by Alissa Donovan

On days when I struggle to find something to wear, I hear my mom’s voice: “It’s not a fashion show, Alissa Camille.” And true enough, work is not a fashion show–even more so since I traded my career in fashion for one in law. Nevertheless, the saying “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” rings through my mind, and I am stuck gazing at the reflection of myself, pondering precisely what I want in an outfit and life at large. Does this dress say “law clerk” or “managing partner”? And do these shoes say “small business owner” or “mother of two”? I am left with cyclical thoughts akin to Sylvia Plath’s fig tree analogy, a trail of drool dribbling down my chin, and a watch unhinged at my wrist showing a time that is already ten minutes late.

All this to say: getting dressed in the morning is a puzzling sort of existential crisis, made only worse when your chosen career forces you to toe the line between personality and professionalism.

I started law school with the intention of never sacrificing my personal style for the rigid structures of law firm dressing. The thought of a wardrobe filled with navy and black suits and a handheld steamer at the ready was too depressing to consider. However, over the years of corporate fashion faux pas (i.e., showing up to a fashion law conference wearing a Canadian tuxedo when everyone else in attendance took the “business fabulous” dress code to mean a slightly lighter shade of navy suit), I was forced to confront the reality that my daily wardrobe could use a touch (just a touch!) of professionalism.

Thus, I present: a fashion-designer-turned-lawyer’s guide to corporate style.

Tip One: Refer to the handbook This step is a literal, not symbolic, suggestion. Refer to your office’s handbook. Sometimes there will be helpful hints (“business casual,” “business professional,” or the one to be very afraid of: “wear whatever you are comfortable in!”). Take those buzz words to the bank (Pinterest) and see what you can cook up. A good tip is that offices typically do not consider Canadian tuxedos to be formal wear.

Tip Two: Look to your co-workers for inspiration Taking note of what your peers are wearing is a great way to feel out what you can get away with. You have to be extra careful with this one, lest you wind up hitching your wagon to the office idler. (In other words: do not place too much stock on what one person in the office is wearing, particularly if that person does not seem especially good at their job). Get a feel for what your coworkers, as a collective, are wearing and take the same creative liberties they take.

Tip Three: Color within the lines (this is not a Sex and the City Reference) Coloring within the lines means to take the “bones” of corporate dressing (trousers, blazers, button downs) and make them fun. Making them fun, of course, means letting your personality shine through, whether this is done by eccentric patterns, bright colors, or interesting silhouettes. This also includes starting with a basic corporate outfit and adding an interesting accessory (statement earrings, headband, interesting shoes).

Bonus Tip: Remind yourself that it is not that serious What’s the worst that can happen by pushing your fashion wardrobe into the realm of *gasp* fun? So long as your fashion risks do not land you in a tough situation with HR (I urge you to refer again to Tip One), there is little reason to deprive yourself the joyous pleasure of expressing yourself through clothing, at the workplace and beyond.