First impressions

For interviews, a suit is essential. Guys should stick to a monochromatic palette. Try a navy or dark grey suit with a lighter coloured shirt and a coordinated tie. Ladies can look for suits with contemporary cuts (think: a boyfriend blazer, slim pants) and tops that have feminine flair.

On Richard Ha: Shirt, $98, suit, $1,100, and briefcase, $975, Brooks Brothers. Tie, $40, Hudson Room, at Hudson’s Bay. Belt, Richard’s own. Pocket square, stylist’s own.
On Rebecca Lockwood: Blazer, $425, and cropped trousers, $275, Judith & Charles. Top, $95, Banana Republic Monogram, and earrings, $50, Banana Republic. Watch, Michele, $595, at Hudson’s Bay. Heels, $175, Sam Edelman, at Town Shoes. Bag, $398, MICHAEL Michael Kors.

A Bright Future

To nail an office-appropriate look, choose classic pieces with a modern twist. Staple separates, like a button-front shirt and pencil skirt, transformed by today’s popular shades and must-have prints, provide major mileage. Wear them together or with neutrals without a whiff of stodginess.

Rebecca Lockwood is a 3L at Osgoode Hall Law School where she is also a program coordinator for Pro Bono Students Canada. This past summer, Rebecca worked at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.

Blouse, $95, ring, $45, and necklace, $55, Banana Republic. Skirt, $88, flats, $98, Ann Taylor. Watch, $240, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and tights, $16, Hue, at Hudson’s Bay.

Vested Interests

With the pants-and-dress-shirt combo in heavy rotation it pays to mix textures together. Aim to contrast hearty fabrics like woolen plaid with more refined elements such as a silk tie and glossy leather brogues. Earn extra points for considering a vest, which delivers instant polish.

Richard Ha, a 3L at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law, just completed a summer with Goodmans. This fall, he’ll resume his role as teaching assistant for a first-year public law class.

Shirt, $55, Gap. Vest, $185, Banana Republic Monogram, and pants, $198, Banana Republic Heritage. Eyewear, $685, Mykita Mylon, at Josephson Opticians. Watch, $1,395, Burberry, at Hudson’s Bay. Tie, $90, Brooks Brothers. Shoes, $234, Cole Haan, at Town Shoes.

Night Moves

What does firm-approved cocktail attire look like? Opt for something dark and tastefully dramatic. Women: start with a day dress in a rich hue; finish with heels and delicately sparkling accessories. Men, you can’t go wrong in a tailored black suit — but use a striking tie to up the style ante. Try a tie clip as a special touch.

On Rebecca: Dress, $124, Banana Republic. Earrings, $24, Cocoa Jewelry. Ring, $650, Anzie, at Holt Renfrew. Heels, $140, Nine West. Belt, stylist’s own.
On Richard: Suit, $1,250, Burberry London, at Holt Renfrew. Shirt, $98, and tie, $92, Brooks Brothers. Tie clip, $50, Banana Republic. Shoes, Richard’s own.

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Behind-the-scenes pics from the fashion shoot!