"I Am A Raggedy Ann In A Barbie World"

My wife and I were visiting antique and gift shops in Brenham, Texas the other weekend and we saw a poster that exclaimed this.  Although the wrong gender, I understood it and identified with it immediately.

Now, I think of it again when I read Tom Kane's post "Dressing Professionaly is Smart Marketing".  Lawyers should look like lawyers, it advocates.  I agree.  That is why I have been on the web trying to find a powdered wig and an appropriate robe.  Apparently, my terrycloth bathrobe is not acceptable.

Look, I do not necessarily disagree with Tom Kane.  But, the tie and dress shirt business makes me feel like Raggedy Andy in a Ken doll kinda world.  I dress for Court, sans the powered wig.  Court's still have contempt as an option after all.  However, I have got to admit I did not see much wrong with Vinny's leather and boots in the movie My Cousin Vinny.  I meet most of my clients at the Courthouse and so I have on a suit when I meet them.  Other times I will wear a sports jacket with no tie.

For the office it is pure Dockers and pocket tees (I have to have a pocket for my glasses).  Of course I live and work in greater Houston, Texas.  Heat.  Humidity.  It is the only way to do it.

I am not too sure that “vast majority of clients want lawyers who look like lawyers – crisp, polished, authoritative and professional.”  I know it might please some big banks and insurance companies to know their lawyers dress in the proverbial $1,000.00 suit and comport themselves in a manner concomitant with their marble and mahogany offices, but I am not sure that common folk do not see their hard earned wages is that dress.  I think your client want to know you are successful, but you should not make them believe they cannot afford to dress you.

Of course, I am not recommending that attorneys or staff should be slobs.  What I am saying is that I do not want to be the stereotypic Second Wave lawyer.  I also do not want to be a Ken doll.  To some degree I am more than happy with my Raggedy Andy appearance, especially at the office. 

Comments

[Dennis Kennedy]

You said, "Heat. Humility. It is the only way to do it."

I think that you meant to say: "Heat. Humidity. It is the only way to do it."

However, "Heat. Humility. It is the only way to do it" is so much better. I really like it. Seriously.

Today, I wore a suit to a meeting for the first time in a long time. I spent more time than I could believe deciding on a tie, illustrating one of the great time-saving benefits of casual dress.

I second your shirt-with-a-pocket point, although I vote for the pocket-with-a-button shirt so I don't lean over and have my iPod fall on the floor. I assume the reading glasses will be part of my equation soon.

Enjoyed your post.

Dennis Kennedy

[Grant D. Griffiths]

Chuck--I agree completely. And what exactly is a lawyer suppose to look like. Hell, when I am in the office in the summer, I wear khaki shorts, polo and flip-flops. Screw the suit and tie.

[Rick Georges]

Truer words were never spoken. I wear a dress shirt and slacks to the office most days, and have never had a client complain. Florida heat is worse than Texas heat; the humidity is what kills you. I get damp walking from the door to the car. When I am home, I wear shorts and a T-shirt or old football jersey. The older we get, the more value comfortable clothes have. Rock on, Chuck.