How to Dress When You Are Attending Court

If you have never been inside a courtroom, it’s possible that the only guideline you have to follow is what you see on television. That could be a good thing, but it could also be misleading, especially if you have to attend court and are depending on these current court programs to give you direction. The courtroom is that one place where the dress code is still formal office. Here are a few suggestions on how to dress for court.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Suit and tie or dress pants and shirt and tie
• Women's formal office attire

How to Dress When You Are Attending Court

1. Dress in a formal-office fashion, simple and not flashy. The whole idea is to dress neat, clean and presentable as a statement of respect to the Court.
2. Avoid blue jeans, track pants and shirts, sneakers, flip-flop shoes or street clothing if possible. However, if that pair of bluejeans is your best pair of pants, then wear them and try to present yourself as neatly as possible.
3. Men should wear suits with ties and jackets or just dress pants, a dress shirt and a tie, if possible. Women should dress formal office but again, nothing flashy or attention drawing.
4. Avoid beach clothes or comfy clothes such as shorts, short skirts, low-cut tops, bathing suits, halter tops or belly shirts. These clothes may be the norm for your lifestyle but it does not show respect to the court.
5. Both men and women should avoid flashy, dangling jewellery. You are not in court to advertise or flaunt your riches, and it does not impress the judge if you do. However, it could be a distraction to others.
6. Avoid strong fragrances as many courts have been designated as “fragrance free,” and you could be asked to leave the courtroom if your fragrance bothers anyone. Some lawyers and judges have allergies to fragrances, and court sessions have been delayed or canceled due to excessive perfumes lingering in the air.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to put forth a positive and respectable attitude at all times, whether you are a spectator in the courtroom or someone involved with the proceedings.
• If you do not have the appropriate clothing to wear, don't avoid going to court because of it. Wear what you have, but keep yourself tidy and presentable.