How To Dress For Court
There are certain times in your life where the impression you make will count more than other days. Nowhere is that more pronounced than in court. Presenting yourself professionally in court not only shows that you take the process seriously, but that you take the setting seriously. But one question remains: not whether you should dress well for court, but how to dress for court. Here’s a simple guide to point you in the right direction.
Dressing For Court: Basic Guidelines
The courtroom is a professional setting. It’s not casual. It’s not “business smart.” It’s not the time for a T-shirt and jeans. It’s time to look your best. At the same time, you don’t want to show up in a tuxedo—that won’t work, either. Here are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind:
- Go a level above jeans. Even if you wear jeans every day, a day in court is not the time to do so. We recommend an upgrade to khakis or even dress pants. These Wool Flannel Flat Front Pants are simple and modern but still bring an element of classic style that’s appropriate for a courtroom setting.
- Wear a tie. Now is not the time to bring a “casual Friday” vibe with you. Instead, wearing a tie shows that you’re ready to treat the courtroom in a professional way.
- Match your colors. If you’re wearing a pair of navy pants like our Super 100’s Gabardine Flat Front Pants (available in navy and other colors), you’ll generally want to pair it with a navy suit coat. This creates a cohesive look to enhance your appearance.
Avoid These Mistakes When Dressing for Court
If you stick to the rules above, you’ll generally have a strong idea as to how to dress for court. But if you’re unfamiliar with courtrooms, you may want to double-check your outfit ideas to make sure you’re not making one of these common mistakes:
- Under-dressing. If you’re not accustomed to wearing suits and ties, it might feel like you’re over-dressing for court. It’s very hard to over-dress for court, short of wearing something inappropriate like a tuxedo.
- Dressing too much for style points. It’s tempting to believe that the bolder the fashion choices you make, the better you’ll do in court. But beware of fashion choices that are better suited for dinner parties and events rather than the courtroom. Avoid flashy ties and accessories. It’s far better to dress conservatively.
- Overly bold patterns or color choices. For men, a suit and tie is a good rule of thumb. However, an overly flashy patterned suit with an unusual tie can make it look like you don’t take the process seriously. This is exactly what you want to avoid.
Find A Quality Pair Of Trousers At Berle
Want to find the pants that can help you build a great foundation for a court event? Browse the trouser collections at Berle to ensure that you dress appropriately.