What should I wear to court?
I can not stress this enough. If you are going to court, “Dress appropriately.”
I have heard some people say, “I am not dressing up for that jerk!” Well, when you dress inappropriately, you are not just sending the message that you are upset with your opponent at the stand, you are hurting your chances of winning statistically.
You may even be asked to leave the courtroom.
“So, what do I wear?” Appropriate attire is everything. Whether you are appearing in court as a participant, a witness, or even a supporter, this shows respect for the judge who will be deciding the case. That judge often has wiggle room. Show no respect, get none back in return. It is as simple as that sometimes.
As a general rule, you should always think of the courtroom as a formal environment. If you want to be treated like a professional, dress like one. Dress the same as you would for an important job interview or maybe as you would for church.
Unfortunately, we realy like packaging. IT is more appealing to us when something looks good and we usually lean in favor of the better looking option. This goes for everything from prom dates to dinner. A judge and jury are not supposed to think this way, but yet take heed, they are still human.
Take a look at this picture. These two headshots are before and after photos of the same exact person. The one on the right was a makeover done to help make the defendant look less guilty in the court room. Which person would you more likely figure in this picture is probably guilty?
NO MORE DISTRACTIONS – Eliminate the potential for discrimination. Eliminate the distraction and find a better chance for success.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
For The MEN: Please wear shoes (not sneakers REAL SHOES.) Wear black socks; long pants (on pants with belt loops, wear a belt); collared shirt (tucked in) preferably with a tie, with or without a jacket. I particularly like a blue shirt with a red tie under a nice dress jacket. That is strong!
For The WOMEN: Please wear a decent pair of shoes; a dress, skirt (preferably no more than two inches above the knee) or long pants; a blouse, sweater or casual dress shirt.
Stay away from: shorts, hats, halter & tube top, see-through top, flip flops or crocs or any other lame shoes where you can see toes. Don’t wear clothing that exposes your midriff or underwear/thong. No ripped or torn jeans. No gangster baggy pants that fall below your hips. Refrain from wearing clothing with an emblem or wording that promotes illegal or inappropriate activity like pothead regalia. Do not wear lame tshirts and certainly do not wear clothing that depicts or promotes violence, sex acts, illegal drug use or profanity!