When it comes to dressing for success while working at a law firm, the general rules about business attire come to mind.  But how should attorneys, especially new hires, dress during the hot summer months when wearing a black or dark blue suit feels like the equivalent of torture not to mention it’s quite unfashionable. Below are a few tips on how attorneys can continue to put forth their best professional image while staying cool during the summer months.

1. The first thing you want to do is become familiar with the company’s official policy regarding dress code and also take a look at how that policy is actually adhered to by long-term workers.  You don’t want to dress in a way that would suggest that you’re attempting to buck the policy or the norms practiced by current workers.
2. Choose fabrics which are conducive to keeping you cool. Cotton and linens are great choices for the summer months. If you’re wearing a suit with a blazer or jacket, make sure you have a blouse or shirt which is light and airy so that you won’t burn up when outside of the office during lunch or after hours.  All fabrics worn should be opaque, others should not be able to see through the fabric.
3. While it is preferable to wear light colors during the summer months, if you’re working in a law firm you want to avoid “neon” type colors and wear more muted colors such as tan and beige.
4. Hosiery and socks should also be made of breathable fabric. Women may even prefer to wear knee-high hosiery as long as they are wearing a skirt/dress or pants which conceals the fact that they are knee-highs.  Men should consider wearing thin cotton socks.