Power + Femininity

This post is sponsored by Dryel. I received compensation for this post, but (as always) this is an outfit I wore in real life.

similar Dress // similar Scarf // similar Shoes (on sale) // Bracelet (on sale) // similar Ring // similar Coat // Bag // similar Sunglasses

Any fans of The Good Wife out there? I watched the first few episodes, and then I probably forgot to watch it one week and never got around to catching up. Some of my friends from law school are huge fans. One of these days I’ll start from the beginning and binge watch the whole series. I mean, who doesn’t want to come home from work and watch actors who are paid $1 million an episode to pretend to have the job you have in real life where it would take you many years to make $1 million? 😉

I bring up The Good Wife because, as part of my partnership with Dryel, today I get to bring you some insight from Dan Lawson, the costume designer for the show! A few weeks ago, Dryel sponsored a Twitter chat with Dan, and I asked him if he consulted with real lawyers to find out what they wear to work. Dan responded that he did indeed do his research and got feedback from real lawyers. Then we made jokes about Ally McBeal. We’re basically besties now.

Here’s more of what Dan has to say about how he chooses outfits for characters on the show:

On “The Good Wife” I create looks for my women that are elegant, powerful and feminine.  It’s important to me that the women, as well as the men, look believable as lawyers with an extra little something.  They need to look neat and clean and well put together.

I totally dig this outlook. I have the luxury of being a little more daring with my lawyerly workwear because I don’t have to go to court or meet with clients, but I do try to try to put together looks that exude power and femininity (2 things that go together naturally if you ask me). Take the outfit above for example. I took a classic, simple black dress and added some fun color and texture to make it my own. I’m doing my part to make sure people realize that most lawyers don’t have to wear boring black or gray suits every day – If you’ve been reading this blog for more than a week, hopefully you’ve figured this out by now.

OK, even if you’re not a lawyer but you do have a job where you have to dress semi-professionally, here are some more tips from Dan Lawson on building your wardrobe. Aren’t you glad to finally get advice from an expert instead of just me? Don’t answer that.

1. Look in the mirror and be honest with yourself about what shapes look good on you.

2. Build a strong closet of staples that support your look.

3. Set aside part of your clothing purchase budget for alterations.

4. Don’t go head to toe trendy with your looks. 

5. Care for your clothes properly. Proper hanging, storing, and folding are key. Keep the knits off the hanger!!! And remember, the less cleaning you do helps keep away “the evil three” – fading, shrinking, and stretching!  Whether dry-cleaning or washing, your clothes suffer the consequences of regular cleaning.  A product like Dryel keeps your clothes from suffering the effects of “the evil three” while saving you time and money.  

You can find Dan on Twitter at @goodwifefashion. If you watch the show, NO SPOILERS! I really am going to get around to watching the series one of these days. Right now I’m too busy being an awesomely dressed attorney.