Bitter Empire

lawyer

The Fierce Battle Continues: Skirt Suit v. Pant Suit

  /   /   Columns, Lawyer /   7 Comments

The battle between skirt suit and pant suit is fierce, one that pits traditional values against comfort. Here is my personal list of pros and cons.

THE SKIRT SUIT

PROS:

More “feminine” and “traditional” look

It’s like getting to wear shorts to work

More jury appeal

CONS:

Need to shave legs

Need to wear nylons

Need to cross legs

Need to bend at the knees demurely to pick up a suit case, not because you will show anything but because whenever I wear skirts I feel more “demure”

 

THE PANT SUIT

PROS:

Makes me feel like a normal human

Pockets

CONS:

Being perceived as too “modern”

Post image from Shutterstock.com

  • southern bitter

    The “con” of wearing a pant suit is that you look like a man….and not to mention, shouldn’t you cross your legs anyway???

    • Frederick

      Women should only cross their legs if there is feminine odour.

      Otherwise, it’s Sharon Stone time!

    • Astraea

      Your concept of what looks like a man went out in the 1930s. By 1940 women were wearing pants, while managing to stay female. Shocking, I know.

      • southern bitter

        i’m sure you look very feminine in your pant suit when you shave your beard.

  • Still a law student here… but this is still a debate?

    • Laura

      Senior Associate, while I’m wearing pants: “Well. You’re looking very…corporate.. today.” Still a debate.

  • Elizabeth

    Rising 3L, but I do a lot of trial competitions and get to watch my juries debate- amazing how many people comment on what I wear. It could be because I’m in the south, but I get a lot of “Is she a lesbian?” if I wear a pant suit. (Granted, I also get that if I don’t wear heels). I’m not a lesbian, but it ticks me off that my sexual orientation is ANY part of their discussion at all. So here are my pros and cons:

    Skirt Suit:
    Pros:
    Traditional and feminine
    Much cooler (temperature-wise)
    Shows off my awesome shoes (if I happen to be wearing any)
    More jury appeal
    Can have pockets if I find a jacket with some
    No worrying about if the jury thinks you’re a lesbian
    Easier to find separates

    Cons:
    Have to wear hose/nylons
    Have to cross your legs
    Have to uncross your legs fast enough to get up for an objection
    Have to shave your legs (HUGE con)
    Have to worry about showing your ass whenever you bend down
    Internal fight over whether I WANT to wear a pantsuit just to show the jury I don’t care whether they think I’m a lesbian

    Pant Suit:
    Pros:
    Can be more comfortable
    Warmer in the winter
    DON’T have to shave your legs
    Pockets sometimes
    Don’t have to worry about your shoes as much

    Cons:
    Jury talks about you more in deliberation
    More difficult to find separates to mix and match
    Internal fight over whether I’m WILLING to wear a pantsuit just to show the jury I don’t care whether they think I’m a lesbian