available for under $200. Colors range from the classic charcoal to the trendy brighter blue - just be careful with anything labelled “shine” or “sharkskin” if you prefer a more matte look, as those are made from a *very* shiny fabric.    ![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.53.21 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.53.21%20PM.png?width=228&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.53.21%20PM.png) *image nordstromrack.com*   **8.          Contrast-cuff button down. ** This is a great look that anyone can pull off.  You can embrace a pop of color and patterns while adhering to the traditional button-down uniform.  This style can be paired with dress pants, chinos, or even a high-waisted skirt in a solid neutral (trust me).  Check out this [pink gingham with a pop of blue](https://www.hawesandcurtis.com/womens-pink-and-white-gingham-plaid-fitted-shirt-with-contrast-collar-and-cuff-single-cuff-ficfv016-j18) from [Hawes & Curtis](https://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/), or this [very conservative](https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Milano-Slim-Fit-Dress-Shirt%2C-Non-Iron-Contrast-Ainsley-Collar-French-Cuff/ME00286,default,pd.html) take on the look from [Brooks Brothers](https://www.brooksbrothers.com/). ![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.54.27 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.54.27%20PM.png?width=234&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.54.27%20PM.png) *image hawesandcurtis.co.uk/* ![Screen Shot 2019-08-20 at 3.54.38 PM](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.54.38%20PM.png?width=249&name=Screen%20Shot%202019-08-20%20at%203.54.38%20PM.png) *image brooksbrothers.com*   Questions about dress codes or shopping for professional clothing?  Something else you’d like to hear us tackle? Comment and let us know!    Previous Post ###### [What Are the Risks of Using Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare?](https://blog.lawline.com/what-are-the-risks-of-using-artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare) Next Post ###### [Lawline Profiles: Three Power Moves for Punching Up Your Profile](https://blog.lawline.com/lawline-profiles-three-power-moves-for-punching-up-your-profile) ### Similar Blog Posts [![ATL_Restaurant_610x400](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ATL_Restaurant_610x400.jpg?width=352&name=ATL_Restaurant_610x400.jpg)](https://blog.lawline.com/top-ten-takeaways-for-restaurateurs-and-their-attorneys) #### [Top Ten Takeaways for Restaurateurs and Their Attorneys](https://blog.lawline.com/top-ten-takeaways-for-restaurateurs-and-their-attorneys) [![ATL_MLK_610x400](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ATL_MLK_610x400.jpg?width=352&name=ATL_MLK_610x400.jpg)](https://blog.lawline.com/attorneys-heres-how-you-can-honor-the-legacy-of-martin-luther-king-jr.-on-mlk-day) #### [Attorneys: Here’s How You Can Honor the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on MLK Day](https://blog.lawline.com/attorneys-heres-how-you-can-honor-the-legacy-of-martin-luther-king-jr.-on-mlk-day) [![JanuaryLineup2018_610x400.jpg](https://blog.lawline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JanuaryLineup2018_610x400.jpg?width=352&name=JanuaryLineup2018_610x400.jpg)](https://blog.lawline.com/kick-off-2018-right-with-courses-ranging-from-voter-suppression-and-attorney-well-being-to-2018s-scotus-preview) #### [Kick off 2018 Right with Courses Like Voter Suppression, Attorney Well-Being, and 2018’s SCOTUS Preview](https://blog.lawline.com/kick-off-2018-right-with-courses-ranging-from-voter-suppression-and-attorney-well-being-to-2018s-scotus-preview) [![LAWL_logo_fullcolor_reverse_300px](https://blog.lawline.com/hubfs/LAWL_logo_fullcolor_reverse_300px.png)](https://www.lawline.com/) With timely, relevant subject matter that covers a broad range of practice areas, Lawline transforms traditional Continuing Legal Education (CLE) compliance into practical knowledge that accelerates your ability to grow and serve. 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