What to Wear to OCI
BigLaw Bear · April 5, 2026 · 2 min read
The Rule
Wear a suit. That's it. That's the rule.
OCI is a conservative environment. BigLaw is a conservative industry. This is not the time to express your personal style. The goal is to look polished and professional so that nobody thinks about your outfit at all.
For Everyone
- A well-fitted suit in navy, charcoal, or black. Navy is the safest bet. Make sure it actually fits — too big looks sloppy, too tight looks uncomfortable.
- A pressed dress shirt or blouse. White or light blue. No wrinkles.
- Conservative shoes. Clean, polished, closed-toe. Nothing flashy.
- Minimal accessories. A simple watch is fine. Keep jewelry understated.
- Grooming matters. Clean nails, neat hair, fresh breath. You're sitting three feet from someone for 20 minutes.
Specific Tips
Get your suit tailored. A $300 suit that fits well looks better than a $1,000 suit that doesn't. Budget $30-50 for alterations. It's the best money you'll spend on recruiting.
Break in your shoes before interview day. Nothing derails confidence like blisters at 9 AM when you have 12 interviews ahead of you.
Bring a lint roller. Seriously. Toss one in your bag.
Skip the cologne or perfume. Or use extremely little. You're in a small room. Strong scents are distracting.
Iron your shirt the night before. Or get it dry cleaned. Wrinkles are noticeable.
What NOT to Wear
- Bright colors, loud patterns, or trendy cuts
- Jeans, khakis, or anything that isn't a suit
- Open-toed shoes or sneakers
- Heavy jewelry or distracting accessories
- A backpack (use a portfolio or professional bag)
The Callback Is the Same
The dress code for callback interviews is identical. Suit, polished, conservative. Even if the email says "business casual," wear a suit. You can always take off the jacket if everyone else is casual. You can't put on a suit you didn't bring.
Bottom Line
Your outfit should be invisible. If the interviewer remembers what you wore, something went wrong. Invest in one good suit, get it tailored, and focus your energy on what actually matters: knowing your story and knowing the firms.