Depending on your case, you may never have to set foot in a courtroom. However, if you are required to appear in court, you’ll need to consider several things, like how you should dress and present yourself.

How you look and behave in the courtroom can have an impact on the outcome of your personal injury case. Therefore, it’s important to understand what you should and shouldn’t wear and plan for your court date to make the best impression. 

How Women Should Present Themselves in Court

As far as clothing, women can wear a dress or skirt that sits at appropriate lengths, at or below the knees. You can also wear dress shirts and slacks or pantsuits. Shirts should have sleeves, or alternatively, a sweater or jacket should be worn to cover the shoulders. Women can wear head coverings if necessary.

Closed-toe, professional shoes are required, like flats or loafers. Heels are not necessary but can be worn.

Grooming and makeup also play a crucial role in your appearance. Hair should be colored and styled appropriately. Makeup should be light and not too dark. If you wear jewelry, it should be small and not over the top. 

Body jewelry should be removed, and visible tattoos should be covered with clothing or makeup, depending on the location. 

How Men Should Present Themselves in Court

Concerning clothing, men should also strive to look professional and not overly casual. You should wear long pants and a shirt with a collar, either a polo or button-down. A suit is also a welcomed option. Ties are optional. 

Shoes should be closed, like dress shoes or loafers. No hats or head coverings should be worn. 

As for grooming, a man’s hair should be cut and styled. Facial hair is acceptable, so long as it is nicely maintained. Body jewelry should be removed, and tattoos should be covered. 

What You Should Avoid Wearing to Court

There are certain things both men and women should avoid in the courtroom. Concerning clothing, you should not wear the following:

  • See-through clothing
  • Hats and baseball caps
  • Open shoes, like flip-flops and sandals
  • Overly casual clothing
  • Anything too tight or inappropriate
  • Sunglasses
  • Graphic t-shirts
  • Shorts or skirts that are too short

Avoiding these clothes and accessories and dressing nicely to court can make a world of difference. 

Why Appearance Is Important in the Courtroom

It’s easy to wonder why clothing preferences and appearance would even matter in the courtroom, especially when you have a skilled attorney representing you. 

The truth is, regardless of your case, from car accidents to medical malpractice, the way you appear and act can affect your case.

Even if you have a lawyer on your side, you are still the plaintiff. Therefore, the eyes of the judge and jury are on you. 

A detail that can seem so small, like presenting yourself nicely and respectably, can truly make a substantial impact on the outcome of your case. 

Not only is clothing important, but so is conduct. Your demeanor and actions can influence your case, just like your attire.

When in doubt, it’s always best to dress well and show respect whenever you’re in court. You never know the difference it can make. 

Your Attorney Can Provide Direction

If you need personalized assistance regarding your clothing and demeanor in court, turn to your attorney.

Going to court can be intimidating, but lawyers make regular appearances in court. For this reason, they can provide the best guidance and help you with your wardrobe and behavior. 

Your attorney is available for you, so you should use them as a valuable resource for everything case-related, even wardrobe choices.

Contact the Louisiana Personal Injury Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in Louisiana, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883