How do you dress for court?
Have you ever heard of the saying - “Dress for Success”? Whether you are heading for a job interview, or going to your first court hearing, you should always “dress for success.” However, what does that really mean?
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. People throughout the world have widely varying ideas and standards as to what is acceptable attire for an event and what is not. Within your own community, or even your own family, there may be differing views on dress code standards.
For example, take a look at how someone may dress for a job interview. If you are interviewing for a position on Wall Street, you will probably be dressed in a suit with shoes shined and all. If you are interviewing for a position as a nanny or a fitness trainer, you will probably dress more casually. Dressing in a suit may be an overkill for these positions.
Your image matters. If you head to an interview for a high executive position dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, you will likely fail to impress. Each time you go to Court and make an appearance, it is like you are going to a mini-interview. You want to make a good impression, don’t you?
Of course, no one is saying that you must go out and buy a suit or a fancy dress. However, there are certain things you must keep in mind when you get ready for your appearance in court.
Be neat and put together. You are trying to impress someone. You are trying to give off the image that you respect the person who will be making decisions on your case. Messy people are unlikely to give off that impression.
Dress in layers. Since you have no control over the temperature in the room, you have no idea whether you will be too warm or too cold. Therefore, dress in several thin layers will help minimize the embarrassment of having to sit there shivering or having sweat drip from your forehead. Neither of those will likely help ease your nerves that day.
Better to overdress than to underdress. You don’t have to wear a tuxedos or a ballgown (in fact, please don’t.) But, if you have a choice between jeans or khakis, go with khakis. Sneakers or loafers? Go with loafers. Polo shirts or button down (or nice blouse)? Go with the latter. Of course, if you prefer to put on a suit and dress shoes, go for it! You want to show someone that you respect them by putting on your “Sunday’s best.”
Go simple with your jewelry. If you have body piercing that cannot be covered by your clothing, take off the accessories. Simple earrings are fine. But a fully-pierced face, probably not so much. Same thing with tattoos. If you can cover them up, you’re probably better off doing so. You want the judge to pay attention to what you are saying, not to the tattoo on your body or the piercings on your face.
Dress comfortably. Try to avoid super tight clothing, or shoes that dig into your feet. Or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable and fidgety, for that matter. You have enough to worry about and will likely be nervous at your court appearance. There is no need to add more to it.
There are many things that you may not have control over in a legal case, but dressing to make a good impression does not have to be one of them.
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice, and your viewing of this blog does not form any attorney-client relationship.
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