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Fashion Night lays down law against fad faux pas

Oct. 4, 2006

Melea Burke/Lariat staff Brad Thomas, a first-year law student from Shreveport, La., models what not to wear to a firm function Tuesday for Fashion Night, a show held at the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center on Tuesday.

By KATELYN FOSTER
Reporter

It should be a crime to look this good.

Dr. Mark Osler, assistant professor of law, and Kristin Simpson, professor of law, co-hosted Fashion Night at Baylor Law School Tuesday to educate law students about courtroom attire, business casual clothing and for firm picnic apparel.

Simpson said she believes a professional wardrobe is essential for students entering the workforce. In law school, students are taught how to use the law to solve problems, but fashion is also a necessity for success, she said.

"Professional dress is one of the tools lawyers use to solve problems such as getting a job, keeping a job and successfully advocating for a client," Simpson said.

This first-time event featured six panelists: Associate Dean Leah Jackson, Professors Jim Underwood and Patricia Wilson, Assistant Professors Rory Ryan and Bridget Fuselier, and Jeffrey Manske, a local judge.

They discussed related topics and told personal stories of funny situations they've encountered in their careers regarding attire.

Osler told of a previous co-worker that wore a shirt with the word "juicy" on the front. Thereafter, she was always known as the "juicy" lady.

Panelists gave examples of what to wear and what not to wear. A fashion show, complete with disco music, demonstrated acceptable and unacceptable styles.

Model Brad Thomas from Shrevport, La., exemplified a fashion don't by wearing striped pants and a polyester shirt.

Some students said the faux pas are the main reason they attended the event. John Swanburg, a New York City first-year law student, agrees but also came to see his friends and professors model.

"I came to see the don'ts," San Antonio third-year law student Brooke Basden said. "I heard that dress shorts were a don't, and I thought they were a do."

Simpson said fashion disasters are important to exhibit because a person could lose a job offer because of a poor clothing choice.

Jackson said the goal is "not to be the topic of the catty conversation."

"Clothes can work against you," Osler said.

Do's include conservative attire that doesn't show skin.

A slide show pictured don'ts: hoochie shoes, bling, uncovered tattoos, exposed underwear and too much skin.

Simpson said what you wear, how you act and how you present yourself sends a message.

"Each appearance you make at a firm event is an interview opportunity," Manske said.

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