What are the rules of lawyer fashion?

By: August 31, 2012

We ask two of the most stylish lawyers we could find

Style 2012

Anne-Karine (Anneka) Dabo is in her third year at McGill and summered at Torys LLP. She (below) wears a trench coat by Brooks Brothers, $435. Grey pinstripe suit by Brooks Brothers, $435 (blazer), $250 (pants). Shoes by Nine West, $110. Briefcase by Roots, $398. Silk scarf by Banana Republic, $74. Pearl earrings, model’s own.

Fabian Abele is entering his third year at Western and summered at Bennett Jones LLP. He (below) wears a coat by Canali, $1350, from Harry Rosen. Suit by Boss Black, $998, from Harry Rosen. Shirt by Boss Black, $195, from Harry Rosen. Tie by Canali, $145, from Harry Rosen. Shoes by Ferragamo, from Harry Rosen. Briefcase by Brooks Brothers, $875.
Anneka Dabo, Fabian Abele


The Laws of Style: For Her

Anneka on personal style: “I would describe my style as funky classic. I like to try new things and I like to experiment, but I’ll only go so far. There are certain things I just won’t wear.”

1. Get the whole set.
When investing in a suit, buy all the parts: jacket, pencil skirt, pants and even the matching sheath dress. they’ll carry you through the seasons and be your fundamental wardrobe building blocks. Grey and navy are safest, but black can work if you like a more dramatic look.

2. Err on the side of conservative.
When it comes to fashion (and pretty much everything else), most law firms are fairly traditional places. so if you find yourself wondering, “is this too tight?” “is this too short?” or “is this too low?” the answer is probably “Yes.”

3. Inject some colour.
Despite rule #2, looking like a lawyer doesn’t have to be a total sartorial snoozefest. Add a pop of colour with tops and accessories. Blouses with subtle prints liven up a skirt or pantsuit. toss in a scarf in this season’s orange or graphic prints.

4. Put your best foot forward.
Stock up on closed-toe, mid-heel (two to three-and-a-half inch) black pumps. Anything higher is tacky, not to mention painful, and anything lower is a little too casual. Can you get away with a peep-toe? Look to the most senior woman at the firm and follow her lead.

5. Go beyond Banana.
Decrease your chances of becoming accidental outfit twins by skipping Banana Republic. Try J. Crew, Judith & Charles or Brooks Brothers — all ship to Canada if you’re a fan of online shopping.

Anneka Dabo

Anneka wears a suit by Judith & Charles, $425 (jacket), $250 (pants). Blouse by Judith & Charles, $250. Shoes by Nine West, $110. Briefcase by Roots, $398. Pearl earrings, model’s own.


The Laws of Style: For Him

Fabian on ties: “I’ve had a lot of people compliment my tie knots — I’m a full Windsor guy.”

1. Fit is everything.
It doesn’t matter how high-end your clothes are if they don’t look or feel right on you. either get your suits and shirts altered right at the store where you buy them or find a tailor you trust.

2. Avoid black.
Unless you want to look like an undertaker, that is. Buy one suit in dark grey and one in navy. For a third suit, add a little patterned flair by choosing a chalk stripe or an understated check.

3. Spend on shoes.
Feet are for life, so don’t skimp. Invest in two pairs: black and brown. Both should be classic cap-toe lace-ups with a toe that is neither too round nor too square. To make up for your shoe splurge, cut corners on shirts, ties and pocket squares. Check out Winners or dig into the sale bin at a department store.

4. Choose your fabrics wisely.
Buy suits in lightweight wools that will carry you through at least three seasons. Walk away from the linen, which only works in summer and will have you slaving over an ironing board.

5. Stick with trusted stores.
Go to Harry Rosen or Brooks Brothers where you’ll get the trifecta of good quality: Clothes, service and expertise. Harry Rosen even offers free maintenance and repair for the lifetime of each garment.

Fabian Abele

Fabian wears a suit by Boss Black, $998, from Harry Rosen. Shirt by Boss Black, $195, from Harry Rosen. Belt by Brooks Brothers, $114. Tie by J.P. Tilford, $110, from Harry Rosen. Pocket square by Brooks Brothers, $44.


Web exclusive

Check out some outtakes from the fashion shoot!

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Hit the books

Our exclusive fashion shoot took place at the Toronto Lawyers Association’s Courthouse Library. The library is a marvel of ‘60s retro architecture at 361 University Avenue. TLA member- ship is free for articling students and new calls.

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