How should I dress for court? Our clients frequently ask this question in advance of their court date.

Will Rogers famously said “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression”. According to professional sales trainer and personal success coach Brian Tracy, “Your clothes are responsible for 95 percent of the first impression that you make on someone because, in most instances, your clothes cover 95 percent of your body. Your grooming, your hair style and the other ways you can determine your appearance from the neck up also exert an inordinate influence on the way that you are perceived…Your accessories, such as purse or briefcase, watch, tie, rings, pens and other elements, all make a statement that will or will not help”. This is especially true in court.

Courtroom dress codes are designed to maintain order and uphold the dignity and decorum of the judicial branch. The dress code applies to lawyers, their clients, witnesses, court staff and spectators. Increasingly, Missouri courts are adopting dress codes that provides a short list of attire that should not be worn into the courtroom, similar to the following:

heavily soiled work clothing
bare-midriff outfits, shorts, cut-offs, halter tops
tank tops, undershirts, see-through blouses
bathing suits, lingerie
athletic uniforms, hats, helmets
theatrical costumes, face-paint
clothing emblazoned with obscene words, images, or messages contemptuous or disrespectful of the judicial process

Obviously, these suggestions leave a lot of room for interpretation. In some areas, even lawyers have had difficulty following the dress code. If you are going to be in the courtroom as a party, it is wise to discuss your attire with your attorney in advance of the court date. You invested a good deal of time and money leading up to your court date that can be wasted if you make a bad first impression. The judge and jury are asked to form an opinion of you and your credibility in making their final decision about your case. Right or wrong, we all form opinions about people based upon appearance and those opinions can be difficult to change, even if those in the courtroom have listened carefully to your testimony.

Here are some more detailed guidelines to help you dress appropriately for court:

1. Remember that the courtroom is a formal, conservative setting; dress accordingly.

2. For men, slacks and a long sleeve dress shirt are appropriate, so long as your appearance is conservative. Avoid wearing clothing that looks this or this.

3. For women, wear a dress or blouse with slacks. Avoid revealing clothing and high heels.

4. Men and women alike should avoid wearing excessive jewelry, strong perfume or cologne, loud colors, and distracting hairstyles. Tattoos should be covered, if possible.

5. Make sure your clothing is comfortable so that you do not look uneasy or uncomfortable.

Dressing appropriately is important, whether you are a witness, defendant, juror, or bystander. It will be beneficial to your case to take the time to carefully plan your courtroom attire.