The Gentleman Lawyer: Recession-Friendly Ways to Spruce Up Your Wardrobe

If you're an ardent follower of AbovetheLaw like I am, then you're well aware of the effect the recession has had on the legal market: dissolving firms, shortened summer associateships, rescinded offers, slashed pay, and layoffs galore.

It's enough to send the most confident law school gunner into a panic.

Times are tough, money is tight. You're probably not going to be buying any Brioni suits now. Hell, you're probably not even shopping at Men's Warehouse. You're probably rotating the same few suits you've had for a while and hoping they can stand up to the abuse of near-daily wear at your summer gig. But don't let your thin wallet keep you from sprucing up your look!

Here are a few recession friendly ways to keep your appearance top-notch.

Get Your Suits Properly Tailored
I harp on this point, but it's one of the most cost-effective ways to clean yourself up. Too often, off the rack suits have sleeves that are too long, jackets that fit like potato-sacks, and pants that drag on the ground. Take your trusty suits to a local tailor. Have them take up the sleeves so you show about 1/4" of cuff. It sounds like nothing, but it really does wonders for your professional appearance to have some shirt cuff peeking out. This goes for the ladies too.

Pants should break at the top of the shoe, traditionally. Get them taken up if they're a little too long.

And your tailor should be able to take in (suppress) the waist of most boxy jackets.

You'll exude Cary Grant in North by Northwest in no time.

Stop Dry Cleaning Your Suits and Shirts
Not only is dry cleaning expensive, it's hell on the construction and fabric of the suit.

Save yourself a boatload by simply hanging your suits in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will take out wrinkles and keep you looking snazzy.

Make sure you hang your suit properly after you wear it, and let it air out 24-48 hours between wearings. You shouldn't have to clean your suit more than once a season (if even that much).

Launder your shirts yourself (if you don't already). Get some Shout Gel for stubborn stains (collar and cuff stains come right out in the wash) wash them with detergent and fabric softener, then hang to dry. Iron while damp if you care to, or just hang them in the bathroom while you shower to get stubborn wrinkles out.

Inexpensive (Yet Classy) Accessories
Pocket squares recently made a big comeback - I blame MadMen - but I am glad they're now ubiquitous. For about $20, you can get a hand-made in American square from Kent Wang and add some color to your wardrobe. Don't worry about matching your tie - pocket squares should complement or accent a color therein. Have fun with it; it's one of the few fun accessories guys can wear.

Alternatively, try an inexpensive tie clip or lapel pin. They are all over eBay, often sold in lots, and many of them are vintage. For the price of one in a department store, you can end up with 5-10. Keep them or give them as unique gifts to friends

Don't Forget Your Feet
You can always pick up a colorful pair of socks, too. Granted, this might be a bit too dandyish for some, but throwing some surprise color into a drab outfit shows a little personality. You can pick socks up on sale cheaply at a Ralph Lauren store or a place like Daffy's in downtown Philadelphia.

And of course, keep your shoes polished. Yes, everyone will notice, even if they don't mention it.

That's it for the latest installment of the Gentleman Lawyer. Keep your heads up and brave the storm, we'll make it though!

I'll see you for the next installment: Khaki and Seersucker Professional Etiquette.