Everywhere you go, there is an appropriate dress code. Depending on your gender and the type of work you perform, jeans and steel-toed boots might be your work outfit or you might spend Monday through Friday in neatly pressed slacks and high heels. Either of these outfits would be inappropriate to wear to the gym, where you should instead wear breathable, cotton clothing and arch-supporting sneakers. Going to court is no different. When you go to court, it is important that you dress appropriately. Dressing appropriately for court shows that you take the court and its processes seriously and that you understand why you are there. Even if you do not agree with the reason why you are in court or you feel you are being treated unfairly, you need to “play by the rules” in order to reach a favorable outcome. Dressing appropriately for court is one of these rules.
Dressing appropriately for court does not need to be expensive. You can find tasteful, appropriate pieces of clothing at your local thrift shop or discount big box store. What is important is that you find pieces that are clean, fit you correctly, and are in good condition. As for the style of your clothing, conservative is always best. Opt for neutral colors like dark blue, gray, and black. Save the neon and print fabrics for the weekend. For further guidance tailored to your specific needs as a personal injury claimant, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Alabama. He or she has been to court many times in the past and can help you make yourself presentable before your hearing date arrives. A good rule to keep in mind is that court attire should look similar to job interview attire. Do not wear anything that can be distracting or offensive to others. The goal is for you to make a positive impression. Your clothing should support your impression, rather than detract or distract from it.
Men
For men, looking neat and professional is the key to successfully dressing for court. Choose a suit or a pair of slacks and a blazer with shined dress shoes. Do not wear work boots, sneakers, or any other type of shoe that you would not wear to a job interview. Your shirt should have a collar and your pants should be held in place with a belt or a pair of suspenders. Under no circumstances should anybody in the courtroom see your underwear or socks.
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, if worn at all. If you have any visible tattoos, cover them with makeup specifically designed for this purpose. Your hands and fingernails should be clean and presentable. Your facial hair should be clean-shaven or neatly trimmed.
Women
Like men, women should opt to wear interview-appropriate attire to court. This can mean a blouse and blazer with slacks or a skirt, a suit set, or an office-appropriate dress with pantyhose and dress shoes. Do not wear open-toed shoes; pumps or other conservative heels are the best choice of footwear for court.
Your fingernails should be neatly groomed. If you have a manicure, stick to a neutral nail polish tone. If you choose to wear makeup, wear it in a conservative style – the cat eyes and bright red lipstick should stay home on your court date. Even during the summer, wear sheer pantyhose to court if you opt for a skirt or dress. Do not show your bare leg in the courtroom.
Jewelry should be minimal and conservative in taste. Do not wear large pieces that will make noise when you move. If you have any visible piercings other than your earlobes, remove these for your court date. Cover any tattoos with your clothing or with makeup meant to cover tattoos.
Both Sexes
There are many court attire rules that apply to both men and women. For example, any individual going to court for a hearing should be clean and well-groomed. Shower before you go to court and be sure to wash your hair and beneath your fingernails. Your teeth should be brushed. If your hair is colored an unnatural color, dye it to a more neutral, natural tone before going to court.
Anything that can be considered to be “edgy” or “alternative” should be removed for court. This includes all piercings except for earlobe piercings on women. If your ears are gauged to the point that removing your plugs would cause them to be more distracting than leaving the plugs in, find a pair of ear plugs that match your skin tone and wear these the day you go to court. If you normally wear a trendy or unusual hairstyle, get it cut and restyled into something more traditional.
The following types of clothing should be avoided by both sexes:
- Sneakers;
- Shorts;
- Flip flops;
- Hats;
- Sunglasses (except for prescription sunglasses); and
- Any top that does not have sleeves.
On either sex, proper posture can make a dramatic difference in an individual’s image. Stand tall and project your voice when you are in court. Be sure to wear deodorant – you will likely be nervous in court and many people sweat when they feel stressed. If you wear perfume or cologne to court, be very sparse with it.
Still Have Questions? Talk to our Personal Injury Attorneys in Alabama
Are you wondering, “what do I wear to court?” Or do you need help with your personal injury claim? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. To learn more about this process and get started on your claim, contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. We are an experienced Alabama personal injury firm who can help you get the money you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses following an accident.
Do not wait to make the call – our phone number is (205) 933-1500. We represent clients all throughout the state of Alabama with lawyers located at any of our four, office locations. To find out more about how we can best represent you, learn how our personal injury lawyers can help you.
