Your shirt should have a collar—not a T-shirt or tank top. Try to get a long-sleeve dress shirt that buttons up. If you don’t have a dress shirt, then you can wear a nice polo shirt, but make sure to wash it correctly so you look clean. You should wear a tie with your dress shirt. Aim for something neutral looking. A solid-colored or check-patterned tie is best. Avoid “fun” ties—ties that have Santa Claus, naked women, etc. If you have a sports coat to wear, then wear that as well. [3] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source Avoid baggy pants, shorts, pants that hang down below your hips, and torn jeans. [4] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source
Do not wear flip flops or sandals under any circumstances. [5] X Trustworthy Source State of Massachusetts Official website for the State of Massachusetts Go to source If you don’t have dress shoes, try to borrow a pair that fit from someone. Otherwise, wear black sneakers which, from a distance, look like shoes. If you live in Texas, you can get away with cowboy boots. People in other states shouldn’t try to, however. [6] X Research source
Men should also aim for a conservative haircut. Wash out any dye if the dye is an unnatural color (for example, blue or green). [7] X Research source If, for religious reasons, you have long hair or a beard, then that will be okay. You do not have to shave or get your hair cut. Nevertheless, you should appear as tidy as possible. Should your religion prohibit trimming beards, then you need to be aware that a judge might find an untrimmed beard odd.
For example, a judge might associate brands like Timbaland and Sean John with criminal activity. It is best not to wear these brands of clothing when you show up in court. [8] X Research source
For example, if you are in criminal court, then you may want to wear a suit. The more that you look like an upstanding professional member of the community, the better. If you are being sued for alimony, you might want to show up to court wearing less professional clothes. Doing so can signal to the judge that you are hard-pressed for money and can’t afford to pay alimony to your ex-spouse.
Pair your skirt or slacks with a nice blouse or dress shirt. You may also wear a clean sweater. Instead of pants or a skirt, you might wear a dress. Make sure that the dress is not too revealing. No slits up the thigh. Make sure that the dress is not a shiny cocktail dress or anything provocative like that. If the dress shows off your arms or shoulders, you should pair it with a sweater or another shirt. [11] X Research source
You do not want anything too provocative. Do not wear low-cut shirts or super-tight clothes. [13] X Research source Watch out for plunging necklines on dresses. You’re not trying to date the judge. Imagine what your grandmother would say if she saw you in your outfit. If grandma would not approve, then neither will the judge. [14] X Research source
Needless to say, if you need to use barrettes or an elastic for a ponytail, make sure that they are conservative. Boring is best. No “Hello Kitty” or flashy rhinestone barrettes are needed.
The same principle applies to nails. Try to avoid long acrylic nails or nails painted in flashy colors. You don’t want to give anyone a reason to think you are anything but a boring, upstanding member of society. [16] X Research source
The less jewelry you wear, the better. Other than a watch and a wedding ring, you probably don’t need to wear any other piece of jewelry.
Cover up tattoos with clothing. A long-sleeved shirt can cover arm tattoos, and long pants will cover leg tattoos. If you have a tattoo on your face or neck, then use makeup to conceal it. [19] X Research source
Also remove sunglasses when you enter the courtroom unless there are medical reasons that you need to wear them. If you do need to wear dark glasses for medical reasons, try to bring a note from a doctor to that effect.
