Court outfit?

[peekaboo1986]

I’m a SHP so don’t own formal work wear. I’ve never been to court before or in a court room for that matter, what is the expected level of smartness? I am going to have to buy something but have no idea where to start.
Thank you

Clean and tidy would be my suggestion. Do you have a pair of black trousers and a smart top? You don't need a suit or anything that formal.

Why are you there ? Civil or Criminal court?

Witness? Accused? Pursuer, Defender? Juror?

Normal day clothes. No t-shirts with slogans.

Honestly, none of the legal professionals expect you to go out and buy a new outfit. Wear the normal clothes everyone wore before athleisure became a thing. (If you only owned leggings and tracksuits you’d be wise to borrow something.)

It may make a difference if you’re an expert witness and want to convey knowledge and authority, as opposed to a juror in a long case who may want to feel comfortable and un-self conscious.

Whatever your role you only need to dress in a way that acknowledges the seriousness of the legal system. But you definitely don’t need to wear black.

I've been to court multiple times (divorce not crime!). I always just wore a pair of smart trousers and a blouse or t-shirt and blazer over. To be honest, so many people turn up in jeans and look bloody scruffy! I'd wear what you consider smart casual.

To add, I agree it depends on why too. Perhaps take a look on Vinted so that you don't spend a lot. Get something you'll wear again.

You don't need to wear black. If you're a juror I don't see any issue with you wearing a tracksuit as long as it's not covered in logos. You'll be sitting down most of the time and you might be there a while.

If you're the accused in a criminal trial- then obviously the smarter the better.

It depends why you're there. If you're a witness in a trial but the outcome has no personal bearing on you, as long as your clothes are clean and cover what is usually covered up, it makes not a shred of difference to your credibility as a witness. Particularly if you're a civilian witness, rather than in a professional capacity such as police, social services, emergency services

Same with the jurors. Clean and decent, and as they might be there for a while, comfortable.

If you're a witness just wear a smart top with trousers or a skirt or a nice dress.

Why were two of my posts withdrawn very odd.

But thank you for the clothing advice, I think I’ll go with black trousers, blouse or nice linen T-shirt and a jersey blazer, smart but not over dressed.

And the message that was withdrawn explained I was a victim and would be giving evidence.

I'm sorry to hear you went through something that ended up in court. I hope the case goes as you want. Your outfit sounds perfect, you being comfortable will take at least one thing off your mind for the day.

Unfortunately I don’t agree that it doesn’t matter what you wear- see the thread in AIBU about your appearance affecting the way you are treated. I’d suggest that the more smartly and discreetly dressed you are, the more sympathetic the judge and jury will be to you. The judge should be immune to that, but human instinct is very deeply ingrained. What you suggested sounds totally fine, though.

@LoobyDop - no one has said it doesn’t matter what you wear.

People have reassured the OP that they don’t need to spend money on unusually formal clothing, unless they want to. And the nuances of degrees of formality have been discussed, albeit briefly.

I would have taken it for granted that every single person who finds their way to S&B acknowledges, consciously or not, that presentation can affect how one is received by others.

No one has said that.

Several posters have said it depends why you are there. Professional witnesses need to look smart in accordance with their professional roles. Civilian witnesses, less so, particularly if the outcome of the case doesn't matter to them. Decently dressed , no visible logos and appear credible.

On the other hand, my husband occasionally did criminal court appearances in Glasgow. It was a standing joke about accused wearing the "Ralphy special" meaning a cheap suit bought by the accused from Ralph Slater's for their big day. The Sheriffs easily see through that.

She said she’s a witness because she was a victim, so presumably the outcome does matter to her.

If you're not there as a professional, I would think along the lines of the smarter side of office wear.

You must have posted this on the wrong thread.

As OP is a stay at home parent a starting point might be what would she wear to see her children's teacher at a parents' night. And remember she'll be in the witness box. A plain, no logo top with long sleeves, with or without a jacket and a skirt or trousers will be fine.

Sheriffs, Judges and juries, according to my husband, who spent 35 years in Civil and occasionally Criminal courts are extremely good at reading body language.

I also said that the outfit she had mentioned sounds fine, but you’d have a go at starting a fight in an empty room, wouldn’t you.

I would wear something smart casual and reasonably demure.
Trousers and a blouse sounds ideal.
Don't wear anything you feel uncomfortable in.