Tips: What to Wear to Court
It is common knowledge that when attending court, you should dress respectfully. What isn’t common knowledge is what dressing respectfully entails. In general, respectful clothing for court includes clothing that is modest, clean and that fits you well. The goal is to allow the judge to notice you and your message, not your appearance. Below are court attire tips for anyone attending a court hearing or USCIS interview.
You should wear business attire, such as a suit, dress pants with a formal shirt and blazer, dress, or skirt with a blouse, sweater or button-up shirt. If you decide to wear a skirt, make sure that it is no more than two inches above your knee. You should match your outfit with business casual, clean shoes.
Other general tips:
- Do not wear heavy make up
- Wear a shirt with a modest neckline
- Steer clear of distracting jewelry
- Pull your hair back so that it is out of your face
- Tuck in your shirt
- Keep cologne to a minimum
- Remove visible piercings
- Cover up visible tattoos
You Should Never Wear:
- Shorts
- Hats
- Sleeveless, see-through, or halter tops
- Flip flops, sandals, or sneakers
- Clothing that exposes your midriff
- Ripped or torn jeans
- Baggy pants that fall below your hips
- Clothing that promotes illegal or inappropriate activity
Remember that you are trying to convince the judge or officer that you respect the importance of hearing or interview. Let your appearance reflect that respect.