When we think about dressing formally, usually we’re thinking about what to wear when we’re trying to impress at a job interview or at work. However, there are times when there’s a little more on the line, such as a successful case arguing for your rights. Here, we’re going to look at how to get into the serious business of dressing for the courts, and a few fashion faux pas you don’t want to make.
Look at the dress code
There’s a good chance that the court that you’re visiting might already have its own rules for you’re supposed to dress. For that reason, it’s best to simply play it safe and find out ahead of time. Look at the court’s website and, if the information isn’t there, then call the courthouse itself and ask. After all, while there are some general rules as to how you should try to dress appropriately, different locales might have different ideas of appropriate. You might people dressed in a small rural courthouse is different from how they might dress in a bigger urban court.
Groom as best as you can
The judge isn’t going to pity you because you’re looking disheveled at your seat with your attorney. The simple truth is that it’s important to show up well-shaven (not necessarily clean-shaven) with a neat haircut, and no other obvious grooming mistakes being made. You’re trying to look like you’re reliable, upright, and forth-right, that your testimony can be trusted (even if you don’t have to make a testimony) so take care of yourself before you show up in court and invest in a little grooming if you have to.
Dress sensibly
Attending the court is as formal an occasion as you can have. Obviously, there are some circumstances this might not be possible. If a lawyer is representing you after a car injury, you might not be able to put on a pair of formal pants comfortably. In general, however, you should try to dress as conservatively as possible. A simple navy or charcoal suit will do in most cases, but you don’t want to dress up for very minor offenses, such as a traffic court. In that case, a simple sports jacket with slacks might be more appropriate.
Avoid overdressing, too
Just as being underdressed can cost you some points, the same should be said for overdressing. If you’re trying too hard to look too respectable, it can come off as a bit of a show for the courts. For that reason, you should avoid gaudy accessories like expensive wristwatches and avoid being overly formal with things like a waistcoat and cuff links on your arm. Sensible doesn’t mean as formal as possible. You want to look respectable, but not like you’re trying to impress people with high fashion or wealth.
If you’re heading to the courts, you want to show that you’re taking the proceedings there seriously, and there’s no better way to do that than to groom right and dress right.
Stocking your wardrobe with the most essential basic items has never been so simple when you’re able to utilize the ideas detailed above.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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