Lawyers and C-suite executives – What to wear

Welcome to our style guide for attorneys and C-suite executives who maybe struggling to navigate the sartorial demands of the professional world.

In our guide, we provide expert advice on the color and cloths to choose for your suit, the best shirting fabrics to go for, how you can still exude professionalism with a sports blazer, and great suit choices for female attorneys and execs.

We hope our offer insights and tips help you dress for success and craft a wardrobe that delivers the sophistication and authority you want to project at work.

Lawyers and C-suite executives should gravitate towards suits in classic, timeless colors that exude professionalism and authority.

Dark charcoal gray and navy blue are an excellent choice, as they convey a sense of sophistication, reliability, and confidence. These colors are also versatile and command respect in all types professional settings.

Additionally, black suits remain a staple choice for lawyers and executives, particularly for formal occasions or important meetings, where a strong presence is essential. When styled appropriately with crisp shirts, subtle ties, and polished shoes, these classic colors project an image of power and competence.

While traditional colors are the safest options, some lawyers and executives may enjoy choosing a subtle variation such as medium gray or deep burgundy. This can add a touch of personal flair while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.

Ultimately, the key is choosing a fabric colour that reflects authority, professionalism, and impeccable style, something we’re more than happy to help you with at HKT.

As lawyers and senior management executives often travel and work long hours in their suits, it’s critical that their suits are durable and deliver lots of comfort.

For all-day wear and travel, we recommend super 100s to super 130s wool fabrics that are known for their fine texture and lightweight feel. These wool grades strike a balance between resilience and breathability, making them suitable for extended wear and a wide range of climates.

Wool blends incorporating natural fibers like cashmere or silk offer are also an excellent choice because they offer enhanced softness and drape while retaining the benefits of wool, such as moisture-wicking and temperature regulation.

Additionally, high-twist wools are renowned for their wrinkle-resistant properties, maintaining a pressed look for a sharp appearance, and not developing shiny areas. This makes them particularly suitable for business trips or long days sitting down in the office.

Conservative sports jackets for the office offer a perfect blend of professionalism and style, making them a versatile wardrobe staple for business attire.

Opting for classic colors such as navy or charcoal gray, slightly lighter blues or grays, or subtle patterns such as herringbone, windowpane or glen plaid (aka Prince of Wales check) can exude sophistication while maintaining a conservative aesthetic.

Choose jackets with classic tailoring, including structured shoulders and a tailored fit, to ensure a polished look suitable for the office environment. Fabrics like wool or wool blends provide durability and versatility, suitable for year-round wear.

Pair the sports jacket with tailored trousers in complementary tones for a cohesive ensemble, and complete the look with a crisp dress shirt and understated accessories like a silk tie or pocket square.

By embracing conservative sports jackets, legal professionals and C-suite executives can effortlessly elevate their office attire, while still projecting confidence and professionalism in their workplace.

Cotton shirting fabrics are the quintessential choice for office wear because of the comfort, professionalism, and style they offer. But did you know there are a range of cotton shirting fabrics for lawyers and executives to choose from?

Oxford cloth, characterized by its basket-weave structure, presents a refined yet relaxed aesthetic suitable for daily office wear. It’s also super durable and has a wrinkle-resistant quality that makes it a great pick for travel and long office hours.

Poplin, which is known for its smooth finish and crisp feel, exudes sophistication, making it ideal for formal settings. Its lightweight nature ensures breathability, perfect for long days at your desk.

Pinpoint fabric has a finer weave than Oxford cloth and is more durable than poplin, which means it delivers a balance of texture and elegance. Its versatility means it’s an excellent choice for business meetings and more casual appointments.

Herringbone adds subtle visual interest to traditional office shirts. Its diagonal weave creates a distinguished look and strong sturdy fabric. However, it’s important to note that it is prone to wrinkling.

For female attorneys and executives, the suit remains a cornerstone of professional attire; and there are plenty of options to suit individual preferences and styles while maintaining a polished appearance that projects professionalism.

Tailored pantsuits are a classic and versatile choice, and provide comfort and mobility for long days in the office or courtroom. Paired with a tailored blazer, this ensemble exudes confidence and style.

Skirt suits provide a feminine touch while still emanating authority. A well-fitted skirt suit, complemented by a structured suit jacket, offers a sophisticated and elegant look suitable for formal meetings or client consultations.

For a contemporary twist, a dress suit combines the sophistication of a suit with the ease of a dress. A sheath or shift dress paired with a coordinating blazer creates a seamless and sophisticated look that’s perfect for transitioning from the office to after-work events.

Regardless of the style chosen, opting for high-quality fabrics and impeccable tailoring ensures a polished and professional appearance that’s perfect for legal professionals and C-suite executives.

So there you have it, our guide for attorneys and C-suite executives to help you choose the right look for courtroom or office. We hope it proves helpful and inspires you to dress your best for work.

But if you’re still unsure about what to choose for your next custom made suit, shirt, or sports blazer, please use the link below to book a style consultation at HKT. We’d love to hear from you.