J. Crew for the legal industry? The short answer is yes. For lawyers their new winter line is full of great pieces for Fridays and weekend office visits, for law students (almost) an entire wardrobe can be built out of their classic look.

For lawyers their new winter line is full of great pieces for Fridays and weekend office visits, for law students (almost) an entire wardrobe can be built out of their classic look.

It was not long ago I would have laughed at anyone who suggested J. Crew and lawyers could go together. It seemed as if they were trying marry Eddie Bauer to Express for Men. The result was they were in no man’s land. I had just about written J. Crew off completely before stumbling into a store recently. What I found surprised me. They still have many of the off the wall sweaters and cardigans, but they also have a number of perfect pieces for the right occasion. The last bit being key. You need to be careful when going into a store like J. Crew. Much of what they sale is not appropriate for a lawyer to wear under any circumstance. The requirements for young lawyers and law students are different, here is what I recommend for each:

Law Students

• Sport Coat. The best option is their Washed Corduroy Sport. This coat, which costs around $100, can become a workhorse for three long years of law school events. The brown color allows it to easily be worn with either khakis or jeans. Perfect for Thursday night bar review, a date with a classmate, or showing up at a death penalty debate. Be careful when wearing it to class, if your classmates do not typically wear sportcoats to class, wearing this one is a recipe for getting called upon. Also consider the Washed Wool Herringbone Sportcoat (described below in the products for lawyers).
• Shirts. Law students do not need a bunch of dress shirts, but they do need a solid supply of long sleeve button up shirts. J. Crew is probably the best bet for casual button ups. They have a shocking variety of styles and patterns to chose, and the $60 price is somewhat reasonable. I suggest sticking with their oxfords. These can be easily paired with jeans or khakis, and then layered for whatever is occasion is appropriate.

Young Lawyers

• Sport Coats. The Washed Wool Herringbone Sportcoat, which retails for about $250, should be considered for colder climates, and offices that do not require suits on Friday. The English wool is going to be fairly heavy making it good for winter, bad for the rest of the year. Like the cordouroy described above, this sportcoat can easily be dressed up or down as the occasion requires. The style is classic with notch lapels, three button closure, and back vent.
• Top Coat. Sticking with the Herribone theme, J. Crew’s topcoat is not much different in design than the sportcoat described above. There is nothing fancy to it, and that is just what a young lawyer needs in their topcoat. The $350 price is no bargain and do not get a topcoat until many other more important pieces are in your wardrobe.

What to avoid

• Argyle Sweaters. This pattern did not look good three years ago when it popped up everywhere. Nothing has changed.
• Cardigans. They are really pushing the cardigan comeback, but it just looks old no matter how skinny the tie their models wear.
• Sweater vests. A possible exception can be made if bought for a winter golf trip.
• Tartan patterned ties. No explanation is necessary I hope.
• Any of their dress shoes. A good pair of dress shoes can not be bought anywhere for less than $300. Their dress shoes cost around $160. Sometimes it is that easy.