What to Wear to Court in Florida
If you’re going to court for a personal injury claim, a jury trial, or another legal proceeding, you should know that your appearance matters.
Oftentimes, people think they can wear anything of their choosing to court and that it won’t make a difference. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.
What you wear can have a major impact on the judge, the jury, and the outcome of your case.
Many clients are unsure about how they should dress for court. The following tips will ensure that you show up to your next court date confidently and with the right attire.
Tips for Appropriate Dress in Florida Courts
When picking out your outfit for court, the main thing to remember is that you don’t want to call too much attention to yourself.
A judge probably knows very little about you, so they often use your appearance to get a first read on who you might be as a person.
Colors and Patterns
Because courtrooms are traditionally conservative environments, subdued tones, such as dark blue, black, and gray, will be your best choices when picking out pants and jackets.
Bright colors and patterns can be distracting. A courtroom is not a place to make fashion statements or push boundaries.
Flashy outfits can make a judge think you don’t respect the court.
Suits – Are They Necessary?
If you happen to own a suit, you can’t go wrong.
Men’s and women’s suits are always suitable for court, but they aren’t mandatory. Suits can be expensive to purchase, and not everyone has the budget to afford one.
In the end, suits are a matter of comfort, accessibility, and choice.
Professional Court Attire for Men
If you don’t have a suit, the next best choice is to dress in a clean, business-casual outfit.
Men can achieve this look by wearing a simple button-up dress shirt tucked into slacks.
Leather footwear is always recommended, but as long as your shoes are clean and don’t cause distractions, you’ll show the judge that you care.
Professional Court Attire for Women
Although women can also wear a suit, anything clean, professional, and conservative will be acceptable in the eyes of a judge.
Slacks, blouses, button-ups, and conservative dresses and skirts are all great options to wear in court. Think of what you’d wear in an office.
If jewelry is your thing, it should be subtle and sparse.
What Clothing to Avoid At Your Court Date
There are plenty of outfits that you should avoid wearing in a courtroom, including:
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Hats
- T-shirts
- Athletic wear
- Revealing clothing
- Clothing that doesn’t fit
- Short skirts
- Sunglasses
- Dirty, disheveled, or ripped clothing
- Flip flops and beachwear
- Open-toed shoes
Some courts have dress code requirements. If you’re unsure what you can and can’t wear, review the requirements in your local jurisdiction.
Grooming and Hygiene
Adequate grooming and hygiene are also recommended when you attend court. This means showing up to court looking clean, neat, and professional.
If you’re involved in a personal injury claim, you may have to take the stand, talk to other court actors, participate in interviews and depositions, or spend hours seated in the same place.
Men’s Grooming and Hygiene
For men, hair should be trimmed and combed. Men should also keep their beards and mustaches neatly groomed.
It’s important to shower and wear deodorant before court, as courtrooms can be small, warm places that put you in close quarters with other individuals.
Women’s Grooming and Hygiene
For women, hair should be modestly combed or brushed and not groomed in a way that calls for extra attention.
Too much perfume can cause a distraction and bother others around you. Be subtle when applying any fragrances before going to court.
Ask Your Attorney What to Wear to Court if You’re Still Unsure
If you have any doubts about the clothing you must wear to court, ask your attorney. They’ll be familiar with any jurisdictional requirements and will be the best source for tips on proper court attire.
Contact the Jacksonville Personal Injury Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Duval County, St, Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167