What To Wear To Court?

Courts expect conservative, clean, modest clothing. You rarely need a suit, but you should look prepared. NSW ODPP guidance recommends conservative clothes and a neat, tidy appearance, and the Local Court of NSW says formal wear is not required, but neat and tidy wear is.

Use a conservative job interview rule: neutral colours, pressed fabric, modest coverage, closed shoes, minimal branding. There are usually no colour rules, but loud patterns can distract. Dress one step up for a plea or sentence and for evidence, choose comfortable clothes. If options are limited, prioritise cleanliness, fit, and simplicity.

Here is a practical safe outfit checklist:

• Top: collared shirt, plain blouse
• Bottom: trousers, chinos, knee-length skirt
• Outer: blazer, jacket, cardigan
• Shoes: closed-toe flats or simple leather shoes
• Grooming: clean hair, trimmed facial hair, subtle makeup
• Accessories: watch, small earrings, simple belt

What To Wear To A Court Hearing Or Court Appearance?

Hearings and formal appearances call for more care than a quick registry visit. Evidence may be tested and decisions can affect liberty, licences, work, or family arrangements, so the setting is more formal and casual presentation is less tolerated. Your goal is to remove distractions and avoid being stopped by security or corrected in court. The Federal Circuit and Family Court says there are no strict dress rules, but court is formal and you should dress respectfully, including removing hats and sunglasses.

For a criminal mention, directions hearing, or bail appearance, a business casual appearance usually works. If you have a blazer, a collared shirt and long pants, it is fine too. For sentencing, choose your most formal conservative outfit. If appearing by video/AVL, dress the same way, sit upright, use a neutral private background, and do not record or screenshot proceedings.

How To Dress For Court The Right Way?

Dressing for court is about showing respect, credibility, and self-control. Choose conservative, professional clothing in neutral colours, with clean shoes and minimal accessories. Avoid slogans, bright patterns, ripped items, strong fragrances, caps, and heavy jewelry. Aim for a neat, tidy appearance with ironed clothes, groomed hair, and simple presentation.

Courtroom etiquette also matters. Arrive early, switch your phone off, speak only when directed, and stand when required. Keep your posture calm and your attention on the proceedings, not on others in the room.

If you are attending court, we can represent you and guide you on proper courtroom dress etiquette so you present yourself appropriately from the start.

What Is Proper Court Attire And Courtroom Dress Code?

“Court attire” simply means clothing that matches the seriousness of the setting. It is not a uniform. It is not a fashion category. It is a practical standard: neat, modest, non-distracting, and respectful.

Court attire differs from casual wear in three obvious ways.

• Coverage and modesty: Court attire avoids revealing clothing.
• Presentation: Court attire is clean, pressed, and fits properly.
• Tone: Court attire is neutral and understated, not loud or playful.

Courts have dress expectations because the courtroom is part of the justice system. It is a place where people give evidence under oath, where victims and witnesses may be present, and where judicial officers must maintain order and fairness. Clothing that is offensive, aggressive, or distracting can undermine that environment.

You also need to think about practical courtroom realities. You may go through security screening. You may wait for hours. Courtrooms can be cold. You may need to stand when spoken to. Clothing that is too tight, too hot, or uncomfortable will make you restless, and that can affect how you present.

A simple way to decide if something is court-appropriate is to ask:

• Would I wear this to a serious job interview?
• Would I feel comfortable standing in front of a magistrate or judge in this outfit?
• Does it draw attention to my body, my wealth, or my attitude rather than the legal issue?

If the answer to the last question is “yes”, choose something simpler.

What To Wear To Court In Australia According To Court Etiquette?

Australian courts expect conservative presentation, but they rarely publish strict dress rules for the public. Instead, they publish guidance focused on neatness and respect. In NSW, the Local Court says you do not have to wear formal or business attire, but should aim to be neat and tidy. This aligns with NSW ODPP guidance recommending conservative clothes and a neat appearance.

Other courts give similar direction. The Federal Circuit and Family Court says there are no rules, but court is formal and you should dress accordingly, including removing hats and sunglasses. The Supreme Court of Victoria and some regional Victorian courts also list appropriate dress and removing hats and sunglasses as basic courtroom etiquette.

Differences between court types

Local/Magistrates: neat and tidy; avoid beachwear, slogans, sloppy presentation.

District/Supreme: more formal; use conservative business-style clothing.

Family Court: formal and respectful; avoid provocative or confrontational looks.

When unsure: neutral colours, modest coverage, closed shoes, minimal accessories.

What To Wear To Court As A Man Or Male Defendant?

For men, a safe court outfit is a collared shirt, long trousers, and clean closed shoes. A blazer helps but is not required. NSW guidance notes men do not need a suit and tie, but should look neat and tidy.

Safe options:

• Collared button-up (plain, stripes, subtle pattern) or a plain polo with no large logos
• Long trousers or chinos (black, navy, grey, tan) and a clean belt if needed
• Closed shoes (simple leather shoes, dress shoes, or clean loafers)
• Optional: blazer, sports jacket, or plain jumper

Avoid singlets or sleeveless tops, thongs or heavily worn runners, ripped or dirty denim, caps or beanies, sunglasses on your head, and shirts with aggressive slogans. Fit and cleanliness matter because they signal preparation, especially when seeking discretion (adjournment, bail, non-conviction, or leniency). Iron or steam the shirt, empty pockets, and keep accessories minimal so nothing clinks or distracts while you speak. If you do not own formal clothing, wear your cleanest conservative option and always keep hair and facial hair tidy.

What To Wear To Court As A Woman Or Female Defendant?

For women, the same principles apply: conservative, neat, modest, and non-distracting. Aim for professional, simple clothing that would not stand out in a formal office setting.

Safe options for women

• blouse or tidy top with long trousers
• knee-length or below-knee skirt with a modest top
• simple dress with sleeves or with a cardigan or blazer
• closed-toe flats, loafers, or low heels
• minimal jewellery and neutral makeup if worn

Aim for knee-length or longer skirts and dresses, with tops that are not low-cut or sheer. Avoid nightclub outfits and very high heels. Simple, modest clothing reduces distractions and helps you stay calm and composed. If coming from work, conservative workwear is fine. If coming from home, choose your cleanest modest outfit and avoid strong scents.

What Do Lawyers Wear To Court And Why?

Lawyers dress professionally because they represent clients and officers of the court. Their clothing signals respect for the institution and helps maintain courtroom formality. In higher courts, barristers and solicitors may wear robes in certain proceedings. For example, the Federal Court publishes guidance about robing practices, including that wigs are not worn, and robes are worn for trials, appeals, and other final hearings unless the judge orders otherwise.

For clients, the key lesson is not that you must dress like a lawyer. It is that lawyers dress to avoid distraction and to keep the focus on the legal issues. Their clothing is usually neutral, well-fitted, and consistent. That is exactly the goal for a person attending court.

If you are represented, ask your lawyer what they recommend. Some lawyers will suggest dressing slightly more formally for a sentence or for a hearing where credibility is central. Others will tell you to prioritise neatness and comfort so you can concentrate.

What Should Children Wear To Court?

Children and young people may attend court as parties, witnesses, or with a parent. If a child must attend, clothing should be neat, comfortable, and respectful. The aim is to avoid anything with offensive slogans, heavy branding, or clothing that looks like beachwear.

Practical child-friendly court clothing

• plain shirt or polo, clean jumper if cold
• long pants or neat skirt
• closed shoes if possible
• minimal accessories

It is also important to check whether children are even allowed in the courtroom. The Federal Circuit and Family Court states that courts are not appropriate places for children and notes that children under 18 cannot go into the courtroom, so arrangements should be made for their care when you attend. This is practical information that can prevent last-minute disruption on your court day.

If a child is required to attend for a specific reason, confirm arrangements with the registry or your lawyer in advance.

What Not To Wear To Court Under Any Circumstances?

Some clothing choices are almost always a bad idea because they can be seen as disrespectful or distracting. Even if court staff do not stop you at the door, you do not want to create an avoidable negative impression.

Avoid clothing that is:

• revealing (very short skirts, low necklines, sheer fabrics)
• offensive (swearing, slogans, political insults, threatening imagery)
• overly casual (singlets, beach shorts, pyjamas, messy tracksuits)
• aggressive or intimidating (gang branding, provocative messages)
• dirty, torn, or visibly unwashed

Also avoid anything that creates noise or distraction, like large bangles, heavy chains, or loud shoes.

A conservative outfit is not about pretending to be someone else. It is about signalling to the court that you understand the seriousness of the process.

What Clothes And Shoes Are Not Allowed In Court?

Different courts and security staff apply expectations differently, but the safest approach is to assume the courtroom is a no-hat, no-sunglasses space and to avoid very casual footwear. The Federal Circuit and Family Court specifically calls out hats or caps and sunglasses as items to remove before entering the courtroom. Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) guidance similarly lists “dress appropriately (no hats or sunglasses)” as part of expected conduct. The Supreme Court of Victoria and Bendigo Law Courts also instruct people to remove hats and sunglasses, and take the hood down if wearing a hoodie.

As a practical matter, avoid:

• thongs (flip-flops)
• dirty runners or heavily worn sneakers
• hats, caps, beanies inside the courtroom
• sunglasses, including worn on your head
• clothing with large graphics, slogans, or offensive wording
• strong fragrances (heavy perfume or colougne)
• noisy accessories (large jangling jewellery)

There is also a security dimension. Courts use screening and may restrict certain items, so carrying minimal accessories makes entry easier. You should also expect to turn your phone off and avoid using it in courtrooms, as conduct rules usually require.

How Should You Style Hair, Grooming, And Accessories For Court?

Grooming signals respect and readiness in court. You do not need a salon visit, but you should look clean and orderly. The table below summarises safe choices for hair, facial hair, makeup, nails, and accessories so attention stays on your matter. Aim for neat, understated styling you can maintain all day.

When unsure, go conservative: minimal jewellery, no noisy items, and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the courtroom. If you want to reduce distraction, cover prominent tattoos and limit facial piercings. The table also includes a night before checklist for fit, clean shoes, a warm layer, and organised documents.

A simple table: safe choices vs avoid