Can You Pull Off a Herringbone Vest with a Pencil Skirt in a Law Firm Setting?
Creating a professional yet stylish look for the law firm setting can be quite a task. It’s not just about wearing a suit; it’s about wearing it well. As women, we often grapple with the choice of choosing formal attire that allows us to express our individual style, while maintaining the strict dress codes that come with working in such high-stakes environments. This article aims to explore an unconventional yet professional ensemble – pairing a herringbone vest with a pencil skirt. Can this work for a law firm setting? Let’s find out.
The Herringbone Vest: A Touch of Androgyny
Herringbone vests are most commonly associated with men’s apparel, often seen as part of a three-piece suit. However, incorporating this piece into a woman’s wardrobe can add a layer of sophistication and a touch of androgyny that’s totally on-trend. They are usually made from wool, a material known for its durability and warmth, making them ideal for the colder months.
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When choosing a herringbone vest, opt for shades of gray or black. These colors lend themselves well to the professional environment, and they pair nicely with a variety of shirt colors. Pair your vest with a well-fitted, crisp white or light blue shirt for a classic look. Avoid overly bright or patterned shirts as they may clash with the herringbone pattern of the vest.
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The Pencil Skirt: Sleek and Professional
The pencil skirt is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, particularly those working in corporate settings. Its sleek silhouette and versatility make it an ideal piece for the law firm environment. It’s the kind of piece that screams ‘business’, yet leaves room for personal style expression.
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A pencil skirt in black or navy blue is a safe and versatile choice. These colors are universally flattering and exude professionalism. They also pair well with the preferred colors for the herringbone vest. When choosing a shirt to wear with the pencil skirt, consider sticking to neutral colors or soft pastels for a feminine touch.
Coordinating the Outfit: Finding Balance
Pairing a herringbone vest with a pencil skirt is all about finding balance. The androgynous style of the vest is contrasted by the femininity of the pencil skirt, creating an interesting dynamic. The trick is to ensure that one does not overpower the other.
Consider the color and pattern of the vest when selecting your skirt. If the vest is dark and patterned, opt for a solid, lighter colored skirt, and vice versa. This helps to create a balance and prevents the outfit from looking too busy. You can add a tie or a casual scarf for a more refined look.
Accessorizing Correctly: The Finishing Touches
Accessorizing is the final step in creating a cohesive and professional outfit. It’s the cherry on top of your style cake. For a law firm setting, it’s best to keep accessories minimal and classy.
Wear a simple, elegant watch and stick with small, understated earrings. You could also add a long, delicate necklace for a touch of femininity. When it comes to shoes, either a pair of black or nude pumps would work perfectly. They are classic, elegant, and they complement the pencil skirt beautifully. If you want to add a little personality to your outfit, consider a pair of statement heels in a bold color or with unique detailing.
Tailoring is Key: Fitting it Right
An outfit can have all the elements in place – right colors, appropriate style, matching accessories – but if it’s not tailor-fitted to your body, it would still fall flat. To make your herringbone vest and pencil skirt ensemble truly outstanding, pay careful attention to the fit.
The vest should be comfortable, yet snug enough to show off your figure without being overly tight. It should also be long enough to cover your waistband but not so long that it overwhelms your frame. As for the pencil skirt, it should sit at your natural waist and skim your hips and thighs. The length should fall just at or below the knee for the most professional look.
Tailoring your outfit not only makes it look better, but it also makes you feel more confident and comfortable – and when you’re comfortable, it shines through in your demeanor and the way you carry yourself.
The Art of Layering: Wool Coat and Suit Jacket
The art of layering is crucial when creating a professional outfit. When pairing a herringbone vest with a pencil skirt, the option of adding an outer layer like a wool coat or a suit jacket can provide the finishing touch to your outfit. This concept is not just applicable during the cold season, but it also enhances the overall look by adding a layer of complexity and depth.
A wool coat or a suit jacket can add a level of formality required in a law firm setting. Choose a coat that compliments your vest and skirt. For instance, if you have opted for a light gray herringbone vest and a black pencil skirt, a black or navy blue wool coat would be a suitable choice. The same rule applies if you’re considering a suit jacket.
There are a few things to remember when layering. Your wool coat or suit jacket should not be too bulky – it should be lightweight and comfortable, allowing room for movement. The jacket’s sleeves should be an appropriate length, ending right at the base of your thumb when your arms are relaxed at your sides. A double-breasted jacket adds a touch of elegance and can be an excellent choice for formal settings.
For the underlayers, the rule is pretty straightforward – your dress shirt should always be lighter than your vest. So, if you’re wearing a black or navy blue herringbone vest, a light blue or white dress shirt would be perfect. Remember to tuck in your shirt neatly into your pencil skirt for a clean, professional look.
Adding Personality: Pocket Square and Tie
Accessories can be the most expressive parts of your outfit, allowing your personality to shine through. In a business casual setting, a pocket square and a tie can be unconventional, yet stylish additions to your ensemble.
A pocket square is typically associated with men’s suits, but it can also add a unique detail to a woman’s vest. Opt for a silk pocket square in a color that complements your outfit. Remember, it’s an accessory meant to add a touch of personality, not to overpower your look.
A tie, whether conventional or a bow tie, can add a formal and structured look to the outfit. Stick to neutral colors like black or navy blue or go for a subtle pattern that matches your outfit. Do remember that the tie should reach your waistband and not go beyond.
Conclusion: Striking the Balance
Pairing a herringbone vest with a pencil skirt in a law firm setting is indeed feasible and can offer a fresh take on business casual attire. It’s a delicate balancing act between adhering to the dress code and expressing individual style.
The key is to stick to neutral and universally flattering colors like navy blue, black, and grays. Opt for high-quality materials like wool for your vest and coat, and a well-tailored, crisp dress shirt to go underneath. Pay attention to the fit of each element – from your vest to your pencil skirt, and even your suit jacket or wool coat.
When accessorizing, make sure you tread lightly. A simple, elegant watch, small earrings, and a delicate necklace can add just the right amount of shine. Keep your shoes classic and comfortable, but don’t shy away from making a statement with some unique details.
Remember, the goal is not merely to fit into the law firm setting, but to do so with confidence and style. So, go ahead and experiment with that herringbone vest and pencil skirt. With the right combinations, you’re all set to make a stylish impact in your professional sphere.