What to Wear to Court in Portland, OR

During the course of your personal injury case, there may come a time when you’ll need to attend court in Portland. Going to court can be stressful for various reasons, especially if it’s your first time.

Whether your case involves a car accident or medical malpractice, you can rely on your lawyer to skillfully present your case in court. Along with handling your claim, your attorney can also give you advice on how to present yourself in a courtroom setting.

Your appearance in court is crucial, as it can have some bearing on others’ impressions of you and the outcome of your case. 

Why Does Appearance Matter in Court?

Appearance, including the way you dress, groom yourself, and present yourself, all matter in a courtroom setting for various reasons.

When you go to court, you’re presenting your case in front of a judge or jury. These individuals are in charge of the outcome of your case. You want to appeal to them and make a good impression, and appearance plays a significant part. 

There is often a psychological connection between appearance and the outcome of your case. 

Additionally, appearance is a form of non-verbal communication. What you wear can communicate something, whether negative or positive, to the judge and jury. 

What Not to Wear in Court

Before considering what you should wear, it’s helpful to understand what you shouldn’t wear. 

When it comes to clothing and accessories, you should avoid all of the following:

• Sexy clothing, including tight dresses, short skirts, or anything revealing
• Strapless tops or dresses
• Exercise and athletic attire
• Sleeveless shirts
• Tops or dresses with spaghetti straps
• T-shirts, specifically graphic T-shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Hats
• Excessive jewelry
• Sunglasses

Footwear to avoid wearing includes:

• Sneakers
• Flip-flops
• Sandals
• Open-toed shoes
• Athletic shoes

For grooming and hygiene, you should not:

• Wear your hair wet or messy
• Have any unusual haircut or style
• Look unshaven or dirty
• Wear too much perfume or cologne
• Smell of alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes
• Wear nails that are extremely long or brightly colored

If you have visible tattoos, it’s best to try to hide them as much as possible. Wear long sleeves, pants, and other clothing that could help cover them up while in the courtroom. Also, remove body jewelry before entering the courtroom. 

What You Should Wear to Court

In general, you should aim to dress conservatively in court. Regardless of what your everyday attire looks like, when you have a court appearance, you should put extra effort into your look. 

Not only can a conservative look make a better impression, but it is also a sign of respect for your environment and the judge. 

Conservative dress is usually a bit easier for men. Men should aim to wear the following:

• Long sleeve button-down shirt with a tie
• Clean, pressed pants
• A belt that fits

Women can opt for any of the following:

• A nice dress that’s not too tight and sits at an appropriate length
• A pant or dress suit
• A conservative top with slacks

Both men and women should wear closed-toe shoes. Heels for women aren’t necessary, but shoes should be closed and appropriate for the outfit.

When it comes to jewelry, less is more. Remove all body jewelry. Any jewelry you wear should be dainty and small. 

Hair should look neat and groomed nicely. Women can wear their hair down or in an updo. 

Men should be clean-shaven. Facial hair is acceptable, so long as it is well groomed. Women should aim for light makeup.

Navigating Courtroom Attire: Tips from Your Portland Injury Lawyer

Knowing how to dress and present yourself in court can be nerve-racking and challenging. When you have a qualified lawyer handling your case, they can provide guidance and help ensure that you make a good impression. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland, OR – Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7