Male Lawyer Outfit Essentials: How to Dress Like a Powerhouse

April 18, 2025
Featured image of Male attorney wearing a business formal outfit and text overlay reading “male lawyer outfit essentials”.

Looking sharp is part of the job, no matter what legal sector you work in. From client meetings to court appearances, attorneys must project confidence and professionalism. But between packed caseloads and long hours, figuring out what to wear each day shouldn’t add more stress to your schedule.

That’s why we have made it easy. We’ve narrowed down to four essential wardrobe pieces every male lawyer should own: timeless, versatile, and effortless style. Plus, we’ve matched each one to the type of legal work where it really shines, so you can build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do.

Inforgraphic depicting 4 essential pieces for a male attorney outfit: Loafers, tapered trousers, fitted blazer, crewneck sweater.

Men’s Corporate Lawyer Outfit: A Fitted Blazer Meets the Brief

Navy blue blazer for formal business attire.

Product by Theory, shop here.

This should come as no surprise, but a fitted blazer is necessary for most attorney outfits, especially in the corporate world. Structured pieces like blazers always look more formal and professional. The key here is getting the perfect fit. Don’t settle for off-the-rack; get your jacket tailored.

The Challenge

  • Sleeves | They should hit your wristbone.
  • Shoulders | The seam should hit your shoulder’s apex (or the edge).
  • Body | Avoid uncomfortable pull lines when you button your blazer.

If you don’t have a blazer or want to upgrade, go for a black or navy blue option, like this one from Theory. The thinner lapels add a modern touch without seeming out of place or trendy. This power casual workhorse will never let you down.

Family Law: Foster Friendliness with Crewneck Sweaters

Image of an attorney wearing an off-white wool crewneck sweater for a put-together executive look.

Product by Theory, shop here.

As a lawyer, not every day means sitting at board meetings or in courtrooms. If you work in family law, a lot of your time might be spent meeting with parents and kids. You want to look put together but not too dressed up for these situations. Here, approachability is everything because you’ll be working within sensitive dynamics, and you’ll need to gain the trust of your clients, both adults and minors.

A crew-neck sweater is a perfect staple piece for males in family law. Pair it with trousers to give off a more relaxed yet credible vibe.

Be sure to choose a high-quality sweater and take care of it! The last thing you want is to show up to a client meeting with a pilling sweater with loose threads. Check the tag for high-quality wool or cotton-wool blends. When storing your sweaters, NEVER hang them. That’s a surefire way to end up with a stretched-out pullover and knobbly holes. Folding is the way to go here.

Men’s Criminal Attorney Outfit: Lay Down the Law in Leather Shoes

Product by Gianvitorossi, shop here.

Finding the right men’s business casual office shoes depends on your work environment. But criminal lawyers need to look as serious as the subject matter they study. Just like dressing for corporate law (and even more so), you should prioritize a more formal business attire. A black or gray suit is a safe bet. But how should you finish off your attorney outfit? Men’s leather shoes, of course.

We’re specifically recommending derby shoes, like the ones pictured above. These are more formal than loafers but less than a traditional dress shoe. You won’t look too old-fashioned, but you’ll still easily command the courtroom.

Stylist Tip: Be sure to keep your derbies in top shape. Clean them regularly with a soft cloth or, if necessary, shine them every few months.

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Intellectual Property Law: Innovation Meets Tradition in Tapered Trousers

Product by Officine Generale, shop here.

Don’t worry. We weren’t going to let you step out the door without pants. A tapered trouser is an easy win for any attorney outfit for males. But we especially love them for intellectual property lawyers. Why? Because this is a field where you can blend your creativity with your professionalism.

IP attorneys have a little more wiggle room to show off personal (or even just more contemporary) style choices. No, we’re not saying you can show up to work in jeans. But you can swap out your typical suit pants for something like these virgin wool, lightly cropped trousers from Officine Generale.

Stylist Tip: These are also the perfect option for summer essentials for men. Their breathability, combined with the slightly shorter length, is ideal for warmer temperatures.

Take the Stand in Style

A male lawyer’s clothing should speak volumes about his professionalism, ambition, and personality. Our Next Level Wardrobe Style System helps you build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do, so you can focus on what matters. We’ll give you the tools to easily create outfits made up of smart, well-made pieces you’ll love for a lifetime.

It’s time to elevate your style. Apply for our men’s executive styling services today!

About the Author - Cassandra Sethi
About the Author - Cassandra Sethi

Personal Stylist & Image Consultant

Cassandra Sethi is a Personal Stylist and Founder of Next Level Wardrobe, a luxury Personal Styling and Shopping Service that helps successful professionals of all ages and sizes. After working in the fashion industry for over 25 years, she used her expert knowledge to create a proprietary styling system called ‘The Next Level Wardrobe Style System' which guarantees clients more outfits with less items in their closet. NLW has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Tamron Hall Show, NY Mag, Huffington Post and more.

*Disclosure: Next Level Wardrobe only recommends products that we’d suggest to our clients or personally wear ourselves. All opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, Next Level Wardrobe may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.

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Cassandra Sethi

is a NYC Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. She is the Founder of Next Level Wardrobe and 'The NLW Style System' that guarantees clients more outfits with less items.

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