The launch of a new book, Employment Law Practice: Strategies for Success, has got the somewhat rumpled Obiter a little worried. Along with rather earnest chapters on ‘mastering non-contentious law’ and the like, the book has a more entertaining section on what to wear. There is ‘nothing worse’, the four immaculately clad authors claim, ‘than a suit that doesn’t fit’. Something to bear in mind for anyone who’s been invited to too many client Christmas dinners. Their advice for women going for a smart casual look is to ‘try a colour block pussy bow blouse’ (beg pardon?), which made Obiter wonder whether his newly tailored leg was being pulled. While it might be more straightforward for the chaps, it is a sartorial minefield out there for the fairer sex. Women lawyers are cautioned: ‘Wearing cardigans, sweaters, sleeveless tops and fishnets at work is not advisable… It is (also) inappropriate to expose your cleavage, especially when in the tribunal or in court.’ So what can you get away with? Invest in a ‘smart pen’, the authors urge. Presumably with your clothes on.