P2Styles Talks to Michigan Lawyers Weekly

You know the old saying that rings true even today — you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Attorneys cannot afford to make a bad first impression. It could mean the difference between landing that big client or even winning a case.

In the increasingly competitive field of law, experts say attorneys need to be conscious of putting their best foot forward.

In this practice management article, Lawyers Weekly talks to professional image consultants about the “dos and don’ts” of style, dress and overall appearance so that attorneys can be confident they’re projecting the image they want to convey.

Looking the part
Given that it may take anywhere from 30 seconds to four minutes to form an opinion about someone based on their appearance, Jill Bremer, image consultant and owner of Bremer Communications in Oak Park, Ill., advised that attorneys cannot afford to not be concerned with maintaining their image and appearance.
“In the first 30 seconds, people are usually judging big picture ideas about you — your level of education, your level of success, your level of sophistication. You’ve probably just walked in, so they’re really judging those things on the visual,” she explained. “From then, until the end of the four minutes, they’re starting to judge a little deeper. They’re deciding things that have to do with your trustworthiness, reliability, honesty, compassion and confidence.”

Though conveying a competent, confident appearance is important to all lawyers, Bremer added that looking the part can be especially important to new attorneys.

“We’d all like to think in our heart of hearts that it doesn’t matter how we look, that it’s more important about what’s on the inside,” she contended. “But it’s not the way the world is. And I think — especially for young attorneys — you’ve got to play the game a little bit. That’s going to get you ahead in your career and also within that law firm, too.”

Sandy Dumont, Image Consultant and Executive Director of Impression Strategies Institute in Norfolk, Va., agreed, but added the state of the economy plays a vital role in the mix.

“Shortly after Sept. 11, a big brokerage firm in New York dropped corporate casual attire because they felt that in uncertain times the clients felt more secure dealing with professional-looking people,” she said. “I agree with their thinking.”

She also maintained the “dotcom” generation impacted dress codes negatively.

“These overnight millionaires felt that they could perform just as effectively in jeans as in a suit. Perhaps so. However, unfortunately, it is an ‘in your face’ manner of dressing that is picked up subliminally by prospective clients. It is tantamount to hurling an insult at them because it says, ‘I don’t have to bother to dress to impress you. My comfort is more important,’ or ‘I make so much money I don’t have to dress to impress you,’” she said.

Dr. Joyce M. Knudsen, President and CEO of The ImageMaker, Inc. in Nashville, Tenn., said in the increasingly competitive business world there is little room for error.

“One has to have that ‘edge,’” she asserted. “Professionals must invest in their appearance if they want to move ahead. They are being judged 93 percent on this before they speak.”

Rules of thumb
When choosing clothing, Knudsen said it’s important to consider fabric first.

“Always choose natural fabrics — the best fabrics are always wool, silk and cotton,” she said, adding that linen should be avoided because it wrinkles easily.

Indigo Zuri, certified image consultant and the president and founder of Fashion Targeting Images & Personal Styles for Men and Women (Fashion T.I.P.S.) in Ferndale, said it is best to keep things on the minimal side.
“Keep patterns, particularly on men’s suits, simple. Women have more flexibility when selecting suit patterns and colors. However, both genders should move away from suits that are too busy,” she advised. “Vertical lines make the body appear longer and leaner; horizontal lines do the exact opposite.”

Bremer agreed, recommending attorneys go for “unmemorable” styles and colors.

“It sounds kind of boring, but unmemorable is good. You can wear that navy blue suit twice in one week and no one’s going to notice because you can do so many interesting things to it with shirts or blouses, ties and accessories,” she said, adding that the darker tones, light neutrals, burgundy and forest green — are good choices for a suit color.

“They can make a good foundation for other things that might be more interesting. They can be doctored to work in any industry. You can add things to them that will make them look trendier or more conservative,” she explained.

But, Bremer cautioned, dressing to impress can mean an investment on the part of attorneys and it is quality that matters, not quantity.

“My philosophy is always to spend more and buy less,” she said. “Do less impulse shopping and stay focused on the few things that you need each season. When you start to see the really good pieces of your wardrobe as investments and as the workhorses they could be, it really pays to buy top quality.”

What not to wear
Knudsen said there are several fashion faux pas attorneys should steer clear of at all costs.

For example, wearing too many logos can have opposite effect of what an attorney hopes to convey.
“It spells ‘insecurity’ when you can only wear something that someone else can see,” she said. “Even those of us who can afford all of the designer clothing, let it be enough that we know we have it on,” she advised.
Knudsen also recommended taking an “everything in moderation” approach when it comes to new trends.
“Over-trending is the opposite of tasteful,” she said. “Every season some people go out and buy everything they read or hear that’s ‘what’s in.’ Trends come and go and if you want your wardrobe to have any sort of longevity, offset one or two of the latest trends with classic basics.”

Zuri contended the biggest fashion blunder she sees is improper length of a pant or skirt.

“One mistake I’ve seen time and time again is wearing skirts or pants that are too short,” she explained. “Skirts and frocks should fall just above the knee to the middle of the knee. Women with heavy legs look more professional in below-the-knee lengths. When wearing pants, your socks should not show when you’re walking, and when standing perfectly straight, pants should fall about halfway past your shoe sole in the back and just slightly higher in the front.”

In terms of looks for men, Dumont advised against wearing the same shade of shirt and tie.

“Wearing the popular ‘matched’ pastel green shirt and tie is not a distinctive look; it is very ordinary,” she said. “Attorneys need to look extraordinary and highly professional.”

Dumont added that a white shirt under a suit looks most powerful, while a blue shirt looks businesslike, but friendlier.

Meanwhile, when it comes to advice for women attorneys, Bremer said less is not always more.

“My philosophy is to be more covered than uncovered,” she said. “I think the more skin you show, the less power you really have or will be granted. It’s okay to wear a sleeveless top under your jacket and maybe take it off at your desk, but I’d put the jacket back on if you leave.”

Bremer also advised against wearing open-toed shoes in the office, but rather opting for a flat loafer and always choosing to wear pantyhose or trouser socks.

When less is more
According to Bremer, women need to be aware of the importance of wearing makeup, even just to enhance your natural look.

“It’s one of those things that’s unfair, but it’s really expected of women in the workplace to have makeup on,” she noted. “It’s just the way of the world right now.”

Bremer suggested only wearing a bit of eye color, blush and concealer as needed, to avoid being overly done up. She said women should go to a department store and get an updated look once a year.

“It can be a career killer if you start to look matronly or dowdy as you get older,” she said.

Bremer added that extremes should be avoided when it comes to hairstyles.

“A hairstyle needs to be flattering to your face shape and easy to maintain,” she asserted. “It shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes for anybody to do their hair.”

In terms of jewelry, Dumont advised keeping jewelry simple but bold, and said good choices for women include “chunky hoop earrings or doorknockers that hug the face.”

Bremer said women attorneys should not wear more than one ring per finger and, for male attorneys, one ring total.

The question of business casual
When determining what is appropriate in terms of business casual dress, Zuri said attorneys should stick to the same guidelines they use with business attire.

“Ask yourself if you would be comfortable at a client or office meeting in your outfit,” she said. “When purchasing casual attire, stick to the same detail, style, fabric and color philosophy used when purchasing professional pieces. Remember: Casual at work is optional, looking good is not.”

Bremer said an important part of the business casual idea is the “third piece.”

“The third piece could be a jacket, a cardigan sweater or even just the addition of a tie for men with their shirt, or a scarf for a woman,” she explained. “It kind of suggests you have your coat in your office.”
Bremer added that it is of the utmost importance to keep an extra suit in your office, for spur-of-the-moment meetings or if an important client comes in unexpectedly.

Meanwhile, Dumont said she would steer clear of business casual dress altogether because it undermines credibility.

“I do not suggest business casual ever,” she emphasized. “It never gives you the advantage over the competition. It suggests you are lazy or not very serious about your profession. Or it suggests that you are so arrogant you think your brilliance is enough.”

In the end, though, Bremer said image is a crucial part of the success equation.

“When there are a lot of people looking for a single job, we’re looking for every reason to cross some people off the list,” she said, stating that ill-fitting clothes or unshined shoes are the types of inconsistencies that cause people to question an attorney’s proficiency.

“If you want the opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities, you’ve got to get through the door first,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s how you look that’s going open the door for you.”

Bremer’s five ways to look polished
Wear darker colors
Choose clothing made of natural fibers except linen (wool, cotton or silk blends)
Wear more rather than less
Opt for more traditional styles
Polish shoes

Knudsen’s biggest fashion blunders
Showcasing too many logos — A good rule of thumb is only one logo showing at once
Overtrending — Offset one or two of the latest trends with classic basics
White socks or tights — Leave white socks for the gym and never wear shoes lighter than the color of your hose.

Too-long or too-short pants — The hem of the pant should fall at least to the top of your shoes, anything shorter or longer should be adjusted

Too much makeup — Always look in the mirror and think WWTFD (What Would Tammy Faye Do?). Then do the opposite

Wearing ill-fitting clothes — Buy clothes slightly larger and have them tailored to fit properly