Courtroom Success Through Attention To Appearance
Posted on: 29 March 2018
If a courtroom encounter in your future, you would do well to attend to how you look. While your dress for the day may not be the first thing on your mind, you might be surprised at how important first impressions are. Opinions are formed, almost unconsciously, in the first few seconds of an encounter. No matter what the reason is for your "day in court", looks count. Why not make your appearance a success with proper dress? Read on for some helpful tips.
Talk to your lawyer: No, lawyers are not there to dispense fashion advice, but they do have a broad understanding of local courtroom customs and the level of formality usually seen there. Often, the lawyer might just say "look nice" and leave it at that. That does not mean that you should not take this issue seriously, however. Any advice offered should be taken to heart.
What are the rules? There is a range of acceptable garb for serious occasions like court, but within that range are some definite no-no's that could not only have you off to a bad start with the courts but unable to even enter the courtroom. In some case, rules are posted on the court's website, but you may not find out about the rules until it's too late to change. Needless to say, missing a courtroom appearance due to poor clothing choices is a very bad thing. Here, then, are some common courtroom rules to take into account when planning your clothing:
1. Headwear of any type, including scarves, hats, and sunglasses perched on top should be left at home. The exception is headwear worn for religious reasons.
2. Offensive images or words on clothing. This is no time to let your casual personality shine through. Wear something that is free of graphic images or text.
3. Low hanging pants. If your undergarments are showing, no matter how cute you might think they are, you probably won't be allowed to enter the courtroom.
Some courts have their own unique rules, such as no shorts or tank tops, no hoodies with the hood up and more.
Sunday best
When it comes to court appearances, you cannot go wrong to dress in your best clothing, as if you were attending a special occasion like a wedding or a religious service. Here are some items of clothing to avoid at all costs:
- Faded, torn jeans
- Tank tops (for men)
- Low cut, revealing tops and short skirts for women
- Shorts
- Sheer or see through clothing
- Flip flops
- Pajamas
- Casual workout and leisure gear like sweats, hoodies, sports bras, etc.
The main factor to keep in mind is the need to show respect for the court through your appearance. It's an easy and relatively effortless way to improve your chances for courtroom success. You can speak to your lawyer or go to website for more information.
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