A litigation lawyer ends up making several trips to multiple courts each day, while being confined to a dress code of blacks and whites..When I was told that I would be working in the litigation team, my biggest worry was the lack of white shirts in the work-wear section of my closet!.For some dressing in black and white everyday is heaven but for others it is almost a nightmare. This post is strictly for the latter category..I’m a new kid on the block but working in the litigation team for the past few months has forced me to come up with some practical and simple style tips. Here are a few things I have learnt along the way..The Shoe Fiasco .A classic pair of black pumps look absolutely stellar with any outfit, whether it is a pencil skirt, wide cut pants or a formal dress. Though I bought my perfect pair sometime during law school, it wasn’t my “go to” footwear during college. I always assumed that it would be something I’d use on a daily basis once I started working; I couldn’t be more wrong..Litigation requires unexpected and unplanned trips to the courts and more often than not, there is no place for one to sit! So, good sense prevailed and now whenever I wear a pair of my classic pumps, I always carry a pair of ballet flats as a comfortable option to spare my ankles the pain due to unplanned court visits..Another option is to keep a pair of flats in office and swap them with your high heels before heading out to court. This way you can make use of your classic and favorite pair of heels to look chic and save your ankles from unwarranted pain. Shoes can be the perfect way to add a little colour to a black and white look. While coloured heels may look too dressy, colourful flats can help in brightening up the look..Avoid loud animal prints (like a leopard print) and neon coloured flats as it clashes with the idea of formals..Try different shades of blue, greens or any pastel coloured flats to improve your look.Recommendations: Dressberry, Disney , 20D, Carton London, Addons.Let’s keep it classic?.A classic white shirt looks great and it is an absolute essential for anybody in litigation. It can be paired with any form of pants or skirts to effortlessly achieve a very stylish look. An alternative to a classic white shirt is a white shirt with ruffles. It adds an element of playfulness while keeping the look formal and stylish. But a shirt with ruffles should be kept for non – court days only. Apart from the colour restriction, a litigating lawyer cannot forget the mandatory requirements of a gown, coat and band. When all these are worn on a shirt with ruffles, it not only looks chaotic but may look unflattering as well..Therefore, on court days, keep your white shirt classic and simple..Avoid shirts with ruffles or bows as they will clash with the advocate’s band..Try a textured material such as Bombay Shirts’ linen or white poplin or if you are bored with a plain white shirt or you can also try white shirts with different styles of collars [Wills Lifestyle or Pique Republic].The Big Bag Debacle.We all need our chunky purses that always magically contain everything we need (and don’t need). But there are two major issues with carrying a big bag. Firstly, we end up lugging around a huge bag stuffed with unnecessary items or alternatively try and carry everything inconveniently in our hands or pockets. In this mad, disorganized rush, we may forget the essentials..Secondly, courts are already jam-packed and therefore, big bags become close to impossible to maneuver and handle..The solution to the big bag debacle is absolutely simple; keep a small slide sling / clutch ready at your desk with your absolute essentials. It should be just big enough for a small notebook, pens, some handy cash and your requisite ID cards. This will not only save you the pain of lugging your big purse everywhere but will also allow you to add a little color to an otherwise mandated black and white outfit..Avoid bags with sequins, glitter or any form bling..Try bright coloured or printed bags.Recommendations: Desi Drama, Hotberries, 3 Mad Chick.Excessive Colours.Covering blemishes, nicely done eyes, the right amount of lip stick and perfect hair may be considered as an essential method to look presentable but I personally don’t have the patience for make up on a daily basis. That being said, I do put on some eyeliner and lip balm everyday. My personal rule for office make-up is that it should be kept simple and minimalistic. Being overdressed at work is almost as bad as wearing ripped jeans to court. I completely avoid bright coloured cheeks, dramatic eye make up and bright lip colours. Excessive make up clashes with the aura of a courtroom..Similarly, if you are deviating from the black and white look, remember to keep it subtle and subdued. Pastel colours should be your go to option in such a scenario. On a related note, I stay away from any form of bling on court days. This includes big and dangling earrings, chunky bracelets or necklaces. Save your bling for night outs and to beat office blues..Try using statement necklaces (Forever 21 or Adrika) or junky jewelry (Blueberry or KOOVS) and bright lip colour to convert your look from office formals to a fun night-out look..Being confined to blacks and whites may be challenging but you can always add an element of colour through a bright clutch/side sling or by wearing coloured and practical flats. Resorting to bright make up or excessive accessorizing may ruin your otherwise classy look..Parvati Parkkot is a litigating lawyer working in Mumbai and also writes for the fashion blog, A Red Jasmine
A litigation lawyer ends up making several trips to multiple courts each day, while being confined to a dress code of blacks and whites..When I was told that I would be working in the litigation team, my biggest worry was the lack of white shirts in the work-wear section of my closet!.For some dressing in black and white everyday is heaven but for others it is almost a nightmare. This post is strictly for the latter category..I’m a new kid on the block but working in the litigation team for the past few months has forced me to come up with some practical and simple style tips. Here are a few things I have learnt along the way..The Shoe Fiasco .A classic pair of black pumps look absolutely stellar with any outfit, whether it is a pencil skirt, wide cut pants or a formal dress. Though I bought my perfect pair sometime during law school, it wasn’t my “go to” footwear during college. I always assumed that it would be something I’d use on a daily basis once I started working; I couldn’t be more wrong..Litigation requires unexpected and unplanned trips to the courts and more often than not, there is no place for one to sit! So, good sense prevailed and now whenever I wear a pair of my classic pumps, I always carry a pair of ballet flats as a comfortable option to spare my ankles the pain due to unplanned court visits..Another option is to keep a pair of flats in office and swap them with your high heels before heading out to court. This way you can make use of your classic and favorite pair of heels to look chic and save your ankles from unwarranted pain. Shoes can be the perfect way to add a little colour to a black and white look. While coloured heels may look too dressy, colourful flats can help in brightening up the look..Avoid loud animal prints (like a leopard print) and neon coloured flats as it clashes with the idea of formals..Try different shades of blue, greens or any pastel coloured flats to improve your look.Recommendations: Dressberry, Disney , 20D, Carton London, Addons.Let’s keep it classic?.A classic white shirt looks great and it is an absolute essential for anybody in litigation. It can be paired with any form of pants or skirts to effortlessly achieve a very stylish look. An alternative to a classic white shirt is a white shirt with ruffles. It adds an element of playfulness while keeping the look formal and stylish. But a shirt with ruffles should be kept for non – court days only. Apart from the colour restriction, a litigating lawyer cannot forget the mandatory requirements of a gown, coat and band. When all these are worn on a shirt with ruffles, it not only looks chaotic but may look unflattering as well..Therefore, on court days, keep your white shirt classic and simple..Avoid shirts with ruffles or bows as they will clash with the advocate’s band..Try a textured material such as Bombay Shirts’ linen or white poplin or if you are bored with a plain white shirt or you can also try white shirts with different styles of collars [Wills Lifestyle or Pique Republic].The Big Bag Debacle.We all need our chunky purses that always magically contain everything we need (and don’t need). But there are two major issues with carrying a big bag. Firstly, we end up lugging around a huge bag stuffed with unnecessary items or alternatively try and carry everything inconveniently in our hands or pockets. In this mad, disorganized rush, we may forget the essentials..Secondly, courts are already jam-packed and therefore, big bags become close to impossible to maneuver and handle..The solution to the big bag debacle is absolutely simple; keep a small slide sling / clutch ready at your desk with your absolute essentials. It should be just big enough for a small notebook, pens, some handy cash and your requisite ID cards. This will not only save you the pain of lugging your big purse everywhere but will also allow you to add a little color to an otherwise mandated black and white outfit..Avoid bags with sequins, glitter or any form bling..Try bright coloured or printed bags.Recommendations: Desi Drama, Hotberries, 3 Mad Chick.Excessive Colours.Covering blemishes, nicely done eyes, the right amount of lip stick and perfect hair may be considered as an essential method to look presentable but I personally don’t have the patience for make up on a daily basis. That being said, I do put on some eyeliner and lip balm everyday. My personal rule for office make-up is that it should be kept simple and minimalistic. Being overdressed at work is almost as bad as wearing ripped jeans to court. I completely avoid bright coloured cheeks, dramatic eye make up and bright lip colours. Excessive make up clashes with the aura of a courtroom..Similarly, if you are deviating from the black and white look, remember to keep it subtle and subdued. Pastel colours should be your go to option in such a scenario. On a related note, I stay away from any form of bling on court days. This includes big and dangling earrings, chunky bracelets or necklaces. Save your bling for night outs and to beat office blues..Try using statement necklaces (Forever 21 or Adrika) or junky jewelry (Blueberry or KOOVS) and bright lip colour to convert your look from office formals to a fun night-out look..Being confined to blacks and whites may be challenging but you can always add an element of colour through a bright clutch/side sling or by wearing coloured and practical flats. Resorting to bright make up or excessive accessorizing may ruin your otherwise classy look..Parvati Parkkot is a litigating lawyer working in Mumbai and also writes for the fashion blog, A Red Jasmine