Obtaining a favorable outcome in your divorce case or child custody dispute not only depends on your character, history with your children, and supporting evidence, but also on how you dress in court. The truth is that appearances matter because that’s the first thing the judge, the courtroom staff, and everyone else will see when you first enter the courtroom.
When you go to court, you want to look mature and responsible. The best way to do so is by wearing conservative business attire or something you would wear to work, to church, or a nice social function. Ensure the clothes fit, rather than being too tight or too loose.
What Men Should Wear to Family Court
Men should wear a suit with a tie. If you do not own a suit, you can wear a long-sleeved, button-down, collared shirt with or without a sports coat, long pants or slacks, a belt or suspenders to keep your pants up, and dress shoes.
The best colors to wear to court are conservative colors (e.g., white, light or dark gray, navy, dark blue, etc.) and avoid bright and loud colors. Make sure the color of your belt matches the color of your dress shoes.
What Women Should Wear to Family Court
Women should wear a dark and non-patterned conservative dress, or a dark pantsuit or skirt suit. You could also wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants or a long skirt, and dress shoes or pumps.
Women should also avoid bright and loud colors. You must also avoid overdoing your hair, accessories like piercings or rings, and makeup.
What to Avoid Wearing to Court
Essentially, you want to look professional and respectable. You do not want to wear anything casual at all costs.
The following are common items of clothing not to wear to family court:
T-shirts
Sleeveless shirts or tank tops
Crop tops or spaghetti straps
Athletic attire or exercise outfit
Shorts or cut-offs
Clothing that reveals your undergarments
Clothing that appears too dressy or sexy
Clothing that is too tight or too loose
Hats
Jeans (unless they are the only long pants you own)
Sneakers
Sandals or flip flops
Open-toed shoes
Do Not Forget About Hygiene
Before heading to court, you must take a shower and brush your teeth/use mouthwash. Men should shave or trim their mustache or bear, while women should wear conservative makeup. Apply deodorant, cologne, or perfume. Men and women should look neatly groomed as well, so ensure you schedule a hair appointment a week or so before appearing in court.
If you are interested in filing for a divorce or dealing with another family matter in Chicago, IL, call the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. at (312) 487-2795 or fill out our online contact form today to request a consultation. We have been serving the Chicagoland area since 2009!