How Has Fashion Shaped Your Outlook As a Woman?
Amanda (Managing Partner): "It is a lot of WORK being a woman! I look at my fiancé, and he's dressed and ready in 10 minutes with a golf shirt and a pair of shorts or pants. For me, it's the dress, the belt, the shoes, the jewelry, the right bag. I love every bit of it, though. Getting my hair and nails done regularly makes me feel good; throwing some makeup on and picking out the perfect outfit makes me feel good. It just makes me feel better. The right outfit can change my mood in a matter of minutes."
Katie (Paralegal): "Clothing and personal style never mattered to me growing up. Now that I am older and work in a professional setting, I can see why they should matter. I know that getting dressed, putting on makeup, and styling my hair helps me feel better, which improves my work and lifestyle. I am not the same person when I roll out of bed and put a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on versus when I get up, take my time to select an outfit, and do a (mostly small) makeup routine. How we feel on the inside and outside can project onto other things, so why not make yourself look and feel good? Others will notice and latch on to the confidence we radiate."
What's The Work Go-To?
Amanda: "I started practicing law at a big firm 20 years ago. Back then, there were many neutrals and skirt suits. I still like to dress up for the office even if I'm not meeting clients or in a deposition, but I like that women now have so many more options. My day-to-day is usually a colorful dress with a cardigan or a casual blazer. I love high heels and wedges. The higher, the better. I'm short, so this is a no-brainer, but I also like the femininity it projects."
Tessa (Attorney): "Being a lawyer is a high-pressure job. You feel the pressure from all angles: your clients, opposing counsel, the court, etc. For most lawyers, that pressure is motivating, even exhilarating. It keeps me focused, alert, and competitive. When I get dressed, it's important that my style reflects the competitive and powerful energy I feel for this job. My style tends towards choosing a pop of bright colors over one-color-toned outfits, like a hot pink blazer paired with a black suit or bright yellow or red pumps with a black dress. Style is so much more to me than just clothes. The outfit I choose tells a story to those around me. I am a strong and competitive female lawyer, and I gravitate towards pops of color because they highlight the part of myself that makes me good at what I do and what makes me the best advocate for my clients."
Chloe (Paralegal): "Clothing and personal aesthetic have a significant impact not just on my daily life, but also on my profession. While my attire may not directly make me more efficient or more empathetic towards clients, it plays a crucial role in shaping how others perceive me. The right outfit can influence how clients, attorneys, judges, and others trust and rely on me. It can grant me more agency in my work and foster an environment where people believe in me. A thoughtful outfit that feels relatable and confident becomes a powerful tool that often leaves a positive and lingering impression."
What are your favorite colors?
Chloe: "In my role, I work a lot with the clients who are still treating; they are often navigating the difficult process of being in pain, needing their car fixed, finding the right doctors, dealing with insurance adjusters, etc. I think the colors I choose create an atmosphere of warmth, positivity, and reassurance. Soft pinks and blues, in particular, enhance these feelings, creating a sense of brightness and peace that makes others feel that everything will be okay."
Katie: "I am a sucker for neutrals; they go with everything. Adding a blazer, fun accessories (while being professional) and a good pair of shoes is enough to make me feel strong and capable."
Amanda: "Katie wore amazing turquoise earrings the other day. I think she got them at Fashion 10. Love that store. It's conveniently within walking distance of our office."
Can You give some examples of your go-to pieces?
Amanda: "I love the Jackie and Chloe dresses from Tuckernuck – they fit well and are so flattering! For Summer, I switch into a baby blue Chloe dress. I also have one that is a bright yellow, almost the color of a canary. My Jackie dress is light pink, sherbet green, and light blue and white striped. I'm also a huge fan of the J.Crew Resume dress. I have it in navy and black/grey for court and the winter months, as well as a white linen version and a pretty periwinkle linen version I found last year. J.Crew is easy; you can find great options at the outlet. I'm a sucker for Saint Laurent clutches for evening events – which I have a lot of because of my role, from holiday parties to charity events. For Summer, I have a bright pink one. It adds a little bit of sparkle in something small."
Do you have any shopping tips to share?
Tessa: "Amanda had a dress on at the office the other day, and I found a look-alike on Amazon. The website/app Like to Know It is great for finding affordable similar pieces."
Amanda: "I'm not sure I should be the one giving anybody shopping tips, since my fiancé openly says he holds my hand in stores not because it's romantic, but because it's economical! The good news is that I work quite a bit, so I don't often have the time to shop in person. For online shopping, Gilt.com is my shopping indulgence. It's so great – pieces from all sorts of different brands at cheaper prices, with easy returns.
I am a strong and competitive female lawyer, and I gravitate towards pops of color because they highlight the part of myself that makes me good at what I do and what makes me the best advocate for my clients.