How to Dress in Court

If you are involved in any type of court proceeding, it is very important for you to dress properly. If you are a defendant it is imperative that you dress appropriately for court.

Discuss Your Look With Your Attorney

Your attorney should be very concerned about they way that you are portrayed in court and should give you many pointers on how he wants you to dress. Most likely he will recommend a professional looking suit with proper shoes and accessories. Hair and makeup should be done.

How Women Should Dress In Court

Women should not wear anything that is revealing to court. No low cut blouses, no high cut skirts and no bare legs. You must wear nylons or tights under your dresses or skirts. The best think to wear is a navy blue suit, white blouse, navy heels or wedges. Wear very little jewelry. Your hair should be done with hairspray so that it stays in place. You should wear makeup, but it should be very light.

How Men Should Dress In Court

Men should wear a suit with a tie, long sleeved shirt and appropriate dress shoes with socks. It is not necessary to wear the suit jacket if you do not choose to do so. It also can be acceptable for men to wear slacks such as Dockers with a long sleeve button up shirt and tie. Men should always wear a tie in the courtroom.

Rules For Everyone

If you wear a hat or jacket, you should take it off in court. Absolutely no jeans, athletic shoes, work boots, cleavage, bare feet, bare legs (nylons are acceptable for women wearing skirts and dresses), shorts, plumbers crack or T-shirts. Try not to wear anything that has a name printed on it such as Nike or Guess.

Children should be dressed appropriately in long dresses or suits.

You may be asking yourself, "Do I really need to dress this way for court?" Of course you don't have to, but it is advised. If you dress like a slacker, you will be treated like one. The courtroom is one place that you do not want disrespect anyone, it can cost you money, time and your freedom.

Opinions definitely matter in court. If you find yourself in court, make sure that you dress appropriately to show the judge, jury and courtroom that you respect the court and that you understand that the matter is very serious.