DRESSING FOR THE DEPOSITON - GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN

This week I’d like to cover depositions from a client’s point of view. Not the really heady stuff but the basics. So Monday we will cover how to dress for ladies. On Tuesday I’ll take on the men and how they should dress. By Wednesday we will again discuss the Eight Simple Rules for how to think about answering questions. Then on Thursday I’ll cover the One Simple Question. And on Friday we will conclude the week with discussing the One Simple Answer. If along the way you have questions then contact me and I’ll answer them as part of what I write. I don’t care what state you’re from, that won’t affect my ability to answer questions in this regard. So generally speaking how do you dress for a deposition?

Well, it depends, are you a woman or a man? It’s as simple as following this rule: If you’re a man dress like a gentleman and if you’re a woman dress like a lady. If you don’t know what this means, then talk with your attorney. Don’t think for a moment that cool, hip, hip-hop, rap, country and cocktail or dress formal are acceptable, because they are not. Think in terms of business casual or in some cases dress as if you were going to confession at your neighborhood church. Okay, let's get to the ladies first.

WOMEN-WOMAN-GIRLS-LADIES

Generally - The idea is for you to make a good impression. It’s that simple. You don’t want to look messy or unkept; the idea is to look appropriately conservative. That means you wear a blouse and a skirt or pants that covers up rather than announces or entices. If you’re thinking the deposition attorneys might be an opportunity for a date, forget it. You’re there to answer questions not flirt. Treat the deposition like a job interview or business meeting because that is what it is. If you show up looking like Dolly Pardon you’re in trouble. I’d rather you looked like Amy Grant.

Dress for Success - If you wear a dress press it. If you wear pants press them. If you wear a blouse press it. If you wear leather shoes polish them. Tie your shoes and wear a belt when appropriate. In other words present as if it counted, because it does.

Underwear goes Under - Stockings, brassieres and other undergarments are not just a good idea they are mandatory. Remember the people who make decisions in the insurance and defense industries are conservative people, probably not into hip-hop or rap and I’m sure they aren’t there for show and tell. No plunging or dipping necklines. No cleavage and nothing sexy. Dress as if you were going to see a priest or minister, not a boyfriend, beau or a bliind date.

Jewelry - Jewelry should be something slightly understated. Avoid all jewelry that is considered flashy and nothing too big. If you’re father would like it, which means you wouldn’t, then it’s probably a good choice. It shouldn’t be in your face type of jewelry because remember this is a business meeting.

Shoes – My step daughter Katrina has memo paper showing a pair of high heels with “stimulating the economy, pair by pair” inscribed underneath. She and her sister Shannon love shoes and could make a vacation out of shopping for shoes in different countries. Women love shoes and handbags, and that’s alright, but no show-n-tell at the deposition. For the deposition keep the shoes conservative and the handbag small and dull. The deposition is not about fashion as much as it is about just answering questions and giving the opposition nothing new to discuss. Trust me they will have plenty to talk about without adding a pair of six inch stiletto heels, painted toe nails in florescent orange, an ankle bracelet or tattoo of Che’ Guevara.

This fashion consultant discussing women’s fashion tips for building a business casual wardrobe for women has the right idea; although I don’t agree on the sandals idea. The idea is one of business casual.

Although this video talks about what to wear to work she’s giving good advice that translates into how to dress for your deposition.

DEFINITELY NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR A DEPOSITION

But Cher does sing Walking in Memphis really well. (But if you show up to the lawyer’s office looking like Elvis you’re going back home to change.)

And for the younger crowd, I may like Avril Lavigne’s music but the way she dresses and wears eyeliner while appropriate for her music genre, isn’t appropriate for a deposition.

That said ... I do like her music.