How Should I Dress for a Court Appearance?

The obvious rules are no cleavage, no t-shirts, and no shorts. Remember the "old days" when people would dress for church?

Litigants, after all, want the judge to rule their way. How about dressing the way judges do? No, not the robe...but if you think about it, many judges who don't "have" to wear suits, do. These are habits from the practice of law because lawyers, both male and female, still wear suits every day to court.

At the huge Stanley Mosk courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, many Los Angeles Superior Court judges at the county courthouse wear suits every day. Judges Kevin Brazile, Victor Chavez, William MacLaughlin, Marc Marmaro, Christine Byrd, Samantha Jessner, Elizabeth Feffer, Michelle Rosenblatt, Stephen Moloney, Lee Edmon (first woman presiding judge, now on the court of appeal), Presiding Judge Carolyn Kuhl, and Assistant Presiding Judge Dan Buckley. Some don't wear suits, or leave the jacket in the car, but the court leaders do.

So, litigants, take a clue from lawyers and the judges themselves. Wear a suit if you can but, if not, a shirt with a collar, jacket and tie, slacks, or a conservative dress are good.

I enjoy how it's not only acknowledged that courts and judges can be influenced by our clothing, but suggested that we wear certain outfits to send "the right message."

I'd like to think that a judge's knowledge of the law and access to precedents would be sufficient for making judgments, not his first impression based on what someone is wearing. Is a judge a trendy teenager or a respected, educated and neutral party?

If a person's suit isn't the expected shade it should have no bearing on the proceedings. If a person doesn't own formal clothes (many people have no need for them) and shows up in jeans and a nice sweater it should have no bearing on the proceedings. Likewise, if a defendant dresses in somber colors to make people feel he is more remorseful for his actions, it should have no bearing on the proceedings.

Courts are far from the impartial just proceedings that we typically imagine them to be.

@donasmrs-- Dark colors are best for court in my opinion. I would wear black pants with a long sleeved shirt and suit coat. You can also wear a long formal black dress below the knees. Just make sure that it's not tight-fitting, that doesn't look nice. Never, ever, wear short skirts or open shoes.

Men should wear a tie and collared shirt and black suit. Both men and women should wear dress shoes.

I have child custody case and I want to make sure that my appearance leaves a good impression on the judge.

What kind of suit and what colors are best in this situation?

I'm interning for a law firm and went to court with one of our lawyers the other day. There was a lady there who had very high heels on with open toes! I could not believe it! That's so inappropriate.

I've even seen some people go to work at a federal agency that way. I have no idea what they're thinking. This is not a club or a cafe, it's an official public place. Dressing conservatively and professionally shows that you respect the establishment and the people who are present there.

You should also probably dress in multiple layers. Like all municipal buildings, some court rooms might be too heated in cold weather and others might not be heated enough. Having a nice jacket or cardigan you can put on if it is warm, plus a fairly conservative, but light, top underneath if you want to take the jacket or sweater off, is a good idea.

While a neutral color is probably not necessary, something conservative is a good idea. At the same time, it might even be a good idea for a witness to wear at least one item that is a bright or memorable color, so that what you say really will stand out from the massive amounts of information people hear at court cases.

Women should wear a neutral colored business suit or pant suit with limited jewelry and makeup. The attire should really be conservative and subdued. Skirts should be at the knee and and dresses with plunging necklines would be inappropriate. Men should wear suits with ties and should be properly groomed when they address the court.

Anna Nicole Smith had a major makeover when she went to court over her late husband’s estate. She wore a conservative black suit and wore her hair straight.

Some defendants have been known to dye their hair a neutral color when going to court. Judges and juries really look down on people that do not take the necessary steps to follow appropriate court etiquette.