How to Dress for Your Court Appearance
The way you dress for court should exude respect and dignity. Your appearance says a lot about you and an effort to look professional will go a long way with the judge. We are under the belief that anything you can do to help your case should be done.
A simple thing like dressing appropriately could put you in a favorable state of mind with the judge.
You have nothing to lose with dressing appropriately but a lot to lose if the judge makes you return to court for your attire.
For men
The main issue we see with court conduct in Georgia is not dressing up enough.
We frequently observe men come to court in jeans and a t-shirt. You are not doing yourself any favors by showing up in regular clothes.
Suits are acceptable for men but not required. If you wear a suit, you should also wear a tie. Business casual attire such as slacks and a dress shirt or solid polo is appropriate.
Collared shirts are advised.
Try to avoid shirts with wording on them or images such as skulls.
Tucking your shirt in and wearing a belt is also encouraged. We have seen many men have to leave the courtroom for not tucking in their shirts or wearing their pants too loose.
For women
The best advice is to dress modestly.
Avoid bright colors and clothes with writing or images on them.
Short skirts, low-cut shirts, or super tight clothes are not advised when going to court. Some courthouses will not let you enter the courtroom if your clothes are too tight or short.
Suits are also fine for women, but business casual is appropriate as well.
If you choose to wear a dress, it should not be an evening-style dress or one that is too short. Try to avoid high slits and dresses that are too tight.
It is a good idea to keep hair, jewelry, and makeup conservative and to a minimum. This is not the time for large earrings, bracelets, or eccentric hairstyles. Your jewelry should not make noise.
In regards to shoes, open-toed shoes are not acceptable as well as sandals, flip-flops, etc.
Common unaccepted clothing includes but is not limited to
Shorts
Hats
Ripped or torn jeans
Baggy pants that fall below the waist
Shorts
Tank tops and muscle shirts
Hair curlers or hats
Bare feet
Sunglasses
Clothing that depicts violence, sexual acts, profanity or illegal drugs
Clothing with emblems that condone inappropriate or unlawful behavior