A clerk magistrate once asked me, “Counselor, how do you always have your clients dress so nice?” I laughed and smiled at the question, acknowledging the overall appearance of litigants inside the courthouse on that day.
It may seem like common sense to dress appropriately for a court appearance, but many individuals really need to take a second look in the mirror before setting foot in court.
Some simple tips will have you looking appropriately and feeling comfortable for your trip to court.
- Wear simple clothing. Keep in mind you will have to go through the metal detector. This involves taking off your belt, and occasionally taking off your shoes. You don’t want to wear knee high lace up boots only to have to take them off and sit on the courthouse floor trying to lace them back up.
- Wear clothing that fits. As to number 1, I have seen a gentleman take off his belt to his suit, only to have his suit pants fall around his ankles. It was embarrassing for everyone waiting in that lobby.
- If you are a man, wear a shirt that can be tucked. There is one judge in particular that will not hear your case until 4 p.m. if you approach him with an untucked shirt.
- I usually suggest business casual, or nicer. A nice polo shirt and khaki pants, or button up shirt or simple dress can show the court you are taking your appearance seriously.
- Ladies, stick with flats for shoes. Many courts do not have a lot of sitting areas in the lobby, and there can be a LOT of waiting. You will be a lot more comfortable in some cute flats.
- You don’t need a lot of flashy accessories. I saw one day a man trying to go through the metal detector with a belt buckle that doubled as a flask. Unfortunately the court officers made him leave his belt buckle in the car, and he had a hard time keeping his pants all the way up that day.
- Leave the sequins at home. While you want to dress up, think grandma’s closet, not Friday night out. You want to look conservative rather than flashy. Ditto for stiletto heels and leather pants.
- Do not wear shorts and flip flops. Some court officers will actually make you wait in the lobby until your case is called if you are dressed inappropriately. Shorts and flip flops fall into the category of inappropriate.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will be dressed to impress at court.