Professionelle is Getting a Makeover!

Professionelle has a new address!  Please visit www.professionelleblog.com for this post and much more!

It's really amazing to me that I've been blogging on Professionelle for over two years!  I finally decided it was time for Professionelle to spruce up its look.  So, in the next few weeks, Professionelle will have a whole new look (just in time for Spring!) and also a new web address.  All of the old posts on this web address will be moved over so you can still view your favorite posts.  Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions for the new blog, particularly if you have any experience in web design!  I've been soliciting help through Agent Anything and various other people who have been generous enough to lend their time and talents.  I'm so excited to share with you the new Professionelle, but for now, take a moment to join Professionelle on Facebook and follow Professionelle on Twitter so you know the minute the new site is up.

Summer Associate Wardrobe Guide 2011

Professionelle has a new address!  Please visit www.professionelleblog.com for this post and much more!
 
It's only the beginning of April, but it's time to start thinking about summer (or at least summer associate programs)!  Most summer programs start in early May so it makes sense to start preparing.  As stores begin stocking up on spring/summer clothes, now is the best time to start building your new career wardrobe.  I would say it's the best part about being a summer, but that's just not true since being a summer associate is quite possibly the best job on earth - no exaggeration.  Below is an updated list of law firms and what you should expect to wear to fit in, or at least not stand out in a bad way.  Best of luck and have a great summer!

Cleary Gottlieb 

Cleary is business casual and a former associate says that she's seen women wear fun and funky dresses.  According to her, Cleary associates probably push fashion boundaries more than associates at other firms.

Nanette Lepore Go Getter Dress (298.00)

Covington & Burling

A Covington associate described the D.C. law firm dress code as a pencil skirt and cardigan with basic dark heels.  Covington itself is business casual (except when meeting with clients) and there are a number of female associates who sport colorful sheath dresses.  Open toed shoes are ok during the summer and sometimes younger associates will wear a lower cut shirt or a lower back shirt if they have plans after work.

Kate Spade Pineapple Cardigan (295.00)

Cravath

Cravath continues to require formal business attire.  Most women wear suits all of the time, although blazers with mismatched skirts/pants are acceptable. Stockings and closed-toe shoes are technically required and are also the norm. To push the envelope, women will wear cardigans instead of blazers, patterned stockings (technically a no-no), above-the-knee skirts, and very tall heels. Not a lot of loud nail polish, make up, or jewelry. It's a pretty buttoned-up place in the end, but women make an effort to look well-dressed nonetheless.

Paul & Joe Nabila Silk & Stretch Jersey Halterneck Jumpsuit (720.00) (If you pair this with a blazer, as shown, it's a great way to look business formal yet unconventional)

Davis Polk

Davis Polk is technically business casual, but there's a wide variety to what people wear.  Some associates will push the fashion boundaries with sleeveless dresses or tops in the summer.  Blouses with ruffles, colorful dresses and even some animal prints can be seen around 450 Lex.  I would suggest wearing a suit on your first day but after that, it's not required or expected.  Open toed shoes are ok in the summer and lots of women accessorize otherwise conservative outfits with trendy jewelery. 

David Meister Pleat Front Belted Dress (227.99)

Dewey & LeBoeuf

Dewey is business casual, but most female partners wear suits, although not always with a full button down shirt underneath.  They might opt for easier options like tanks, blouses and short/long sleeve crew necks.  Younger associates are seen wearing dresses, sweaters and skirts or sweaters and pants as opposed to more traditional business formal attire.  Younger associates do wear open toed shoes in the summer.

Dolce & Gabbana City Savvy Skirt Suit (929.00)

Sidley Austin

One Sidley New York associate described her ideal outfit as clean, neat and comfortable enough to survive those inevitable long days and nights at the office.  Although summer associates are working longer hours than they did when the economy was better, there will likely be few long days or nights at the office (again, being a summer associate is awesome).  But the point remains, the key is to be comfortable because even if you're only at the office for 8 hours, that's still a long time to be sitting constrained in a pencil skirt.  There's also the fact that you'll be eating massive lunches so stretchy fabrics can be your friend.  Below is a comfortable, stretchy, yet fashionable option.

Diane von Furstenberg Issie Stretch-Silk Dress (425.00)

If you're an associate, what kind of advice would you give to incoming female summer associates with regard to work apparel?  If you're a summer associate, what dress code questions would you like the answer to?  Now that comments are anonymous, feel free to be totally honest and ask any questions you'd like.