Dress conservatively and neatly — something you’d wear to church, a job interview, or a formal work event.
Generally avoid
- Shorts, athletic wear, or anything too casual (most courts won’t even let you in wearing shorts)
- Revealing, tight, or overly flashy clothing
- Visible tattoos or excess jewelry — cover or remove where you can
- Strong cologne or perfume, or the smell of smoke or alcohol
- Sunglasses or hats indoors
Good options
- A suit, sports coat, or a button-down shirt with slacks
- A conservative dress, blouse and slacks, or a business suit
- Closed-toe, conservative shoes
- Neat, recently groomed hair
Courtroom etiquette
- Turn your phone off completely.
- Sit up straight, pay attention, and take notes.
- Address the judge as “Your Honor,” and speak clearly and slowly.
- Arrive early, and don’t leave the courtroom without permission.
- Bring anything you might need — the judge won’t wait for you to go get it.