What to wear to court depends on the nature of your case, but it’s always best to choose professional, modest, and clean clothing that shows respect for the court. Your appearance can affect how a judge or jury perceives you, even though it won’t determine the legal outcome of your case.
Many people ask, “What do you wear to court?” or “What should I wear to court?” when they’re facing a hearing or trial. The safest approach is to dress like you’re attending a job interview. While clothing won’t win your case, it can send a clear message that you’re serious, respectful, and prepared. If you’re unsure, a New York City personal injury lawyer can guide you based on the setting and type of court appearance.
How We Help Clients Prepare
At Levine And Wiss, we don’t just help clients build strong legal cases; we prepare them for every part of the personal injury process, including what to wear for court. Whether you’re pursuing compensation for a car accident, slip and fall, or another injury, how you present yourself can influence how your story is received.
With over 100 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions recovered, we know that success often comes down to the details. That’s why we help our injured clients feel confident, focused, and ready before they ever step into a courtroom with tips for your day in court.
Why Appearance Matters in Court
The courtroom is a formal setting where respect and presentation matter. What you wear can shape the way others interpret your attitude and character. We always advise our clients to think carefully about their clothing choices before walking through courthouse doors.
Proper courtroom attire helps you:
- Communicate respect for the legal process.
- Make a positive impression on the judge and jury.
- Support your credibility as a witness or party to the case.
- Avoid distractions that could work against you.
While your clothing won’t speak for you, it can either reinforce or undermine the arguments you’re making.
What Men Should Wear to Court
If you’re unsure what to wear, we typically recommend leaning toward more formal and neutral options. For men, that includes:
- Shirt: Button-down shirt with a collar. A tie is recommended but not required.
- Pants: Dress pants or khakis. Avoid jeans or shorts.
- Shoes: Clean dress shoes. No sandals or sneakers.
- Accessories: Remove hats, sunglasses, and excessive jewelry.
- Grooming: Shave or trim facial hair, and make sure hair is tidy.
We’ve worked with clients of all backgrounds, and we always suggest wearing something that fits comfortably while still looking polished.
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What Women Should Wear to Court
For women, the goal is to appear respectful and understated. Clothing should be modest and businesslike.
- Top: Blouse or sweater with a modest neckline.
- Bottom: Slacks, a knee-length skirt, or a conservative dress.
- Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or low heels. Avoid flip-flops or casual sneakers.
- Accessories: Keep jewelry and makeup simple.
- Grooming: Hair should be neat and styled conservatively.
The key is to avoid anything that could be seen as overly casual, flashy, or inappropriate for a formal setting.
What Not to Wear to Court
We always tell our clients that it’s better to be slightly overdressed than risk appearing careless. Some clothing items should always be avoided, including:
- Graphic T-shirts: Anything with slogans, logos, or images.
- Jeans and shorts: These are too informal for court appearances.
- Pajamas or sweats: Even in virtual court, loungewear sends the wrong message.
- Hats and hoods: Unless for religious reasons, headwear should be removed.
- Flashy accessories: Loud jewelry or dramatic makeup can be distracting.
- Revealing clothing: Skirts that are too short or tops that show too much are never appropriate.
When in doubt, we advise our clients to dress with the same level of formality they’d use at a job interview.
Dressing for Virtual Court Hearings
Remote court is still court. If your appearance is via Zoom or another virtual platform, the same expectations apply.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Wear courtroom-appropriate clothing from head to toe.
- Choose a quiet space with a plain, distraction-free background.
- Make sure your camera is at eye level and your face is well-lit.
- Log in early to test your video and sound.
- Sit upright and stay focused, just as you would in a courtroom.
We help our clients prepare for these remote hearings by reviewing not only the legal talking points but also how they present themselves through the screen.
Contact Our Team for Courtroom Guidance
Understanding what to wear to court is just one part of being prepared. At Levine And Wiss, we work closely with our clients to ensure they feel confident and ready at every stage of the legal process. We know how important it is to make the right impression and present yourself in the best light possible.
If you have questions about your case, your appearance in court, or how to get ready for an upcoming hearing, our team is here to help. We provide more than legal representation; we provide support that carries you through. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you feel prepared long before you step into the courtroom.
