Career Clinic: Management says my fishnets are a distraction!

What a total load of tosh - it's all about their inadequacies, not yours! My male partners openly coo when I'm wearing Jimmy Choos, short skirts and nicely cut tops as it all reinforces the image they wish to project about themselves, the people they work with and the quality of bird they've attracted to the partnership. The fishnets though makes them feel uncomfortable - one step too close to their perceptions of tartiness!

City Woman -03 Apr 2008 | 12:59

Women should wear clothes that are equivalent to the dress standards of men in the office. Men's suits are not overtly 'sexy' and do not draw attention to particular parts of their bodies. Therefore women should avoid low-cut tops, short skirts and fishnet or other embroidered tights. Just becuase something looks good on the high street does not mean it is appropriate business wear, and fishnet stockings definitely fall into this category!

MC Associate (female) -03 Apr 2008 | 13:08

Does this mean a) male lawyers can wear them (perhaps with a beard?) and b) female non-lawyers can wear them? I know a high flying City Partner who wears them with red seams up the back. Perhaps Fiona Shackleton should be banned from having wet hair. (I recall a female Partner chastising a female fee earner for having "unprofessional hair".) Provided you look professional and smart it should not matter what you wear.

Anon -03 Apr 2008 | 13:44

Fishnets are totally inappropriate for a professional office. Surely you want people to notice your work, not what you're wearing? I'm amazed at what some of our young women wear to work these days (I am a female lawyer with a Magic Circle firm). I particularly cannot understand the low-cut tops (often also sleeveless). Some of our trainees and NQs look like lap-dancers. Maybe they're just trying to snare a husband, and don't see a long-term future for themselves in the law, but I know I wouldn't take them to a client meeting looking like that. And then you run the risk that the (usually male) partners think that all women dress (or might dress) like that, and so we all suffer either through lack of interesting work, or ogling/objectification or both.

Anonymous -03 Apr 2008 | 13:51

I've always found a brief flash of fishnets under a skirt suit a very effective method of tribunal advocacy, I must say (mainly in Croydon, though). In the office - an outright ban seems excessive. It's a question of degree. I'd be surprised if many law firms were as restrictive as yours. As ours has a media client bias, quirkier versions of office wear are perfectly acceptable - and don't damage your career prospects. Part of client care is having an insight into the sort of image they like their lawyers to project. That said, overtly sexy outfits do tend to suggest that the wearer has little faith in their ability to get ahead on knowledge alone - perhaps something the first poster ought to contemplate.

Associate -03 Apr 2008 | 14:24

I can't help but feel that there's a certain amount of jealousy reflected in some of these answers... could it be that 'no name' above wishes she could get away with some of the outfits that her trainees and NQ's are wearing?!In my opinion, what you are allowed to wear should directly reflect how good you are at what you do... if you want to come in looking like Ally McBeal then fine, but make sure you're a bloody good laywer.

Anonymous -03 Apr 2008 | 14:38

Coming from 15 years in commerce and industry, it amazes me how reactionary and outmoded some of these comments are. In practically any other sector these objections have been dismissed years ago, where people are now judged on performance and not on appearance. Such 'bans' are an open admission that members are deemed incapable of 'right' thinking and by implication that the employer has made a poor judgement call in the first place by hiring them. Passing this mistake on to the employee in question is gutless.

Andy, student -03 Apr 2008 | 15:05

Fishnet stockings? Are you out of your mind?? Which law firm do you work for? Soho Working Girls LLP? If you want to recognised for your legal skills rather than your ability to lie on your back, stop being so stubborn.

Investment Banker -03 Apr 2008 | 16:23

P.S. if I find a nicely polished pair of Churchs a "distraction", does that mean I can get them banned too?

City Woman -03 Apr 2008 | 16:31

Come work at my place!

Barry Bogflush -03 Apr 2008 | 16:48

sad to hear that you work for a firm where some pencil-pusher actually bothers to send a memo banning certain types of attire. i agree with you that it should be left to the individual to determine what's appropriate. i see no problem with the occasional or indeed frequent wearing of fishnet stockings or anything else. at my MC firm, our investment banking clients were always happy to see us girls at negotiation meetings in very short skirts. our male colleagues were very happy about it too. do i detect a hint of jealousy among the frumps that can't get away with it? bit surprised at investment banker's prude response, perhaps he's no investment banker at all...

May -03 Apr 2008 | 17:16

why is everyone getting their knickers in such a twist over this? surely it entirely depends if the look is tarty or stylish. clearly a micro-mini with fishnets and thigh-high boots is not going to be appropriate but why should female lawyers be consigned to wearing a uniform of boring suits? from my experience working in a paris law firm, the female lawyers managed to pull off professional but feminine clothes far better than we manage over here. i think the responses merely demonstrate that we are far too uptight and a bit of personal flair in the office is desperately needed.

associate, city firm -03 Apr 2008 | 17:17

good grief!!! it's the 21st century, people!!!

in-house counsel -03 Apr 2008 | 17:20

How do they know they are stockings and not tights?! Seriously though, this does raise a question about comments about personal appearances in the office. If you are working in a firm where high standards of dress are expected and upheld, everyone should dress accordingly - not just the lawyers. If everyone buys into this vision for the firm "bans" on certain items of clothing should be unnecessary.

countrygirl -03 Apr 2008 | 17:21

Of course it may be your fashion sense rather than your fishnets per se that they are objecting to. Matt 20 denier opaques have been the thing for at least two winters now. There is, however, nothing for it but to shrug your (no doubt) pashmina-covered shoulders and ditch the fishnets until you are made senior partner. You can then extract your revenge by making the wearing of fishnets, wrap dresses and other museum pieces (including, perhaps, beards) compulsory.

Ex MC-lawyer -03 Apr 2008 | 17:22

I agree that women should dress as professionally as men. Personally, I wear a suit into the office every day. I want to be taken seriously for my professional ability, not the shape of my legs or the size of my chest. Get a grip!

US associate (female) -03 Apr 2008 | 17:23

In my view, its really down to a matter of how you wear them. I have been wearing fishnets with smarts suits and skirts in the office for most of my career. However, I would never wear them with a skirt above knee length or with a skirt with a split, there is nothing wrong with looking good, but sometimes there is a fine line. You also have to appreciate that we may be working with men who can be " easily distracted". The reality is that you just won't be taken seriously if you don't dress professionally. I think the ban is extreme, and my advice is to appeal the decision, assuming you were not wearing them with thigh-high leather boots and mini-skirt. If i am seeing clients I would dress more conservatively than normal as you are representing your firm at the end of the day. As for some of the comments on here already, i am shocked that attitudes are still so outdated.

another fish net wearer -03 Apr 2008 | 17:30

Oh for goodness sake. An attractive female lawyer is not a threat. She is simply born attractive and likes to take pride in her appearance. It makes her no better or no worse at her job. Those females who have a problem with that are normally drab single women with an inferiority complex. Those men who are distracted by her legs will always be so distracted whether she wears fishnets or not. Concentrate on your file load and not on the girl next door's legs.

female lawyer Glasgow -03 Apr 2008 | 17:31

Surely if the tea you make is good it shouldn't matter what you wear?

Bobby Smith -03 Apr 2008 | 17:49

Very funny Bobby Smith - I hope whoever makes your tea uses their sweaty fishnets to strain the leaves!

Anonymous -03 Apr 2008 | 18:35

It may be outmoded and I therefore freely admit to being old-fashioned but I think anyone, regardless of their job, should project a professional image at work. It doesn't matter whether you're a lawyer, a hairdresser or a shop assistant. You should always look smart and clean and promote a good image for your employer. The exact dress code will depend on the sector but nobody should come to work looking dirty, messy or tarty. I am also amazed at the way some women dress in the office with their low cut tops etc. I also don't like messy jeans and trainers in the office which seems to be the uniform of a lot of IT staff. What is it about working in IT that means you have to be messy? Sorry, it does matter what image you project, after all your colleagues have to look at you.I don't think fishnet tights are tarty (as long as the length of the skirt is say down to the knee) though and I think your law firm is being a bit silly. I suppose this wasn't an April fool?

Helen -03 Apr 2008 | 20:35

I wondered why, when I took my LPC (late 90s), we were given a lecture on 'how to dress professionally'. At the time I found it amazing that anyone needed to be told that cleavage on display, tight fitting tops, short skirts, no tights, open toed shoes etc etc were all no-nos in a professional environment. I am constantly amazed at what people turn up to work in - I had to reprimand my secretary a few years ago for wearing a 'french connection' t-shirt (if you know what I mean) when she worked in an area of the office where clients were frequently passing through.To get back to the question, fishnets with a very sober suit with a skirt well below the knee and sensible-ish shoes are fine, although not if you have client meetings or court. However, a few years ago they would definitely not have been fine, dress codes are fluid and do change.

Anon -04 Apr 2008 | 08:40

"Could it be that 'no name' above wishes she could get away with some of the outfits that her trainees and NQ's are wearing?!"Honestly, no, I don't. At no stage in my professional career have I ever wanted people in the office to stare down my top or eye up my legs/backside/anything else. I'm here to *work*. There is a time and a place for revealing outfits, and it's not the office. I am amused by some of the comments attacking those in favour of professional dressing. Frumpy singletons with an inferiority complex just because we don't flash our legs and get our boobs out for all and sundry to look at? Please!! It's not a choice between acres of flesh and a polo-necked bin-liner. There are all sorts of ways that women can dress as individuals and look great but still look professional. If you can't see that, then you all need some more imagination, or perhaps a personal shopper.

Anonymous -04 Apr 2008 | 09:34

It's not an April fool. Not our style.

Legal Week -04 Apr 2008 | 10:04

I didn't mean it was an April Fool from Legal Week, I wondered if the law firm concerned had put out the new "guidance" as an April fool. Anyway it's created a great debate. It's always good to know what is important to the troops - beards and fishnet tights!

Helen -04 Apr 2008 | 10:22

Sorry, I look great in fishnets - and I'm great at my job. Problem???

anon -04 Apr 2008 | 10:50

Anon said?: ''Sorry, I look great in fishnets - and I'm great at my job. Problem???''Yes - you look like a brass if you wear fishnets. I'm amazed by the outrage on here-overtly sexual clothing isn't professional. Full stop.As for those saying 'the boys don't seem to mind', well I doubt they do girls. They'd love it even more if you showed up in bra and knickers but hopefully you're a bit beyond validating yourself by our approval. It's bloody pathetic, dress like a ripper one week; kick off about how hard it is to get respect in this profession the next. It just makes it harder for the women who are trying to get on.

A Sugar -04 Apr 2008 | 12:57

So girls who wear fishnets don't want to get on, Anon? Seriously, no-one is suggesting that we turn up in ridiculously sexual clothing, but a pair of fishnets teamed with appropriate clothing can do no harm whatsoever. Yes, if you team it with a very short skirt or very low top it would be innappropriate, but let's not miss what the debate was about - fishnet tights!! And while i am on, with reference to your first post - what is wrong with bare arms?

Female Glasgow Lawyer -04 Apr 2008 | 14:34

Poor wee lass. We guys have to wear appropriate suits (more of the Jeeves, less of the Delbert Wilkins), shirt and tie. Not fun in hot weather, but them be the rules of the game for us (well in my firm anyway). If firms can be prescriptive for us then why not for you too? As for us guys, we learned a long time ago to wear our fishnets out of sight.

My Children Call Me Mr Suit -04 Apr 2008 | 15:20

Anyone know which firm this supposedly was?

Mr Curious -04 Apr 2008 | 16:24

It seems the mere mention of fishnet stockings has sent the entire legal profession into meltdown. Never mind the credit crunch's effect on profits, this is turning into the fishnet frenzy...

Clothes Horse -04 Apr 2008 | 16:53

What next to be banned? "flattering" bras, stilletos and lip gloss?

Associate, City firm -04 Apr 2008 | 17:10

I haven't been to the UK for a while, but it seems that tremendous changes must have taken place as regards womens' professional attire and fashion since my last visit. Here in Sweden, we do not have a fishnet problem at all for the moment, but I am sure that it will catch on also here as it seems to have become more or less "de rigeur" in your jusrisdiction, which has alweays been a great inspiration to us Swedes.

Swedish lawyer -04 Apr 2008 | 17:27

This happens all the time in big city firms. It is still an incredibly sexist legal world. I remember two senior partners informing me during an appraisal that they were pleased that I had dyed my hair from blonde to brunette as that would ensure that clients and colleagues would see that I was taking my work 'seriously'. The best part of it being that this was the employment department.....

Anonymous -04 Apr 2008 | 17:35

Of course one has to "fit in" in any social context. The issue here obviously is that most law firms are conservative institutions and definitely more conservative than the rest of society. Personally, I cannot understand why your dress style should be anyone's business but your own and would prefer a more relaxed atmosphere open to expression of individuality. Let's pray things change.

Associate -04 Apr 2008 | 17:44

My firm is not prescriptive about dress, but the reactions to some of the more "striking" outfits speak for themselves. I like to think of myself as a modern, independent woman who is confident in dress as well as manner. However, I am very much aware that not everyone has the same perception - as is demonstrated by the range of reactions here. Therein lies the issue. I dress, look at myself in the mirror and ask myself whether the client, colleagueor other person I expect to meet that day is likely to react positively or adversely. If there is any doubt, I tone it down a bit. Frankly, I don't give a damn what people wear as long as they create the right reaction, but it is easy to offend the client if you don't take account of their (possibly differing) perspective as well. For that reason, although I agree a ban is excessive, my advice would always be to tone it down slightly and play safe.

Anonymous -04 Apr 2008 | 18:15

Didn't Investment Banker say the near-polar opposite of his post on this thread once?

Anonymous -04 Apr 2008 | 18:22

fishnet stockings work - i know one lovely lady who wore them and she is now a powerful MD

female friendly City male -04 Apr 2008 | 18:53

Two words: Erin Brockovich. Skills first, appearance second. I rest my case.

BT (Male) - Firm Withheld -06 Apr 2008 | 15:18

I'm a young female law student in the States, and I must say, I have never thought fishnets to be appropriate in a professional setting. I don't think it was right the firm cited distracting the men as a reason for not being able to wear them, that's sexist and doesn't say much for the quality of men working at the firm, but I do agree with the unprofessional part. I'm not saying looking professional in fishnets can't be done, but I've never seen it. If it is possible, it's a very fine line that's easily crossed.

Katherine -07 Apr 2008 | 05:59

Well y'all made it to Friday's Evening Standard!

City Lawyer -07 Apr 2008 | 14:17

...and the Daily Mail on Saturday (dubious honour)

Anonymous -07 Apr 2008 | 17:15

And what if she doesn't wear knickers like Sharon Stone?

Anonymous -07 Apr 2008 | 23:59

If a man turned up to a meeting in a revealing string vest, some women might appreciate it. But how many women (or men) would take such a man seriously?

Sooty Speaks -08 Apr 2008 | 11:42

I work in Paris where fishnets are worn, but ONLY under trousers. Slightly more subtle!

Associate -09 Apr 2008 | 17:50

Women have to do everything possible to try and match their male counterparts intellectually and also nowt wrong with a bit of seductiveness in the office to keep up morale.

Lobbers -10 Apr 2008 | 10:26

I think there seems to be alot of noise over something so small. I agree with a few commentators - it is likley to be an ld frump who may be a little envious and jealous at the same time. It depends on how you wear the fishnets - some people can carry it off whilst others can't. I think it ought to be left down to the individual.

Legal Recruiter -11 Apr 2008 | 12:22

Got it in one Legal Recruiter - it's all a matter of how you wear them. I prefer the ironic approach - sadly not adopted by my braces-wearing partners (who just look a little silly)

City Woman -11 Apr 2008 | 18:34

There are nude fishnets with tiny openings. Look lovely with slingbacks in spring/summer. Not tacky or tawdry -- elegant and edgy. If your employer is threatened by your hosiery--you may want to stop and think what else threatens your employer about your being a woman.

Maxine -16 Apr 2008 | 00:26

I got in trouble for having "unprofessional" hair. I had blowdried it and flat ironed it straight, but it had gotten a little dishevelled. I live in NY and I have a lot of texture in my hair, which the humidity here brings out. Still, though, if you think it is bad that they are giving you a hard time about fishnets!!!

Anonymous -29 Dec 2008 | 18:30

My advice to female trainees/junior lawyers is always that if you're in doubt as to whether something is appropriate to wear to work... it isn't.

Female Lawyer -18 May 2009 | 14:15