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The Lawyer Starter Kit: What to Wear in 7 Practice Areas (FLJ Picks)

The lawyer starter kit: navy blazer, red tote, cat eye sunglasses and slingback heels

flj picks · chosen by the Fashion Law Journal editors. Prices and stock change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy.

Every practice area has a uniform, even if nobody writes it down. The criminal lawyer in black, the M&A partner in navy, the IP lawyer who looks like she could be a designer’s friend. We built a starter kit for seven of them, with every piece available on Amazon in the US.

Jump to your practice area: fashion lawyer, criminal lawyer, corporate and M&A lawyer, IP and trademark lawyer, maritime lawyer, personal injury lawyer, family lawyer.

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the fashion lawyer starter kit

Fashion lawyers spend as much time in showrooms and design studios as in offices, so the uniform leans editorial: a sharp blazer, one loud bag and something gold.

  • 01Happy Sailed Long Sleeve Open Front Blazer

    Happy Sailed

    Long Sleeve Open Front Blazer

    The boyfriend cut you can throw over a slip dress, jeans or a suit trouser. Fashion law runs on meetings with creatives, and this reads smart without trying.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02Italian leather Large Slouchy Tote in Red

    Italian leather

    Large Slouchy Tote in Red

    The one loud piece. Big enough for a laptop, a trademark file and a sample you were sent to review.

    shop on amazon →
  • 0314k gold Classic Polished Round Hoops

    14k gold

    Classic Polished Round Hoops

    Real 14k gold, small enough for a client meeting, shiny enough for a show.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04DREAM PAIRS Slingback Kitten Pointed Toe Pumps

    DREAM PAIRS

    Slingback Kitten Pointed Toe Pumps

    A kitten heel you can actually walk a fashion week venue in. The bow does the talking.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05Joopin Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

    Joopin

    Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

    For the walk between showrooms. Also hides the look you give a counterfeit.

    shop on amazon →

the criminal lawyer starter kit

Criminal practice means early mornings, long lists and a courtroom that expects conservative dress. Black, structured, and comfortable enough for a full day on your feet.

  • 01suiting Women's Two Piece Pant Suit

    suiting

    Women’s Two Piece Pant Suit

    Court wants conservative. A black two-piece is the safest thing you can wear in front of a judge, and it never photographs badly outside the courthouse.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02Steve Madden Long Oversized Lapel Trench Coat

    Steve Madden

    Long Oversized Lapel Trench Coat

    Courthouse steps, rain, a long day of hearings. The trench covers all of it.

    shop on amazon →
  • 03STANLEY Transit Flip Top Mug, 16 oz

    STANLEY

    Transit Flip Top Mug, 16 oz

    Holds coffee hot through a full morning list. Leak-proof, so it can live in your trial bag.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04Nine West Astoria Block Heel Pump

    Nine West

    Astoria Block Heel Pump

    Block heel, closed toe, comfortable enough for long corridors and standing to address the court.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05LOVEVOOK Laptop Tote Bag, 15.6 inch

    LOVEVOOK

    Laptop Tote Bag, 15.6 inch

    Separate compartments for the laptop, the bundle and the snacks you’ll need at 4pm.

    shop on amazon →

the corporate and M&A lawyer starter kit

Deal lawyers live in boardrooms and data rooms, then go straight to a closing dinner. Navy tailoring, a little satin and a briefcase that says you brought the signature pages.

  • 01Simplee Double Breasted Navy Blazer

    Simplee

    Double Breasted Navy Blazer

    Navy reads boardroom without the full black-suit seriousness. Works over a blouse or a fine knit.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02satin Long Sleeve Button Down Blouse

    satin

    Long Sleeve Button Down Blouse

    The champagne satin that makes a closing dinner look planned.

    shop on amazon →
  • 03Banuce Italian Full Grain Leather Briefcase

    Banuce

    Italian Full Grain Leather Briefcase

    A real briefcase for deal docs and a 14 inch laptop. Ages well, like a good precedent.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04DREAM PAIRS Pointed Toe Nude Pumps

    DREAM PAIRS

    Pointed Toe Nude Pumps

    Nude pumps lengthen everything and go with every suit colour in the wardrobe.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05LAMY Safari Fountain Pen

    LAMY

    Safari Fountain Pen

    For the signing ceremony. Nobody remembers who brought the free hotel pen.

    shop on amazon →

the IP and trademark lawyer starter kit

IP lawyers work with designers, founders and brands, so the dress code is smart but creative. A crisp shirt, wide trousers and a notebook you’ll actually fill.

  • 01Amazon Essentials Women's Oversized-Fit Poplin Shirt

    Amazon Essentials

    Women’s Oversized-Fit Poplin Shirt

    IP is the most creative corner of law. A crisp oversized white shirt says that and still passes a client meeting.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02BTFBM High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers

    BTFBM

    High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers

    Wide leg, high waist, pleats. Pairs with the white shirt and with loafers.

    shop on amazon →
  • 03BERNY Small Gold Oval Watch

    BERNY

    Small Gold Oval Watch

    A dainty gold watch for the person who logs every filing deadline.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04Cole Haan Stassi Soft Loafer

    Cole Haan

    Stassi Soft Loafer

    Polished black leather loafers for long days at the desk and quick dashes to a client.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled

    Moleskine

    Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled

    For sketching the mark, drafting the spec and noting the date you first used it.

    shop on amazon →

the maritime lawyer starter kit

Shipping, ports and charterparties. We couldn’t resist going full nautical: a peacoat, Breton stripes, white linen and the boat shoe.

  • 01Majdan Double Breasted Short Peacoat

    Majdan

    Double Breasted Short Peacoat

    The original naval coat, so obviously it’s the maritime lawyer’s. Warm enough for a windy port.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02Glamaker Striped Boat Neck Top

    Glamaker

    Striped Boat Neck Top

    Breton stripes for the practice area that literally deals with ships. Under the peacoat or on its own.

    shop on amazon →
  • 03Fancysters Wide Leg Linen Pants

    Fancysters

    Wide Leg Linen Pants

    White linen for the harbour-side lunch after the charterparty is signed.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04Sperry Slimboat Leather Boat Shoe

    Sperry

    Slimboat Leather Boat Shoe

    The boat shoe, made sleeker. Non-negotiable for this kit.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05Whaline Striped Canvas Tote

    Whaline

    Striped Canvas Tote

    Navy and white stripes for a beach day, a dock visit or the gym after work.

    shop on amazon →

the personal injury lawyer starter kit

Personal injury work is client visits, depositions and a lot of driving. The kit is about comfort that still looks professional when you walk into someone’s living room.

  • 01Calvin Klein One Button Lux Blazer

    Calvin Klein

    One Button Lux Blazer

    Personal injury lawyers meet clients in offices, hospitals and homes. A grey blazer is approachable and still professional.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02Lee Ultra Lux Comfort Straight Leg Trouser

    Lee

    Ultra Lux Comfort Straight Leg Trouser

    Comfort stretch for a day of client visits, depositions and driving between them.

    shop on amazon →
  • 03Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

    Owala

    FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

    Big, leak-proof, and it fits a car cup holder. You’ll be on the road a lot.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Daily Sneaker

    Cole Haan

    Grand Crosscourt Daily Sneaker

    Clean white leather sneakers for the days you’re walking a site or visiting clients.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05befen Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag

    befen

    Genuine Leather Crossbody Bag

    Hands free for files, a phone and a coffee. RFID lining is a bonus.

    shop on amazon →

the family lawyer starter kit

Family law clients are often having the worst year of their lives. The look here is soft, warm and calm, with enough polish for court.

  • 01PRETTYGARDEN Chunky Knit Open Front Cardigan

    PRETTYGARDEN

    Chunky Knit Open Front Cardigan

    Family law is the most human practice there is. A soft knit says you’re someone people can talk to.

    shop on amazon →
  • 02GRACE KARIN Pleated Midi Skirt

    GRACE KARIN

    Pleated Midi Skirt

    Smart enough for court, gentle enough for a mediation. Swishes nicely too.

    shop on amazon →
  • 03befen Soft Leather Slouchy Tote

    befen

    Soft Leather Slouchy Tote

    A roomy, softly structured tote for files and tissues. Yes, you’ll need both.

    shop on amazon →
  • 04Amazon Essentials Square Toe Mary Jane Flat

    Amazon Essentials

    Square Toe Mary Jane Flat

    Flat, polished and quiet on a courthouse floor.

    shop on amazon →
  • 05Belacqua Akoya Cultured Pearl Studs

    Belacqua

    Akoya Cultured Pearl Studs

    Real Akoya pearls. Calm, classic, never wrong.

    shop on amazon →

Pick your kit, swap one piece for something you already own, and you’re dressed for the job you have, or the one you want.

quick answers

What should a new lawyer wear to work?

Start with a well-fitting blazer in black or navy, tailored trousers or a midi skirt, a plain blouse or shirt, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Add personality through one bag or accessory, then adjust to your practice area and office.

What do lawyers wear to court?

Conservative business dress: a dark suit, a plain shirt or blouse and polished closed-toe shoes. Check the local rules and the judge’s preferences, as they vary between courts.

Can fashion lawyers dress more creatively?

Usually, yes. Fashion lawyers work closely with designers and brands, so offices tend to allow more expression, such as a statement bag or bolder tailoring, while client-facing days still call for polish.

more flj picks: see every edit

FASHION LAW JOURNAL INSIDER

Join designers, brand founders and fashion lawyers who get the biggest brand battles, IP fights and career moves in fashion law, straight to their inbox.

Anuj Kumar

Anuj Kumar is a lawyer, author of a book on Fashion Law, and founder and Editor-in-Chief of Fashion Law Journal and Legal Desire Media (est. 2012).

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