'I'm not that interested in high-end designer brands'

Is your style appreciated
in the office?

I don’t think my style is too ‘out there’ – I certainly try and strike a balance between formality and fashion. Our firm, like most, has its old and new generations. Senior members of the team tend to opt for more traditional dress while the younger lawyers are more individual. We encourage that as it fosters a more diverse working culture. We also encourage anyone from a black and minority ethnic community to bring their own cultural identity to work.

Who is the most fashionable lawyer in your office?

That’s a tricky one! I’d probably say Olivia Hepworth, who works in our commercial property team. She has a vibrancy that’s pretty infectious. She attends a lot of networking and social events, so has become the master of the ‘daytime to evening look.’

Who is your style inspiration?

I have many, but I’m a massive fan of the 50s and 60s. I appreciate modern style, although there’s something very special about the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Lauren Bacall that is
on another level.

What’s more important, comfort or style?

It’s a mixture of the two: home is most definitely all about comfort, whereas work is more focused
on projecting an image that conveys a sense of responsibility and trust. I want my clients, colleagues, and contemporaries to see me as someone who they can believe in.

What’s your favourite brand?

I’m not that interested in high-end designer brands, but I do like to invest in key pieces that I know will last a long time; a good quality handbag is an absolute must. However, for work, I always turn to Fenn Wright Manson, Phase 8, and Jigsaw.

How long has DDF been implemented in your firm?

We had our first DDF about four years ago and it’s grown in popularity since then. It started
as a charity day, but we quickly realised that it was a positive thing.

Do some still see DDF as
an Americanism?

Not really as most people in
the firm can see the benefits.
We don’t run a school so we shouldn’t expect everyone to wear a uniform all of the time! Some have embraced it while others have been a bit more reserved; it’s all up to the individual.

What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?

That’s a difficult one. However, the gold and brown puff ball gown that I wore to a Law Society Dinner in 1987 is up there with the best of them. There’s no photographic evidence... thankfully! It was the 80s, what can I say.

What’s the worst item a colleague has ever worn?

Controversial! In the main, our people dress well. One colleague, who left the firm a few years ago, had a real penchant for hats and brightly coloured ties. Some would call it eccentric but I think that look represented him and his personality. He had the confidence and he carried it off well. We’ll leave it at that!

How long does it take you to get ready?

I’m a strict 45-minutes girl. I have a well-honed system and it works. My family knows to not get in my way. The alarm goes off at 6.45am and then its go-go-go until I’m out of the door.

What effect does DDF have on office morale?

It’s great and it works. It gives people a boost and allows them to express themselves. You spend most of your time at work so it would be wrong if you weren’t able to bring a bit of your own sense of style.

With remote working becoming more of a feature of the modern working life, will formal office wear become redundant in the future?

I don’t think so, no. We do an important job and that comes with a certain amount of responsibility and trust. We work with our clients at crucial times in their lives and I really think that they’re reassured when they’re sitting facing someone from the legal profession who is
dressed appropriately. It
makes no difference if you’re communicating on the phone
or email but it’s different when you’re face to face. SJ

Shefali Talukdar is managing partner of Clough & Willis