What to Wear to OCI

The Rule

Wear a suit. That's it. That's the rule, virtual or in-person.

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.

Most screeners are now on Zoom, and a meaningful share of callbacks too. The dress standard does not relax just because there is a screen between you. Wear the same suit you would wear in person, head to toe. Recruiters will notice if you skipped the bottom half.

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. Whether you are sitting three feet from someone or staring into a webcam, all of it shows.

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. If you are in person, you are sitting three feet from someone for 20 minutes; strong scents are distracting. If you are virtual, you do not need it at all.

For virtual: check the framing. Sit so the top of your head is just below the top of the screen, with your shoulders visible. A tasteful neutral background or a tasteful blur. Soft, even light in front of you, not behind.

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.