I’m an older (mid-30’s) soon to be 1L Summer Associate. I am a normal, social guy who has been in professional settings before - I am not concerned about alienating myself. I’m joining a small practice group within a relatively small SA class. I think I’m the only 1L.
Office is business casual, I’m sure most SA’s will wear a suit the first day and never again. But I would like to dress professionally now that I have something resembling an excuse. I like suits, I believe I do better work when I dress for the part, and now that I’m going to work a big boy job (or at least pretend to work one during the next two summers), I would prefer to dress accordingly.
Clearly the “just don’t fuck it up” option is to follow suit (no pun intended) and wear what everyone else is wearing. But if I’m otherwise competent/mature/likable and get along with people, would it be a legitimate red flag if I choose to wear suits or jackets when it’s not required? Or should I just wait until I’m actually an associate before leaning into embracing (a pretty restrained version of) personal expression.