An unzipped fly...thankfully easily fixed.

The old me had (nor attempted to have) any sense of style. I was not particularly social and ran an automotive research and development business from home so I had no external motivation to dress with class. My dress was all about comfort (t shirts….sometimes undershirts), utility (cargo shorts and well-worn jeans were a frequent choice). This style was only broken on the rare occasions I went out for a special occasion with family. The best this would get is a clean(er) pair of jeans, and a button-down long-sleeve shirt. I didn’t even own a suit. The turning point for me was a lengthy and hostile divorce. My attorney advised me to dress well for court, so I bought an entry level black suit. At first it felt awkward (especially the dress shoes). I noticed that I was one of few litigants that actually dressed well for court and was frequently mistaken for an attorney. Ironically, a few months later, I would fire my attorney and take up my case pro-per (self-represented). My suit became my armor and I felt empowered when I wore it. The term “Pro-per” took on a double meaning. The photo of the black suit was the first time I represented myself in court….and the first time I got a favorable ruling for the entire case to that date that led to me being able to bring my daughter home with me for the first time in over a year. After four additional years of litigation, I was talked into applying to law school and was accepted. This is where the desire to appear professional became less of a necessity and more of an expression of my rebuilt self. It also helped that I discovered RMRS and began understanding that there were colors other than black. (at least for suits) and also became interested in classy but less formal clothing such as polo shirts in place of t-shirts, Chelsea boots instead of sneakers and really enjoyed how throwing on a sport coat could completely augment an otherwise modest outfit, but the suit remained the uniform of this profession. I created a photo catalog of various combinations of my two colors of suits, three colors of dress shirts and began experimenting with ties (something I never thought I would do).

3rd year law student. Made Dean's list 3rd semester in a row and became a certified mediator.

@Antonio Cent graduate with honors, pass bar, start my own law practice. Oh...and also get married in March. 😁

@Dr. Jason Cole I could but the event is a surprise.....so far.

Decided to to a hybrid dress top and less dressy bottom. Think it worked nicely.