'I've never believed in following what's "on trend"'

Is your style appreciated
in the office?

I have to say that I’ve never actually asked the question or been aware of other people’s opinions. Lawyers tend to have
a reputation for being quite conservative in the way they dress, but that’s never really been me. Don’t get me wrong – I never dress inappropriately, but I think you can strike a balance between being smart and keeping your own individuality.

Who is the most fashionable lawyer in your office?

That’s an easy one: Paul Walton, who is head of our professional negligence team. I’d sum up his look as part country gent, part dandy, and part city slicker.
He’s famous firm-wide for his dapper tweed and check suits and statement ties. Only he could carry them off with such aplomb.

Who is your style inspiration?

I’m most drawn to individuals who know what works for them and who embrace style over fashion. I’ve never believed in following what’s ‘on trend’.
It should be about working out what’s right for you and making
it your own. If I had to pick two people then I’d probably cite Miuccia Prada and Monica Bellucci as two women who embody that philosophy.

What’s more important, comfort or style?

Most definitely style; my shoe choices reflect that! I might – in a few years’ time – look for comfort, but being stylish empowers me.

What’s your favourite brand?

I have many but I do love Diane von Furstenberg. Her famous wrap dresses are a design classic and you can take them from the office to evening. They are pricey, but my top tip is her outlet shop
at Bicester Village.

How long has DDF been implemented in your firm?

We’ve allowed the team
to dress down on certain days for quite a few years now. We don’t say every Friday and we often incorporate it into some kind of fundraising push.

Do some still see DDF as an Americanism?

I think so, yes. Certainly, some of our older members of staff feel that they are not quite in ‘work mode’ when they’re dressed down. However, they can see the benefits of it. The only thing
we do insist on is that if you
see a client then you must be smart. As lawyers, we deal with many sensitive issues for our clients and they quite rightly expect a level of professionalism.

What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?

My formative years were in the late 1970s and early 1980s so I’m sure I was guilty of many crimes to fashion in my time. I once bought a skirt made entirely out of ties. I wore it once and, rest assured, it never saw the light
of day again.

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

One particular colleague did arrive at the office sporting rather awful grey tracksuit bottoms.
I think my reaction goes back to the comfort versus style question. I’m on one side of the fence and he was firmly on the other!

How long does it take you to get ready?

About 30 minutes from start to finish. I have a well-oiled routine that sees me prepare my clothes, work documents, and files the night before.

What effect does DDF have on office morale?

We’re lucky in that we have
a well-motivated and cohesive team. However, any initiative
that brings people together and makes them feel good has to be welcomed.

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. As I said earlier, we work in a profession where there are expectations about how we should look – especially from our clients. A lot of people, rightly or wrongly, are reassured if they are sitting opposite someone who is dressed smartly. SJ

Kate Oldfield is managing partner at Davis Blank Furniss

@DBF_LAW