Are We Fashion Victims? Just Say So, Interns Urge Female Lawyers
As hot weather encourages everyone to shed some clothing, it’s easier than usual for young women in law offices to become fashion victims. (Men have the advantage of a customary business dress code, and hence are less likely to stray from accepted norms.)
So what’s a senior woman lawyer to do if she spots a young colleague committing a fashion faux pas? Say nothing? Offer unsolicited advice? And if so, how?
That is the question posed by Corporette today, and summer interns seem to have the answer. Tell us, most urge in comments on the law blog post. And don’t worry about sugarcoating the criticism, either, many say—just let us know as soon as possible, especially if it’s a gaffe we can correct early in the workday.
“Having committed numerous fashion sins in my earlier years as a summer intern, I would have appreciated it if someone gently pulled me aside or popped by my office and mentioned my clothing to me,” Legally Brunette wrote in the comments. “Sending an e-mail seems overly formal, and I think it would probably freak me out getting something like that over e-mail. I’m sure they will be very embarrassed but will ultimately appreciate your advice.”
Others, however, suggest that holding a workshop for interns on appropriate attire (and being very specific about what is and is not OK) or attributing a dislike of a specific item to a particular partner might avoid hurt feelings. Complimenting the fashion offender’s work could also be helpful.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer-Fashonista Behind Corporette Struts Out of Blogging Closet”
Hat tip: Above the Law.
