A Colourful Guide For Dressing To Impress
By Dorsa Lotfazar
- 2024-2025 Issue
As a law student, building a professional wardrobe is an essential step, and one that can look different for everyone. Ideally, though, your wardrobe should strike the perfect balance between professionalism, comfort, and sophistication. But does dressing professionally mean you have to lose your personal flair? Absolutely not! Here’s a guide to selecting pieces that communicate professionalism and comfort—plus a touch of colour psychology to help you make a lasting impression.
Fabric
We all know that as law students, a well-fitted blazer is an excellent investment. But have you ever really thought about the fabric? Fabric is the true foundation of any outfit—think of it as the canvas of your masterpiece. It sets the tone before colours and accessories even come into play. Forget brand names for a moment; fabric is where the real magic happens. When you’re sitting through a lengthy interview, the last thing you want is to feel like you’re being squeezed by your clingy ex. Look for fabrics that give you a bit of stretch and are relatively breathable. Of course, this gets trickier when you’re in warmer weather. To avoid that dreaded underarm situation, look for mixed fabrics like cotton or linen blended with viscose—it’ll keep you looking sharp without breaking a sweat. And don’t overlook the inner lining; a breathable lining can be the difference between all-day comfort and counting down the minutes to escape the interview.
Beyond comfort, fabric quality affects the look and longevity of your wardrobe. When shopping for blazers or other key pieces, pay attention to whether the fabric is prone to wrinkles—some materials look wrinkled even on the hanger at the store, which will only worsen with wear. Choosing wrinkle-resistant fabrics can keep you looking polished all day. And if you do pick a piece that’s prone to creasing, consider investing in a quality steamer, especially if you hate ironing! It’s a simple way to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and professional.
The Secret Power of colour Psychology
Colour psychology is the study of how colours impact our emotions and behaviour. It is a powerful tool that marketers use to attract attention, and designers use to evoke our emotions. There is a growing body of research that shows colours can even influence our heart rate, blood pressure, appetite, respiration and hormones. Whether these reactions are a result of natural instincts or cultural associations, there’s no denying that colour subtly shapes how we move through the world. So it’s worth considering what each hue might convey. At the very least, it’s fun to think about! Taking inspiration from www.colourpsychology.org let’s take a closer look at what different colours in your professional wardrobe might communicate and how they may influence people’ perceptions of you.
Blue
In the realm of colour psychology, blue strikes the perfect balance between trustworthiness, calmness, and reliability. Known for its soothing effects, blue can even help lower heart rates and slow metabolism, creating a sense of composure—qualities that set it apart from more energizing colours like red. Its association with loyalty and sincerity makes it a staple choice for professional environments. According to colour psychology, darker shades of blue help enhance problem-solving abilities and decision-making processes, while lighter blues are believed to support attention to detail. This versatility makes blue an excellent choice for interviews or important meetings. A classic navy suit, in particular, is a timeless staple but no one is promising it will magically transform you into the epitome of trustworthiness. Nevertheless, wearing blue is a solid, non-flashy option that subtly conveys trust and professionalism.
Black
Black is the colour of both sophistication and mystery, and let’s be real, a little bit of melancholy. According to colour psychology, black is associated with elegance and formality; it’s also one of the most versatile colours in your wardrobe, and perfect for the courtroom. Think of black as your professional armor; it radiates strength and authority, making it a staple for blazers, suits, and pants. Black’s serious reputation is a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s tied to power and prestige, but it can also come across as a bit depressing if you go too heavy. The trick? Use black as your strong base and inject a little life with an accent colour—a subtle tie, a cheerful pocket square, or tasteful jewelry. A hint of colour keeps black looking sharp and powerful without feeling heavy, making you look confident rather than somber.
Grey
Gray is the quiet powerhouse of the professional wardrobe, and one that pairs well with almost any other colour. It also complements most skin tones and both mature and young faces. Often viewed as neutral and impartial, gray embodies the art of balance, sitting comfortably between black and white without stealing the spotlight. From a colour psychology perspective, it’s the colour of conformity and settlement—steady, unemotional, and unresponsive—but there’s more to it than meets the eye. While gray can appear dull or exhausting, it also exudes maturity, intellect, and modesty, making it a favorite for those who value a safe, balanced existence. At the same time, it can make you stand out among black and blue suits without being too informal. A gray suit pairs well with a variety of shirts and ties, making it great for business and formal events.
White
Known for its calming and hopeful energy, white can bring a sense of comfort by decluttering your look and mindset. When styled thoughtfully, white radiates sophistication and is the perfect choice for a crisp, polished look. But tread carefully: too much white risks crossing into sterile territory, leaving your outfit feeling more isolating than inspiring. An all-white suit, for example, is best avoided in interviews or court, where it may feel overly bold for traditional settings. That said, if you’re in a creative field or work at a less conservative firm, a creamy or off-white suit can exude confidence and modernity. And let’s not forget the ultimate wardrobe staple: a crisp white shirt or blouse is timeless, versatile, and pairs effortlessly with any blazer or suit colour, making it a smart, long-term investment for any professional wardrobe.
Brown
In your professional wardrobe, brown is a colour that makes an impact without demanding attention. Its earthy tones are often associated with resilience, seriousness, and a grounded demeanor. Those drawn to brown are often self-assured, respectful, and unshakeable—qualities that can sometimes be mistaken for arrogance but are rooted in high self-esteem and a firm sense of self-respect. According to colour psychology, most people feel safe around people wearing brown because they represent stability, reliance, and support. It has this quiet authority that feels approachable. This makes a dark brown suit an excellent choice for court, interviews, or formal events, projecting wisdom and professionalism with understated strength.
Green
According to colour psychology, green is a symbol of health, freshness, growth, and harmony. Like blue, it has a calming effect and can even slow metabolism, creating a sense of ease and balance. A dark green suit might feel like a daring investment, but when styled right, it can make you stand out. But if a full green suit feels a bit too bold, green works beautifully as an accent colour—a rich green tie or even a subtle olive green blouse can add a refreshing touch to your look. Green usually complements traditional suit colours but also brings a sense of vitality, which makes it great for professional settings where you want to stand out in a polished way.
Accent Colours
Adding a little flair doesn’t mean loading up on every colour in the rainbow. Accent colours can be a sneaky way to express your personality and liven up an outfit, even if it’s subtle. A burgundy tie can inject a little life into a neutral suit without screaming, “I’m here to rebel.” For accessories, keep it polished yet subtle: statement watches, classic bags, or shoes can elevate an outfit without overwhelming it. Accessories are meant to enhance, not distract. For example, simple earrings or a tasteful ring can all add sophistication. Statement necklaces or chunky bracelets might be tempting, but they can be distracting, especially for court.
Shoes
Shoes might not be the first thing on your mind, but they can say a lot about your attention to detail so always clean your shoes before an important interview. Polished black or brown leather shoes, or closed toe pumps and loafers tend to work best—cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternatives to leather are even better! More importantly, you don’t want to be limping around in new heels or stiff oxfords by the end of the day so forget those heels if you feel uncomfortable with them. Lastly, remember that open toed shoes or sandals are a strict “No!” for the courtroom.
Other Tips
Remember, it’s hard to radiate confidence when you’re focused on a collar that’s too tight or shoes that pinch. Your clothes are there to serve you! So always pick clothes that you feel comfortable in. Finally, remember that while it’s essential to respect the norms of the legal field, don’t feel like you have to erase your personality. The goal is to show the firm who you are as a person, not just as a prospective lawyer. You’re not just another applicant; you’re you! So if wearing a bracelet with sentimental value reminds you of why you’re pursuing law, or if wearing a pop of colour in your tie makes you feel more confident, go for it!
Ready For A Fun Twist?
Throughout this semester, we turned to social media to ask uOttawa law students who they think is the best-dressed law professor at uOttawa law school. After gathering 55 anonymous responses, the results are in and here’s how the votes stacked up:
- Professor Jane Bailey, claimed the top spot with a wave of enthusiastic praise for her style.
- Sharing second place were Professors Graham Mayeda and Jena McGill, both highly admired for their style.
- Rounding out the top three is Professor Doug Sarro, whose style clearly made a lasting impression on the voters.
Thank you for voting and being part of this conversation about fashion at uOttawa Law! Whether you’re inspired by these professors or this guide, remember that dressing to impress is as much about confidence as it is about clothes. Now go rock your wardrobe in that job interview, courtroom, or wherever the law takes you!