YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION!
1
You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed.
Recognize that most judges are middle-class and have been practicing law for many years. The Judge will usually wear a black robe when they are on the bench. You need to dress conservatively, dignified, and discreetly as a sign of respect for the judicial system.
2
What NOT to wear to court -- YES, I've all of the items mentioned in court!
Sleeveless or muscle shirt - Exercise outfit - Nothing sexy or too dressy – tight tops, short skirts, sequins, slinky top, revealing tops – nothing you’d wear out on a Saturday night! - Sundress or strapless dress - Crop tops – cover your belly button - Any top with spaghetti straps- T-shirts (especially ones with beer, drug or sexual references) - Anything you’d wear to do yard work - Athletic attire – especially baseball caps - Jeans – unless they are the only long pants you own - Clothing that is too small or too large or that reveals your underwear - Shorts or cut-offs- Hats - Footwear, such as:Flip-flop sandals, High heel spikes, Open-toed shoes or anything you’d wear at the beach -
Sunglasses – unless medically prescribed - Lots of jewelry – especially if it makes noise when you move.
Hair - Wet & messy - Dirty - Unnatural dye job - Hairnet - curlers - anything wierd or outrageous
3
More things to avoid when you go to court
Hygiene is important!
Don't look dirty or unshaven!
Cologne and perfume – use very little – too much and everyone will wonder what you are trying to cover up!
Don'ts: smell like cigarette smoke.
Smelling like pot – that’s a totally different problem!
Smelling of alcohol – again that’s a totally different problem!
Nails – extremely long nails on both men & women, neon or bright nail polish -
Tattoos & Piercings -- Hide the tattoos if possible!
Remove excessive jewelry & piercings BEFORE entering the courtroom.
Bare legs or shoulders showing.
4
Ideas on what to wear to court
Conservative attire – something you would wear to church, work or a nice social function. (If you wear a uniform to work, it is usually ok to wear to court – unless you wear shorts to work.)
Wear clothes that fit – if you have gained or lost a lost of weight, please buy something new for your courtroom appearance.
Men:
Suit with tie -
Sports coat -
Long-sleeve button-down shirt with a collar and long pants -
Wear a belt or suspenders to keep up your pants.
Women:
A nice dress or woman’s business suit -
A conservative pants suit -
Conservative top and long slacks.
Jewelry – less is more --
(If you claim you have no money, then wearing lots of jewelry is unwise!)
If you claim you are broke, wearing designer clothes and looking "perfect" is NOT a good idea!
Body piercings -- take them out BEFORE entering the courtroom!
Most judges are old and conservative. Approx. half the judges are women so ladies won't wear clothes that "show off your chest"!
5
Some additional ideas
Nails – neat and clean. Neutral nail polish.
Shoes – closed toe & conservative.
Hair – Schedule a haircut 2 weeks before the court appearance. Look neatly groomed. If long, tie it back. No hairnets, rollers or combs.
Hygiene --
Brush your teeth & use mouthwash.
Men – shave before court & trim your mustache/beard.
Women – wear very conservative make-up.
Use soap & water liberally before coming to court .
Deodorant – you will be nervous so be prepared.
If you perspire a lot, bring a handkerchief or whatever to look “cool and confident”.
Cover tattoos.
Comments - add comment