You could always bypass this type of article. You don’t look like an awesome person by trying to reprimand LC for posting this up. If you’re not interested, go read stuff that interests you. Bore off.

The reality is that most vac scheme students are stepping into a law firm having received no/minimal income and are a sitting on a modest pile of student debt, and most lawyers appreciate it this. I have no issue with (and almost expect) most vac schemers wearing an ill-fitting suit and shirts with frayed collar etc, polyester ties and faux-leather shoes, possibly even brown leather shoes. If someone wants to wear obviously expensive or ostentatious clothes, that isn’t inherently a bad thing, but it can reflect poor judgment if they stand out for it.

As long as someone knows how not to stand out in a bad way, acts professionally, shows commitment and demonstrates an aptitude for the law, that’s enough.

Those who do most well in our profession are often those who know how to overcome adversity – not just for themselves but also for our clients. A pair of well-worn but polished shoes from Dune/Aldo says much more about a person’s desire and ability to do that than a 21 year old rocking a different Hermes tie each day with Ferragamo loafers. Although that in itself is a slightly superficial assumption, so it really does come down to how they perform on the job.

All that said, my reverence towards junior staff wearing worn out/cheap clothes has its limits. For example, when a 4 PQE turned up to interview with us from and for a US firm paying Cravath scale, wearing a jumper with holes in (no tie/suit), that did p*** me off.

great trolling

Trousers and a blazer (fitted or oversized) works well for a lot of situations, you could wear this with a shirt, blouse, or smart fitted plain t-shirt. Avoid jeans at all costs. Some people go for a midi skirt or dress. Don’t go with anything too short (mid thigh as an absolute minimum) with low necklines, cut outs or spaghetti straps. I’d avoid huge logos, and depending on the firm, loud colours and patterns.

Avoid trainers until you’ve sussed out if anyone else wears trainers. If so, make sure they’re clean, a simple design, and don’t have huge flashy logos. Loafers, mid heels or smart ballet flats are best. You’re fine in a slingback but wouldn’t suggest a mule. Open toed shoes are a no-go. No one wants to see your toes regardless of how recent your pedi is.

You don’t need an expensive bag, a smart backpack or handbag that is big enough to store all your stuff is better than a tiny designer handbag and scruffy tote.

Minimal jewellery is best and everyday makeup won’t look out of place.

Ultimately you want to feel empowered and confident, so don’t wear anything you’re uncomfortable in. You don’t need to spend a lot, no one’s expecting you to rock up in designer gear.

You can’t go wrong with a PP 5140R

Get the highest quality you can afford without breaking the bank

You’ll want two suits: 1 charcoal grey, 1 dark navy blue. Maybe a dark grey (but lighter than charcoal) one as a third option. Go for a plain flat twill wool. Avoid ticket pockets, patterns/designs, peaked lapels and/or skinny lapels. The important thing is that everything fits right: trousers properly hemmed, suit jacket arms not too long, jacket not sitting to high (it should cover the bum), and not too tight but also not way too big. Someone looking like they borrowed their dad’s suit is something that gets talked about in the office.

A few dress shirts, perhaps a rotation of two of each of the following: white, cream, sky blue. No stripes or checks but maybe a simple pattern like herringbone. Doesn’t matter if the shirts are double cuffs or button cuffs, but again, just make sure the shirts fit. Make sure they’re ironed and looking crisp. Dark blue tie, burgundy tie, maybe a tie with a subtle pattern on it (like regimental stripe tie in dark colours). As with the suit lapels, no skinny ties. A few people mentioned these are often ditched. If you keep them on it definitely doesn’t go against you.

Plain black cap toe oxfords. If your suit trousers have belt loops, a black leather belt to match. It’s old fashioned, but the “never wear brown in town” rule is always the safest option. Have a slightly dressy watch, but if you’re minted don’t be a complete see you next Tuesday and show up to the vac scheme with a Rolex or AP. If it has a leather/fabric strap, black to match the shoes/belt.

I’m not well versed in women’s tailoring, but from what I see in the office more or less the same themes generally apply. Subtle dark colours and minimal patterns and well fitting, maybe some more colour and pattern options for shirts than guys but nothing crazy. If you want to wear heels, make sure you can actually walk in them comfortably and not go full Bambi-on-ice in front of partners, or a client, on a tile floor. I witnessed a trainee do that once… the entire room was mortified.

Even if this question has been asked by an LC employee, it will no doubt help one or more real vac schemers who read through the comments, so…

I think it’s best, as some others have said, to dress professionally (but no need to go too far – you won’t need or be expected to wear a three piece). Get yourself a nice pair of trousers and a suit jacket that matches, and buy a few shirts to alternate between for the duration. I think you will understand more once you start the VS anyway, so don’t worry too much about it. Just keep an eye out for what others are wearing and adjust your wardrobe accordingly.

Agree with this other than the watch statement. You don’t need a mega expensive PP or AP but you can buy a decent Omega, Cartier, Tudor, Breightling or Rolex for £3000-£6000 which can make your wrist pop and get the attention of the partners / associates you are trying to impress without being in their face. Watches are always good talking points.

You’ll look like crap but at least non of the partners will mess with you

Tweed is for the weekend only

Full three piece, ideally a top hat but bowler will suffice

Pocket watch and pocket square are compulsory. If your cufflinks are not 24 carat gold get in the bin

Monocle is desirable but not compulsory

Sensible advice for an NQ who wears suits most days (assuming this is city bespoke, ie around £1k, and not top-end savile row, which is over £5k) but mostly over the top for a vac schemer.

Most people in the city wear the 4 for £120 CT non-iron shirts. Similarly a mid-range (CT, M&S or similar) suit (navy/charcoal/mid grey) will look smart. Virtually all trainees and junior associates, and lots of senior associates and partners wear this level of suit. Bespoke usually takes a couple of times to get right and it’s easy to end up with something that looks a bit old fashioned. And in lots of offices, most men will be wearing chinos and a shirt (which is basically just as smart as a suit without a jacket, which is what people who do wear suits tend to default to for most of the day). So bespoke items may end up being mostly unworn.

I agree with the recommendation on shoes though. A good quality pair will be comfortable from the outset, will look good without looking obviously expensive, and will stay looking good and virtually last forever. C&J for example do rubber-soled oxfords which are very durable and where they will replace the sole when worn.

All of this is a response to the above comment but also a digression from the original question…

As per a couple of comments higher up in the thread: wear a suit with a shirt and black shoes. You can wear a tie and will probably find that some people do and some don’t on the first day, and everyone (or nearly everyone) loses them after a couple of days. Over time you’ll get a sense of whether you want to dress down a bit (eg chinos and shirt) or stay in a suit.

Get out before it’s too late.

You’ll thank me for this advice a decade later.

Chill out brother. No one’s interested in your opinion here. Back to your document review now.