Law school and fashion are two things that do not usually come up in the same conversation. For some of us, what we wear is quite important and for others, not so much. Either is okay, but before and during my 1L year, there were many times that I asked myself “What do I wear?” If you are anything like me, a little guidance when you need it can’t hurt. Here are the basics:
Orientation
Trying to figure out what to wear to orientation definitely caused unneeded stress and too many outfit changes. Orientation at UConn Law means a lot of walking and participating in a variety of activities all while meeting your future classmates (a.k.a. future colleagues) and many of the law school staff and professors for the very first time. It is understandable that someone would want to make a good impression. With that being said, you do not need to wear a suit to make that impression! You can wear a suit, but you might be the only one and frankly, you might overheat. I recommend wearing something clean, comfortable, and versatile. This way you can feel relaxed, professional, and be able to transition from the daytime activities to the evening social events with ease. Aim for something that is a little less than business casual but a little more than what you might wear lounging on your couch. You cannot go wrong with a button down and khakis, a summer dress, or jeans and a top. Finally, don’t be afraid to show off a little of your personality. In the end, what you wear is definitely not going to be anyone’s main focus; so put some thought into it but do not stress over it.
Every Day
The dress code for the law school is almost always casual. Here and there, you will have to throw on a suit for a networking event or interviews, but more often than not, you will be spending your days in the classroom, behind a laptop, or buried in the books, so dress in something that will allow you to do those things in comfort. If its business casual, then so be it, and if its athletic clothes, by all means, please wear it. At the same time, do not forget that law school is a professional school. The best piece of advice I can give you: do not wear something you won’t want to be remembered for. There are many occasions where you will have unexpected (or expected) encounters with future employers and other professionals right on campus and you should always be prepared for those interactions. It is incredibly valuable to leave positive impressions on your legal and professional community. The go-to choices for most people are jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, etc. Wear what makes you feel best.
Fall & Spring Formals
There are certainly times to dress up and get fancy at UConn Law. Each year, we have a fall and spring formal—Fall Ball and Spring Fling. This is an excellent time to clean up, go out, and socialize with your classmates. The dress code is definitely semi-formal/cocktail—don’t wear or waste your money on a tux or a ball gown! Many people go with a suit (tie or no tie), short to tea-length dresses, and skirts.
Some final thoughts:
First, you don’t need to wear a suit every day but, yes, you should own at least one suit. If you do not have the means to buy several, I recommend starting off with a dark-colored suit that you can wear for networking events, interviews, and other business formal occasions. Dry cleaning will become a usual errand. Be sure to buy one early, as these events come up faster than you might believe.
Second, we are in New England. It gets cold, it gets hot, and the weather sure is unpredictable. Keep warm, keep cool, and be prepared for the worst.
Third, everyone gets a free pass (or ten) around and during finals time.
Finally, don’t forget, our campus is small, laid back, and collegial. As cliché as it may be, be yourself and dress in what you feel comfortable in. There are so many things that you have to worry about in law school that are more important than what you wear, especially as a 1L. Focus on your studies, interact with your community, and stay sane.
