10 Tips for Dressing for Court

For most of our clients, their first encounter with the court system is when they are pursuing a lawsuit for a car accident or another type of personal injury. This usually means that they have never had to think about what they need to wear for a deposition or court hearing. If you need to dress for a court appearance, deposition, mediation, hearing, or any other type of legal proceeding, you should remember what type of clothing makes the best first impression on a judge, jury, and even the opposing counsel. You want to appear credible and well put together right off the bat, and the following tips we have outlined can ensure that you are confident with how you look and that you are making the best first impression so that the judge or jury will focus on your case and not how you look.

1. Wear Clothes that Fit and Look Neat:

Select clothing that is clean, looks neat, and that fits you well. You don’t have to go out and buy new clothes, but the attire you choose should meet these criteria.

2. Conservative, Church-Like Clothes Are Best:

Keep your clothing selections conservative. No tight dresses, stiletto heels, sleeveless blouses, jeans, or low-cut tops. Men should wear a button up shirt with an undershirt or add a sweater on top if it is cooler temps. Women should wear something with a modest neckline, a blouse that covers your waistline (raise your arms overhead to make sure that the top does not reveal your stomach), and a dress or skirt that is not too short or tight. Even if you normally do not dress conservatively, it is best to do so for court. A judge and jury may have a mindset of what is appropriate or not to wear to court, so conservative is best. You can dress however you want outside the courtroom, but we advise striving to make the best possible first impression.

3. Do Not Wear Clothes with Graphics or Writing on Them:

Refrain from wearing band tees or shirts with pictures or phrases on them. Even if the writing on your shirt is not offensive, it can still be distracting and just otherwise inappropriate.

4. Do Not Wear a Team Jersey:

Even if you are a diehard Tampa Bay Rays fan or an avid follower of the Miami Dolphins or Jacksonville Jaguars, the courtroom is not the place to show your support for your team. Even if it is the playoffs, do not wear a team jersey.

5. Keep Accessories Minimal:

Simplicity is key, so no statement jewelry. A small bracelet or dainty earrings are a good option. A watch is a fine accessory choice. Do not wear hats or sunglasses in the court room. If you have a religious requirement to cover your hair, feel free to keep this a part of your attire.

6. Keep Your Hair in a Simple Style:

Do not draw attention to yourself with a wild hairstyle. Again, you can express yourself however you want outside of court, but a mohawk or shocking pink hair might not portray the best first impression. Keep your hair clean and combed, and tied back if long. You want to look neat and tidy. Men should keep their facial hair trimmed neatly and clean. Men that do not have a beard or mustache should shave their face the day of court.

7. Simple Makeup is Best:

Keep makeup more on the natural side when dressing for court. It is best to skip the blue eyeshadow and bright red lipstick. If you are wearing mascara or eyeliner, choose a waterproof brand, as emotions can run high in court, and you do not want black streaks on your face. Following the court dress code, keep your nails trimmed short, and if you wear nail polish, opt for a natural or sheer color to maintain a professional appearance.

8. Consider Taking Out Piercings:

Other than one or two holes in your ears, you may want to consider taking your piercings out for court. Nose rings, eye brow piercings, lip rings, gauged ears, etc. can all be distracting. Taking these out for court is best, but you can also use clear plugs to maintain shape if necessary. Another option is to use a small stud or something that is not that noticeable.

9. Consider Covering Any Tattoos:

If you have any visible tattoos on your arms or legs, then consider wearing long shirts and pants to keep them covered. Makeup can be used to cover any tattoos on your hands, face, or neck. You never know if your tattoos will cause a judge or jury to have a negative first impression of you.

10. Wear Dress Shoes:

While you are in Florida, where the climate is pretty warm year-round, it is best to avoid sandals or flip-flops. It is best to wear closed-toed dress shoes. Avoid sneakers, work boots, and very high heels that you cannot easily walk in.  

Dress Respectfully to Be Taken Seriously

You want to be taken seriously and show the court that you understand the importance of dressing for court appropriately. Wear clothes that are clean, modest, and fit well. Again, you do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe, but remember that your physical appearance is the court’s first glimpse at you. Following the proper court dress code ensures that you make a positive impression and do not cloud the judge or jury’s judgment by looking untidy or improper. Start your case off on the right foot with proper etiquette, attire, and decorum for the courtroom.

If you have any questions about a legal matter, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to help. Call us now at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.