Smart work by firms

Dressing down is going out of fashion among lawyers, according to a survey released last week although City firms say they are confident that smart casuals are here to stay.A survey of more than 400 individual lawyers across the midlands carried out by Birmingham-based consultants Charles Fellowes showed that 85% said they were uncomfortable in casual clothes.Charles Fellowes chief executive Anthony Tomkins said: It appears that the smart business suit will remain the standard uniform in the aptly named white-collar sector.

He said the results were supported in recent research by the company showing that dark blue is considered the most professional colour by lawyers rather than lighter colours such as beige.

But City firms that have adopted dress-down policies were unconvinced.

A spokesman for Allen & Overy, the only magic circle firm to introduce a blanket dress-down policy throughout the year, said: My impression is that people are not drifting back to suits.

He said that in style and character the firm was young at heart.

A spokesman for Linklaters said the firms Friday dress-down policy was popular, though there are no plans to extend the policy to the rest of the week.

The Allen & Overy spokesman confirmed that dark blue was popular with staff, adding; They dont go in for yellow or orange, but maybe now springs here well all be wearing fuchsia.See Editorial, page 12Jeremy Fleming