‘What do I wear on my vac scheme?’

Dear Legal Cheek,

Stop pretending someone seriously sent this question in. This question has been asked hundreds of times before. It’s so obvious someone in your team wrote this lol. Perhaps go back to reporting about the SQE and the “city pay war”!

Easy. Get yourself down to Savile Row and get some proper clothes. When the offers come rolling in you’ll see the return on your investment.

You should invest in two made to measure / bespoke suits, a couple of nice shirts, and a decent pair of oxford (£300-500).

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

Burberry baseball cap, Stone Island top (get that badge in) designer jeans, Adidas Gazelle’s

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

Fake question or not from LC, still a good topic. My City firm expects work experience/vac scheme students and trainees to be presentable to clients, as being brought along to client meetings, mediations, court visits etc are fantastic training opportunities. This is what “presentable to clients” looks like:

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.

Not brown shoes with a blue suit – that’s for sure!

Take a look at the firm’s website to get a feel for the vibe.

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.

In my vac scheme, the men wore suit, no tie, every day (the women wore the same or equivalent — I’m not too knowledgeable on the nomenclature. Both dresses and suits were worn). This was not because it was a requirement at all, but we were apprehensive and business formal-ish is easier to style than business casual. I turned up in business casual on one of the days but as I was the only one, went back to the suit. No one had a problem with the business casual outfit. The dress code at the firm was business casual (unless you have a client meeting/going to court). You will not be judged for what you wear but chances are you will feel more comfortable wearing what the other vac schemers are wearing and playing it safe. Please don’t spend too much money on clothes/ use what you have if you already have a suit . The associates and partners are aware you are on a student budget and are not judging you on your fashion. As long as you look presentable and act professionally, they’re looking for your potential at being a lawyer. Taylor made not necessary, it just needs to fit you so don’t wear something twice your size or from when you were 14. Zara have brilliant suits for a budget, and you can do with just one as long as you switch the shirts. Overall, you will be apprehensive about fitting in and about what people think of your appearance. The other vac schemers will feel the exact same, so they will pay attention to whether their outfits look good enough, not yours. If you do want to wear a more formal tie, that is also fine — this will not be held against you either way. Success in vac scheme= be nice, respectful, excited to be there and good at the tasks they give you.