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. Either outfit you suggest sounds fine (very nice in fact) but I would take a jacket or cardie to cover your shoulders if you can (alternatively, put a top with sleeves under the dress, maybe). The shoes will be fine if they are comfortable for you.

I agree with Owl. Clothes shouldn't matter, but the people listening to the evidence will see you before you open your mouth, and people do make judgements based on appearances. I certainly make sure my witnesses are smart and we have been known to encourage someone in too much of a "wide boy" suit (think orange pin stripes...) to go and change before giving evidence. Smart and unobtrusive is the way forward. What the OP is suggesting sounds bang on.

I have no idea what the case is, but well done for being a witness. The system wouldn't work without people like you willing to stand up and say what they saw.

OP everyone is nervous in court. I've sat with CEOs of major companies before they give evidence and they're in bits. Really.

Bizarrely nerves are your friend. They give you the adrenalin so that you're sharp and can think quickly. Try and take a moment to think why you're being asked what you're being asked before you answer.

And I really liked the next dress you linked to am thinking of getting it myself.

If you are nervous OP you can ask a court customer service officer or a witness support officer to show you round a courtroom one morning before court starts (usually ten or ten thirty). They will show you the witness box and explain the swearing in process.

While you are giving evidence if you need water or tissues ask the usher. Or if you need a moment to think don't be scared to say so.

The general rule is no bare arms or legs and nothing garish, but that is really only enforced for the people who work there. If you are dressed smartly and have a short sleeved dress or top on I don't think anyone will judge you for that. As others have said, some people turn up in tracksuits, shorts etc.

I would say that court rooms are generally either roasting hot or freezing cold so I would suggest layers are a good plan.

Good luck, it will be over before you know it.

Please don't buy anything new

You want the jury or the judge/sheriff to think that you are respectable and reliable, that's all. You don't need to be stylish or fashionable in any way . You are there as a fact witness, just to say what you saw. No one will expect you to dress like a lawyer or an expert witness .

Think what you woudl wear to a funeral or to work in a conservative office -formal, dark, modest.

A plain top or blouse with a dark skirt or trousers is fine. A jacket gives a bit of gravitas but isn't essential , as long as your top has sleeves

I woudl definitely wear comfortable , low heels or flat shoes . Sandals woudl be ok, if they are the kind you woudl wear to the office and not to the beach .

As long as you avoid sportswear, slogans , stripper shoes , anything garish, Flamboyant jewellery and showing flesh, you will be ok .

And as others have said, well done on taking this seriously . The system woudl fall apart without people like you .

No court experience but that navy dress is really lovely.

No court experience but that navy dress is really lovely.

What you wear really doesn't matter at all, its what you say that will count for everything.

Dress up
Stand up
Speak up
Shut up

You're in court.

Be clean, tidy and dress modestly.

What's with all the advice about covering shoulders? When did they become unacceptable?

I'd wear ballet pumps. If I went in heels I'd just be stressing beforehand about tripping over in court or my feet getting sore from standing. You don't want your shoes to distract you when you're giving evidence. And nobody will be looking at your feet anyway.

I've been a witness in a court case.

I wore a smart dress and smart shoes, not unlike what you are suggesting except my dress had sleeves.

You should wear something you feel confident & comfortable in, that will help you feel confident when you give evidence, and that is smart enough to make the judge and jury see you as a respectable & reliable witness.

JohnCusacksWife they were never acceptable in court (not that that would stop some people).

Just as men keep suit jackets on unless invited to take them off by the judge rather than sitting there in shirt sleeves.

These norms aren't compulsory for witnesses, but it would be sensible to observe them.

So a witness appearing in court and wearing, say a black shift dress, would be deemed unacceptably dressed? That amazes me, I have to say. I wore a a fitted, sleeveless shift dress when i was on a jury recently and thought i looked smart and professional. Clearly not!

Why would it be sensible to observe them?

Because it shows respect for the court

Beaver patrol.....

I saw a dad at parents evening wearing a "clunge magnet" tshirt. I WIN

But surely if it was that important then you would be told exactly what to wear?