When I started my legal career, I thought I had it all figured out. As a litigation associate, my days were filled with depositions, court appearances, and client meetings. But behind the scenes, my wardrobe was a source of stress. I’d spend hours shopping for pieces that didn’t fit, didn’t match, and didn’t reflect the confidence I wanted to project. I thought more clothes would solve the problem—but I was wrong. What I needed was a strategy. That realization led me to pivot from law to personal styling, where I now help female attorneys like you skip the trial and error I went through. I empower women lawyers to align their presence with their ambition, making style strategic, not superficial. In this post, I’ll share the three key lessons I wish I knew back then, so you can build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do—and feel like the powerhouse you are.
1. Create a Plan Before Shopping
Back in my legal days, I’d walk into stores overwhelmed, grabbing anything that looked “professional.” But as a stylist, I now know that a plan is everything. For female lawyers, this means understanding your lifestyle—do you juggle Zoom meetings, court appearances, and networking events? It’s also about knowing your body shape and style goals. Are you aiming for authoritative, approachable, or both? I start by helping my clients identify these factors, so every piece we choose serves a purpose. For example, a solo practitioner I worked with needed outfits for a real estate CLE where she was speaking. We planned two looks—structured for the stage, softer for networking—using versatile pieces like a tailored blazer and statement earrings for easy swaps.
2. Focus on Fit and Tailoring
I used to think off-the-rack suits were fine—they weren’t. Ill-fitting clothes can undermine your credibility, especially in high-stakes settings like court. Now, I prioritize fit and tailoring for my clients. A well-fitted blazer or sheath dress can make you feel unstoppable. For instance, I recently helped an in-house counsel prepare for a week-long executive trip to London. We tailored her navy suit to perfection, ensuring it worked for both meetings and dinners. Tailoring isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident when all eyes are on you. If you’re not sure where to start, find a local tailor and invest in adjusting your key pieces—it’s a game-changer.
3. Curate the Right Items in Your Closet
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that style isn’t about owning more—it’s about owning smarter. Fewer pieces that work together can create more outfits than a closet full of mismatched items. I teach my clients to build a capsule wardrobe where every piece is versatile. Think a tailored blazer, a sheath dress, classic pumps, a statement necklace, and a structured tote. These essentials can take you from Zoom to court with confidence. For example, a healthcare attorney I styled for a conference needed two panel looks. We used a single dress, swapping accessories to shift from day to night, proving that strategic pieces save time and reduce decision fatigue.
Today, I feel more powerful than I ever did in court—and I help my clients feel that too. Style isn’t just about clothes; it’s the signal of your ambition and authority. As a former lawyer turned stylist, I’ve seen how the right wardrobe can transform how you show up and how others perceive you. Whether you’re a litigation associate or a solo practitioner, you deserve to feel confident in every setting. Ready to create your signature attorney style? I’d love to help you build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do. Book a style consultation to start your transformation today. Let’s make your style a powerhouse.
Powerhouse Style 