Got a court date coming up? What you wear matters

David Shapiro

Submitted photo

While your words and actions ultimately matter most, your appearance can help ensure that nothing distracts from your case.”

Walking into a courtroom is unlike stepping into most other professional settings. Judges, jurors and court staff are trained to observe closely, and your appearance becomes part of their first impression. Dressing thoughtfully doesn’t just show respect for the legal process; it also can influence how your credibility and character are perceived.  

What should you wear?

When appearing in court, think conservative, neat and professional. Business formal attire is usually the safest choice. Remember to pick clothing that looks clean, neat and fits you well.

For men, a suit or at the very least dress slacks with a button-down shirt and tie and a sport coat, paired with closed-toe dress shoes, is the safest choice. For women, a suit, modest dress or blouse with slacks or a below-the-knee skirt is appropriate, along with closed-toe loafers, flats or heels. Neutral or muted colors work best, as they project seriousness and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Think navy blue, black, gray, charcoal or dark brown.

Accessories should be kept simple: minimal jewelry, tidy hair and subtle makeup if worn. Even small details, like polished shoes, a belt that matches or wrinkle-free clothing can signal to the court that you respect the seriousness of the occasion.  

I suggest covering up tattoos if you can and take out piercings. In some cases, they could give the judge and jury a poor impression. If you have more than one or two holes in each ear, consider taking them out. Even though tattoos are widely accepted in many circles, you don’t know the judge or jury’s opinion on tattoos, so it’s best to cover them up in case it could cause a poor impression.

What not to wear

Court is not the place for casual, flashy or overly expressive outfits. Avoid jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers, hats and anything with big logos, slogans or political messages. Distracting patterns, bright neon colors or revealing clothing can send the wrong message or make you appear less credible. The same goes to excessive perfume, noisy jewelry or messy grooming.

Think this: if what you wear might make a judge or jury pause to wonder about your choices, it’s probably best left in the closet.

Why it matters

While judges and jurors are instructed to base decisions solely on the law and evidence, human nature means that appearance can still play a role. Countless studies have shown that people form their first impression of another person within seconds of meeting. Dressing appropriately communicates respect, self-control and seriousness, which can all work in your favor in court.  

For jurors, who are often everyday community members, your appearance can subconsciously shape how relatable or credible you seem. If you look like you are taking the process seriously, jurors may be more inclined to take you seriously as well.

Avoiding bias and distraction

Courtroom decisions should be based on facts, not fashion. However, clothing that is too casual, too flamboyant or overly styled can unintentionally invite bias or distraction. For example, a bright patterned outfit may draw a juror’s eye more than your testimony, while a casual hoodie could suggest a lack of respect. On the other hand, understated professional clothing helps keep the focus where it belongs: on your case and your words.

Final verdict on courtroom style

In the end, what you wear to court is more than just about your clothing. It’s about the impression you leave. Dressing with care signals that you respect the process, the people involved and the seriousness of the outcome. While your words and actions ultimately matter most, your appearance can help ensure that nothing distracts from your case.

Editor’s note: Attorney and Scottsdale native David Shapiro is founder of Shapiro Law Team, with offices in Phoenix and Mesa. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.