Witness in Court - is this ok to wear?

[SabrinaMulhollandJjones]

I'm going to give evidence in court (Crown Court) soon - and I have no idea how to dress other than 'smart'. I don't particularly want to buy anything new. So...

Is a navy shift dress ok? Like this

Or navy trousers with a sleeveless top and a jacket- it might be hot, is sleeveless ok in court?

I have These shoes Too much for court? They're the only smart shoes I own that are not over 10yrs old everything else is boot/sandals/too casual.

I'm just useless at this sort of thing now.. can anyone tell me if any of the above is a no-no for a court-room?

Lawyer here - yep, that's lovely and absolutely fine for court.

Most people I question in court are wearing everything in the spectrum of grey marl tracksuit material and have tattoos on their necks...

I think the shift dress is perfect but you should cover your shoulders - so a thin cardigan or blazer / jacket ontop.

Honestly, the shoes look a little too much in my opinion. Presumably you want to look professional / sensible / trustworthy. And court room floors can be slippy.

So I would wear a pair of ballet pumps or lower heeled slightly more 'boring' shoes if it were me.

Sorry OP - should have said, I tend to appear in my professional position, so my advice may be more 'worky'

I have seen a witness in court in a 'beaver Patrol' t shirt
I wouldnt worry too much - certainly not about your shoes.

Just take a book

The book advice is gold.

Good luck.

Thank you - I'm seriously nervous about this. (I am only a witness though - not a victim, or on trial myself...) I want to be comfortable but smart - and definitely want to be taken seriously. I want to look 'good' as well - as my confidence is best when I'm looking my best.

I've ordered a couple of boden dresses that I like that have little sleeves - I am a bit awkward about showing my shoulders in court. But the sleeveless top looks amazing with the trousers - but it is quite sheer material, and has a zip down the back - not sure if that's appropriate.

May look for some flatter navy shoes.

"Most people I question in court are wearing everything in the spectrum of grey marl tracksuit material and have tattoos on their necks..."

Beaver Patrol t-shirt

No need to cover shoulders imo and shoes are fine. Wear what you feel most comfortable in

I think smart and comfortable is the key here. I tend to wear a suit or smart dress and jacket but it's really about the quality of your evidence. If you feel comfortable about what you are wearing, you are likely to feel more confident in the witness box. Good luck.

Please don't buy a new outfit! Just wear a pair of decent trousers and a top!
Honestly, it's your evidence that's judged, not your outfit

Firstly, courts can be very cold, even in the summer, so be aware of that. Secondly you may be standing in the witness box for a long time so wear shoes that are comfortable. If you are feeling nervous, there is a Witness Service who are there to help you on the day. Also take a book as you may be waiting for a long time. ( case may also be adjourned or defendant may plead guilty on the day)

HTH

op
you are taking this WAY too seriously - the clothes thing
Its not LA Law, you know

I have to appear as a witness on court on a regular basis due to my work and just wear my normal work trousers, smart/casual top, cardigan and flat shoes. Witnesses wear a whole range of attire from suits to leggings and scruffy t-shirts. Just make sure you are comfortable and make sure you can stand for a while in your shoes as you normally stand to give evidence. No-one can see your shoes. High heels would be a no no for me.

I agree
OP
its not a big deal

I know, I know, I do always get in a flap about what to wear for things that are out of the ordinary (for me.) It's just a 'thing' I have.

dont look too try hard. You are not there to stun,

trousers, shirt flats would do for me

and a book

Yes to taking a book. You will sit around for hours and hours, then they will reschedule the date and you will return time after time, then they won't need to hear your evidence. Going to court is just really tedious. Please don't overthink your clothes.

Yes, I've had the witness service thing, so I'll be bringing book, ipod, snacks etc. They don't , as yet, even know when I'll be called, so may be there more than a day... been warned about all the waiting around.

Thanks for bringing me back down to earth

What you're planning to wear is fine. Courts can be hot as well as cold so plan for that. Completely understand wanting to plan what you wear it's part of visualising doing something you don't usually do.

Take your time. Speak slowly, slower than you would normally - it doesn't sound odd. Address your evidence to judge or jury not the barrister. It's your evidence you are doing the court a favour by being there so try and be in control. Fingers crossed for you it goes well

Outfit is fine but if you wear sleeveless top keep jacket on. I would also personally wear a jacket over dress.
To those who say it doesn't matter it does. To dress inappropriately shows lack of respect to the court. And you will get "judged" on your appearance.

Thank you. My problem is I've been a sahm for over a decade now, I don't have a 'work wardrobe' to fall back on. I tend to have clothes for schoolrun, everyday, going out, wedding etc.

Will try to speak slowly and clearly - will be stupidly nervous though. I thinking job interview x1000.

OWL
that is absolute bollocks
and if that were true that would be not just

I speak with significant experience

Gosh aren't you rude?
BTW also speaks from significant experience.

Justice where you judge on the clothes the person wears and not the evidence?

Juries are made up of ordinary people and ordinary people judge people on appearances. Obviously it shouldn't work like that but it does make a difference.

OP, I wouldn't over-think it - anything you feel comfortable in that is smart-casual or smartish should be fine. It doesn't sound like you're giving evidence in a professional capacity, just as 'yourself', so there's nothing wrong with just dressing as 'yourself' unless you normally wear grey marl tracksuits