http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2009/05/sartorial-rules-for-attorneys.html The Law, the Universe, and Everything Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:59:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2009/05/sartorial-rules-for-attorneys.html/comment-page-1#comment-63905 Christa Sun, 24 May 2009 22:45:52 +0000 http://www.concurringopinions.com/?p=16244#comment-63905 I have a huge problem with female clothing requirements for court. While most younger attorneys find a pant suit over a crew-neck top perfectly appropriate and professional, older male judges and career counselors have big big problems with it. I was told to wear a black skirt suit, a button-up blouse, and high heels to interviews and court. Well, modern skirt suits are cut to the top of the knee-cap or shorter, generally, so short skirts happen. Woman's blouses often aren't made with the top three buttons, or you are expected to wear the top three open. If you wear a scarf under the open blouse, most people find it aging, pretentious, or, strangely, inappropriately eye-catching (as a tie of the same color would never be). Flat shoes are deemed unprofessional, as well, so heels, which only sexualize one's posture are a requirement. Then there is make-up, also a requirement, and also only serving to sexualize (reddening lips and widening eyes to simulate arousal). Women can't win until they too are allowed to wear flat shoes, no makeup, and modesty-preserving pant suits. I have a huge problem with female clothing requirements for court. While most younger attorneys find a pant suit over a crew-neck top perfectly appropriate and professional, older male judges and career counselors have big big problems with it. I was told to wear a black skirt suit, a button-up blouse, and high heels to interviews and court. Well, modern skirt suits are cut to the top of the knee-cap or shorter, generally, so short skirts happen. Woman’s blouses often aren’t made with the top three buttons, or you are expected to wear the top three open. If you wear a scarf under the open blouse, most people find it aging, pretentious, or, strangely, inappropriately eye-catching (as a tie of the same color would never be). Flat shoes are deemed unprofessional, as well, so heels, which only sexualize one’s posture are a requirement. Then there is make-up, also a requirement, and also only serving to sexualize (reddening lips and widening eyes to simulate arousal). Women can’t win until they too are allowed to wear flat shoes, no makeup, and modesty-preserving pant suits.

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