What to Wear to Court: Practical Courtroom Attire Tips

What to Wear to Court Practical Courtroom Attire Tips

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Getting ready to show up in a court of law is challenging and stressful, as leaving a good first impression on the judge and the jury is very important. 

Looking decent while in court is of utmost importance. People that have been involved in legal court matters know that there is a special unwritten dress code that should be followed.

Suitable courtroom attire isn’t only about looking decent, but it also shows respect to the legal authorities in the court of law. The bottom line is, since the point is winning the case, you must do your best to put together a proper clothing ensemble to make you look confident and trustworthy. 

Why Does What You Wear to Court Matter?

While many people consider their image in the courtroom to be a personal choice, others have learned the trick and used their appearance to win the case. 

However, remember that your speech and your professionalism are more important than your outfit. However, in a perfect world, what you wear to court shouldn’t impact the outcome, but it actually does. Looking and sounding professional is a winning combo.

Nevertheless, judges are fair, and they always focus on the evidence and knowledge, not on the physical appearance of the individual standing before them.  

Still, bear in mind that judges also pay special attention to the witness who provides the pieces of evidence, and appreciate the situation more when the person sounds and looks credible. Please note that credibility is influenced by several factors, and the person’s appearance is certainly one of them. 

We aren’t suggesting that the judge will never listen to you or trust you if you aren’t dressed well; after all, the judge’s decision is based on facts evidence, and that’s it. 

Judges will always do everything within their power to be unbiased and objective, but it is more appealing to trust someone who is wearing a suit than someone whose dress code includes dirty sweat pants and a ripped T-shirt.

What Should You Wear to Court?

The type of clothes you choose and the color palette are powerful enough to make a memorable impression on how the judge, as well as the jury, observes you. 

So, as clothing options are vast, making an outfit choice can be tough. We’ve listed several tips and tricks that’ll help you look your best before you step through the court doors.

Men at Courtroom

As one would expect, men should wear a business suit in the courtroom. However, if a person’s body type doesn’t match the elegant suit, they can also choose a collared shirt, dress pants, a nice tie, and a jacket. 

When it comes to colors, men can never go wrong with wearing a grey, black, or dark blue suit with a light-color shirt and a dark-color tie. Men should avoid dressing in clothes that are too big or too small, as it will ruin their overall image.

Another important aspect of putting together formal court attire is picking the right shoes. Always go with elegant dark-color shoes, because even if your shoes can’t speak, they say a lot about their owner.

Women at Courtroom

When it comes to clothes, women have more options than men. They can choose between a simple dress and stylish shoes, or a knee-long skirt and a nice blouse. 

Women who don’t feel comfortable wearing a dress or skirt can put on dark-color dress pants and a matching dressy top. Women are also supposed to wrap up the outfit by wearing a suit jacket. 

Makeup-wise, ladies shouldn’t wear too much of it and opt for delicate yet effective makeup. Less is more, ladies.

Dress Well, But Not Too Well!

Dressing badly may reflect negatively on you in court, but you should also know that dressing too well may also do you more harm than good. 

Picture a divorce hearing in court; if you show up wearing expensive designer clothes and shiny gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings, and you’re trying to get extra money out of your partner, you would look anything but credible.

Acting and dressing appropriately in court is the key to success, but there are some other minor but not less important things you have to pay attention to. These things can help you leave a good impression and increase your chances of winning the case.

Bonus Tips: How to Act in Court

Elegant behavior can make you look like a person who is credible and professional, so follow the shortlist of tips about suitable courtroom behavior:

  • Behave well and be polite to the people in the court. If you argue with the judge’s assistant, you won’t strike as a professional. 
  • Don’t focus on arriving on time, but do your best and be there earlier.
  • Don’t forget to turn off your mobile phone.
  • Don’t interrupt the judge while they are talking.
  • Don’t use electronic devices, such as tablets and laptops in court. 
  • Never read magazines or newspapers while you are in court.
  • Don’t eat or chew gum in the courthouse.
  • Never argue with your counterparts while you are waiting in the corridor.
  • Never show your anger; judges can show empathy, but they will never tolerate you screaming in court.

Finally, enter graciously, sit quietly, focus on the case, listen to the judge, be patient and wait your turn. Even though it sounds monotonous, remember that court matters require certain behavior, and being the professional you are, you’re trained to play by the rules.   

Conclusion

Your presence in the courtroom can work both ways for you – you can either shine or dim the lights on yourself. Judges pay attention to all details, including evidence, witnesses’ credibility, and people included in the process. 

Look and act accordingly to the environment, because a certain attire and posture go a long way. So, instead of wearing flip-flops, shorts, skirts, trainers, and jeans, put on something more elegant to look neat and respectful. 

By combining stylish pieces of clothes, neutral color palettes, and polite manners, you are halfway to celebrating your success in court!

Author

  • Raymond Hickman

    Raymond Hickman is a distinguished lawyer, writer, and legal commentator with extensive experience in various areas of law. He is widely recognized for his exceptional legal knowledge, insightful analysis, and engaging writing style, which have earned him a reputation as a leading voice in the legal profession.With his exceptional legal expertise, insightful analysis, and engaging writing style, Mr. Hickman has earned a reputation as a leading authority in the legal profession. His contributions to the field of law have been recognized by his peers, clients, and the wider legal community, making him a valuable resource for anyone seeking legal advice or insight.

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