For Kelly Hyman, fashion is not about dressing for someone else. It is about walking into a room feeling prepared, confident and completely herself.
As an attorney and legal commentator who regularly moves between the courtroom, television studios, professional meetings and public events, Hyman has learned that there is no single formula for getting dressed. The outfit that works for a courtroom appearance may not be the same one she chooses for television, a speaking engagement or an evening event. What connects them is her personal approach to style: polished, practical and comfortable enough to keep up with a demanding schedule.
“I think fashion is a form of self-expression, but for me it’s also about confidence,” Hyman says. “When I feel good in what I’m wearing, I feel more prepared for whatever the day is going to bring.”
That relationship with fashion developed over time. Hyman began her career in entertainment as a child performer, appearing in television and film, including The Young and the Restless, Getting There and Doin’ Time on Planet Earth. Her early experience in front of cameras and audiences eventually became part of a very different professional journey when she pursued law.
Today, her work puts her back in front of cameras, but from an entirely different perspective. Instead of performing a character, she is communicating legal information, explaining complex issues and offering commentary on stories in the news.
“I learned very early that being on camera is about being comfortable with yourself,” Hyman says. “Now, as an attorney, the focus is obviously on the information and the message, but I think that same sense of confidence still matters.”
A Closet Built Around Real Life
Hyman’s wardrobe reflects the reality of her schedule. Rather than treating fashion as something separate from her professional life, she looks for pieces that can move easily between different parts of her day.
“I like clothes that I can actually live in,” she says. “I’m often going from one thing to another, so I want pieces that look polished but are also practical.”
That philosophy has led Hyman to build a wardrobe around trusted brands, versatile staples and pieces she knows make her feel confident. She enjoys returning to brands that have proven themselves while remaining open to discovering something new.
For professional dressing, suits are an important part of her wardrobe, and Ann Taylor is one of her favorite destinations.
“I always love to get and wear Ann Taylor suits,” Hyman says. “I also love Ann Taylor LOFT.”
She also turns to Macy’s for a variety of wardrobe needs, while Levi’s jeans and Adidas sneakers are among her casual favorites. When it comes to shoes, Cole Haan is another brand she loves, particularly for pieces that combine polish with practicality.
Hyman’s approach is refreshingly uncomplicated: buy what works, wear what you love and don’t be afraid to repeat an outfit.
“I don’t think you need a completely different wardrobe for every occasion,” Hyman says. “If you find pieces that fit well and make you feel confident, you can style them in different ways.”
She also enjoys shopping across different price points. Saks OFF 5TH and TJ Maxx are among the retailers she likes to explore, giving her opportunities to find unexpected pieces alongside her more familiar favorites.
The result is a wardrobe that feels curated without being overly calculated.
The Courtroom Has Its Own Language
There is a certain visual language associated with the courtroom, and Hyman understands the importance of dressing appropriately for it.
For her, courtroom style is about professionalism rather than making a fashion statement. Tailored jackets, classic dresses, trousers and other polished pieces can create a composed appearance while keeping the attention where it belongs.
“When I’m going into the courtroom, I want my clothing to feel professional and appropriate for the environment,” Hyman says. “It’s not the time when I’m trying to make a statement with fashion. I want people focused on my work.”
That doesn’t mean courtroom clothing has to feel boring.
A well-fitting blazer, an interesting texture, a subtle accessory or a favorite pair of shoes can add personality without compromising professionalism. The key is finding the balance between looking polished and still feeling authentic.
“I still want to feel like myself,” Hyman says. “There’s a difference between dressing appropriately and feeling like you’re wearing a costume.”
When the Camera Comes On
Television brings a different set of considerations.
Hyman’s experience in entertainment gave her an early understanding of how clothing, lighting and presentation can translate on camera. Today, when she appears as a legal commentator, her goal is to look polished while keeping the focus on the conversation.
“I think television gives you a little more room to play with your style,” she says. “But I still want the clothes to complement what I’m saying rather than become the story.”
For television appearances, Hyman gravitates toward brands such as Calvin Klein and Reiss, with a particular preference for solid colors and clean silhouettes.
“When you see me on TV, I tend to wear Calvin Klein and Reiss,” Hyman says. “I like solid colors with no patterns on them.”
That approach allows her clothing to look sophisticated and camera-friendly without competing with the substance of the interview. Color, fit and silhouette can all influence how an outfit translates on screen, making simplicity an effective choice.
And, perhaps most importantly, she wants to be comfortable.
“If I’m constantly thinking about whether something is sitting correctly or whether I need to adjust it, that’s going to take my attention away from the interview,” she says. “The best outfit is one that lets you forget about it once you put it on.”
Favorite Brands, Personal Favorites
Hyman doesn’t approach brands as a checklist of what every professional woman should buy. Her favorites are simply the brands that have earned a place in her own closet.
Her wardrobe includes dependable names such as Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Macy’s, Levi’s, Adidas and Cole Haan, alongside brands she particularly enjoys wearing for television, including Calvin Klein and Reiss.
At the same time, Hyman doesn’t believe personal style should be limited to a predetermined list of labels.
“I love finding pieces at different price points,” Hyman says. “You can have something that’s an investment and pair it with something much more accessible. It’s really about how everything comes together.”
That philosophy is reflected in where she shops. Hyman enjoys exploring retailers such as Saks OFF 5TH and TJ Maxx, where she can discover different brands and pieces outside of her usual rotation.
Her wardrobe also reflects a willingness to experiment.
While classic pieces form the foundation, Hyman enjoys adding personality through color, accessories and occasional trends.
“I’m not someone who thinks you have to wear the same thing all the time just because you’re a professional,” she says. “You can have fun with fashion. You can try something new. You just want it to feel authentic to you.”
That balance between classic and current, professional and personal is what keeps her style from feeling overly formal.
The Details Matter
For Hyman, an outfit is rarely complete without accessories.
Jewelry, shoes and handbags can change the feel of an otherwise familiar look. They also provide an opportunity to bring more personality into professional dressing without having to completely reinvent an outfit.
“I think accessories are a great way to change an outfit without changing your entire wardrobe,” Hyman says. “You can wear the same dress or suit and make it feel completely different with different shoes, jewelry or a jacket.”
Shoes in particular play an important role in making professional dressing practical. Hyman’s appreciation for Cole Haan reflects her preference for pieces that allow her to move comfortably through a demanding day without sacrificing a polished appearance.
It is a practical approach for someone whose calendar can change quickly.
A wardrobe built around versatile pieces means fewer decisions and more options.
Fashion and the Business of Feeling Good
Ultimately, Hyman sees fashion as less about impressing other people and more about feeling comfortable in your own skin.
That doesn’t mean every outfit has to be perfect. In fact, she believes some of the best style choices come from understanding what genuinely works for you.
“Everyone has different proportions, different personalities and different lifestyles,” Hyman says. “I don’t think there’s one definition of professional style. You have to figure out what makes you feel confident.”
For younger professionals especially, she believes that confidence develops with experience.
“You don’t have to figure out your personal style overnight,” she says. “Try different things. Pay attention to what makes you feel good. Over time, you start to understand what works for you.”
That mindset also takes some of the pressure out of professional dressing. Instead of chasing every trend or feeling obligated to constantly buy something new, Hyman believes women can build on the pieces they already know work for them.
A great suit can be worn repeatedly. The same jeans can become part of several casual looks. A favorite pair of shoes can work across multiple settings. And a simple change of accessories can give a familiar outfit an entirely different feel.
A Personal Style That Keeps Evolving
Hyman’s career has already taken her through several distinct worlds, from entertainment to law and from the courtroom to television. Her wardrobe has evolved along with her.
The common thread is not a particular designer, trend or signature outfit. It is the idea that what she wears should support the life she is actually living.
“I think your style should evolve as you evolve,” Hyman says. “What I wore years ago may not be what I want to wear today, and that’s okay. Fashion should be fun. It should make you feel good.”
For Hyman, that might mean an Ann Taylor suit before heading into court, a polished Calvin Klein or Reiss look for a television appearance, Levi’s and Adidas for a casual day, or a comfortable pair of Cole Haan shoes to carry her through a busy schedule.
The clothes change. The settings change. The demands of the job change.
But the purpose remains the same: to feel confident enough to focus on the person she wants to be, the work she wants to do and the message she wants to deliver.
“I want to feel like myself when I walk into a room,” Hyman says. “That, to me, is really what personal style is about.”