A Sartorial Conundrum

So our friends over at our sibling site, Above The Law, came to us this afternoon with a little situation. You see they’d posted a story yesterday about how corporate lawyer types were being allowed, and even told, by their big law bosses to dress “down” during the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh so as not to draw unwanted attention from the protesters that follow this meeting wherever in the world it is held.

But, what to wear some readers asked? So we decided to step in with a few suggestion (even jeans are allowed!)

My first thought for the ladies was to definitely keep it simple: a dark fitted jean (I’m currently obsessed with my “Curvy” style from the 1969 collection at the Gap), maybe a cool not suit-y black blazer, with a striped tee underneath and a simple black boot. Subtle, professional, but not too corporate lackey.

Or throw in a little retro vibe plus color, like this look from fall Chris Benz. Maybe I’m wrong, but brights don’t scream Big Law to me. The other option I came up with was to go luxe boho, like you’re part of the professional counterculture, if you will. Maybe something along the lines of this Anna Sui print with some black tights and a slouchy bag.

Apparently the guys are allowed to wear golf shirts, but that just makes me think of my dad and I would think is kind a red flag that you’re a lawyer in casual disguise. Gentlemen, I saw get thee to Steven Alan and pick up a nice gingham or cool check print button down. Pair it with a slim navy or black pant, and a cool sneaker. Or if you want to sport a blazer, wear a t-shirt underneath, and definitely work the Chucks or something of that ilk.

That’s my two cents, but I don’t work in this sort of environment and never have, so I open the door to all of you dear readers for your many suggestions.

posted by cheese

Sep 23, 2009 4:30PM

there is no steven alan store in pittsburgh. so sad.

posted by sluttyEASTERpeep

Sep 23, 2009 4:51PM

Don't you remember the protests in London outside and along Lime street!? I know of a few boys at Lloyd's who had to show up wearing jeans as to be able to "sneak into work" unscathed. I wish they had been caught though because they are screaming cokehead jackasses who work in "actuarial science" so in reality, they can be blamed for a heavy majority set of the financial crisis problems. I know you are talking G20...but still.

It also reminds me of all the trouble at the WTO in Seattle. The environmental protesters had their hearts in the right place because god knows how many marine mammals are killed each year because of free trade....but still. THEN came along the moron anarchist punks....who were so blind sided with rage and incorrect information that they managed to shut down the "talks" of a large proportion of NGO speakers...such as researchers for AIDS pharmaceutical relief, poverty...etc. STUPID STUPID PEOPLE.

Sooooo after my rant......I conclude that I couldn't give a fuck what they are wearing, I just hope to god something good comes out of this. Whether it be a new Kyoto Protocol, better instilled world alliances or even a more educated youth who care more about the issues than the textiles these satanist men and women are wearing. This is one of the single most influential environmental summits in our lifetime and you are suggesting where they can get polos?

posted by rae

Sep 23, 2009 5:01PM

yeah, i'm here in pittsburgh, right next to the convention center watching the choppers circle, riot police march and fences go up. trust me, even if they "dress down" it's still quite clear here who is protesting and who is corporate.

posted by Anna

Sep 23, 2009 6:29PM

I go to Carnegie Mellon and I made the mistake of wearing my (faux!) leather moto jacket to campus today. I've been making sure to steer clear of any environmental activists. I'm actually vegan, but I'm scared I won't have a chance to defend my fashion choice. I'd really hate to be anyone corporate right now. This place is nuts.

posted by guest

Sep 23, 2009 6:35PM

I'm also in Pittsburgh, and they told the employees of Saks to dress down too. (Our Saks is pretty much across the street from the hotel where a lot of diplomats are staying.) Apparently the shop girls are confused about how they are supposed to go about doing that because they wear jeans and blouses every day anyway.

Perhaps denim cut offs and flip flops?

This should be interesting.

posted by Sam

Sep 23, 2009 10:48PM

uh, yeah those outfits sound great and all but to look the part of downtown pittsburgh, I'd suggest some ill-fitting pants and an oversized steelers tee.

really all I want is a glimpse at what michelle is wearing:
http://www.pittnews.com/node/20016

posted by Donald

Sep 24, 2009 9:33AM

Or they could just man up, dress as they normally would and accept responsibility for their chosen careers and whatever flak might follow.

Sep 24, 2009 10:09AM

yeah i'm with donald. im not so sure we should be helping these people to avoid being recognized for the things they've done.

posted by royalwe

Sep 24, 2009 10:44AM

Amen to donald and guest. I don't think fashionista sees the hilarity or irony of this post. Scared corporate lawyers shaking in their cole haans beg nyc fashionistas for help in disguising their establishment status. Nyc fashionistas recommend LUXE BOHO (!! seriously??). Run to anna sui and co-opt the hippie dippy prints so you can FAKE being counterculture! Way to perpetuate the stereotype that fashion exists in a vacuum. A very pretty vacuum only the rich and powerful can own.

Sep 24, 2009 11:33AM

7, 8, and 9, you are very funny and right. Nothing screams counter-culture like *sarcasm* "I went to a high-priced boutique that 98% of Americans could never afford to even step into to buy some pseudo-bohemian wear so the protesters wouldn't realize why I was on one side of the police barricade/chain link fence/riot wearing police squads and they were on the other."
Yeah right. If you made your proverbial bed, now's the time to lay in it.

Sep 24, 2009 2:13PM

you really love your 1969 jeans? there was that whole other post about them too. I bought a skinny pair and they looked fab for about a day, and then the rips started ripping too much, they got wrinkly because the fabric is cheap, and i washed them and they look like they are going to fall apart the next time.

btw ... your idea of what non-corporate types should wear is hilarious. if anyone wore that to my non-profit office, they'd get some serious looks for their fashion-girl boutiquey outfit. (i love fashion, and the look is cute, but just as much of a target for a certain kind of protestor)

posted by Abby Gardner

Sep 24, 2009 2:23PM

I do love mine! I don't have the Skinnys, only the dark wash Curvy. I've washed mine a few times and they're holding up fine so far.

As for my take on corporate dressing, I fully admit to never having had to conform to any sort of standards even close to that. I guess that's my fantasy take on things :)

posted by grammyweezy

Sep 30, 2009 4:17PM

While I object to the term "man up" I agree with Donald and those that follow. I am a defender of fashion, but I won't defend its being used to help these people escape rightfully deserved criticism. (Not that I think it would work anyway. A corporate lawyer in Chucks?)