Dos and Don’ts of a Courtroom Attire
Have you ever been invited to attend a court hearing? Hopefully it’s not because you have a criminal charge, but in case you were required to be in a court, remember that there are rules on how to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Don’ts When Dressing Up for the Courtroom
You don’t need to look like you’re about to get married, but it would not hurt to dress professionally for court. Below are some clothing you should avoid when dressing up.
1. Short-sleeved shirt
2. Sneakers
3. Shirt with cufflinks or French cuffs
4. Low-cut blouse
5. Heavily patterned/brightly-colored blouse
6. Short skirts
7. Shorts
8. Tube top, halter top or spaghetti straps
9. Tight-fitting clothes that are suggestive
10. See-through clothing
11. Torn or ripped jeans
12. Baggy pants that expose your underwear
13. Hats or caps
14. Shirts with indecent or offensive prints
15. Flip-flops
16. Open-toed shoes like sandals
17. Spike-heeled shoes
18. Distracting colors on your shirt, pants or shoes
19. Too much jewelry or accessories
A Guide for Men
Men should dress conservatively by avoiding patterns and colors that will catch unwanted attention from the other people in the court. You can still color-coordinate your outfit, but pick neutral colors such as white, navy blue, tan, or black.
Learn about the court’s dress code, if there is any, before picking an outfit. A suit and tie is the most acceptable outfit, or you can also pick a sports jacket, dress shirt with no tie, and neutral-colored trousers. If you have tattoos on your arms, you will be advised to cover it with long sleeves. Pick only the most comfortable size you can wear because depending on the procedure, a hearing might take an hour or more.
A Guide for Women
Remember that dressing up for court means you have to look conservative to avoid unwanted attention from the other people who will also attend the hearing. There are other venues where you can show off your personal style, but the court is not one of those places.
Do not overdress when you’re in court, instead pick clothing that are comfortable and are of the right size so that you can keep your focus and concentration during the proceedings.
A neutral-colored blouse with minimal patterns is your best bet. If you have a dress suit or pantsuit, it can be an alternative to the business casual outfit you also wear at the office. For your shoes, pick a pair of dress shoes in neutral colors that have low or mid-heels. Some stylists advise against the use of an all-black outfit to court, especially if you’re representing yourself, because it might send the wrong message to an older conservative judge.
If you have long hair, you might be advised to pull it back from your face to avoid distractions especially if you’re attending for self-representation.