After a long negotiation, the time has finally come to bring your accident claim to court. One of the most frequent questions our clients ask our litigation attorneys is, “What should I wear to court?” For any court appearance after an accident, we strongly recommend dressing conservatively and professionally — just as you would for a job interview. Following proper etiquette shows respect for the court and can help tip the scale in your favor.
You want to ensure that the judge understands you are taking your case very seriously and that you have the utmost respect for the court. Dressing appropriately for a court appearance is essential; while it won’t determine the legal outcome, it can influence how judges or jurors perceive your credibility and professionalism.
A true, real-life example: some people even ask questions like, “Can I wear sunglasses in court?” or whether sandals or jeans are acceptable. Our answer is usually the same — jurors may feel you are not taking the process seriously if you appear in flip-flops, shorts, or any other overly casual attire.
What Should I Wear to Court? Do Courtrooms Have Dress Codes?
Each courtroom in California has the authority to establish its own dress code.
Throughout the state — including counties like Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Alameda — certain articles of clothing are commonly considered inappropriate and may not be allowed inside the courtroom.
Many California courts post their dress code or appearance guidelines on their official county or department website. If you are unsure about what to wear, contact our car accident attorneys for guidance and to determine whether the specific California courtroom handling your case has published requirements.
Even if a California courtroom does not have a formal dress code, you should still dress in a respectful and professional manner.
You always want to ensure you present yourself appropriately when appearing before a California judge. Courtrooms here can feel intimidating due to their procedures, formality, and strict expectations for decorum. Fortunately, our trial attorneys have decades of experience navigating California litigation and understand the nuances of courtroom practice across the state.
How you present yourself is important — especially now that many California courts have returned to in-person hearings after several years of relying heavily on remote appearances and virtual depositions.
Recommended Clothes to Wear in a California Court
Whether you are appearing for a trial in court or attending a deposition in an office setting, it is essential that you dress respectfully and present yourself in a professional manner.
What Should I Wear to Court?
- Business suit (neutral colors such as navy, gray, or black)
- Dress shirt or blouse with a modest neckline
- Blazer or sport coat for added professionalism
- Dress pants or slacks in dark or neutral tones
- Knee-length or longer skirt with a simple, professional cut
- Conservative dress that is not tight, short, or low-cut
- Closed-toe dress shoes (avoid sandals or flashy footwear)
- Dark socks or neutral hosiery
- Belt that matches your shoes
- Minimal jewelry (simple watch, wedding band, small earrings)
- Neat, groomed hair
- Subtle makeup and fragrance, if worn at all
- Clean, wrinkle-free clothing without visible logos or graphics
What Should I NOT Wear to Court?
- Gym clothing
- Leggings
- Revealing tops
- Tops with sequins or rhinestones
- Strapless tops
- Strapless dresses
- Maxi or beach dresses
- Tank tops with spaghetti straps
- T-shirts with messages, graphics, or brand logos
- Baseball hats or caps
- Low-cut blouses
- Short skirts
- Skirts with slits
- Light-colored jeans
- Super-skinny jeans
- Ripped or distressed jeans
- Stained or dirty jeans
- Shorts
- Khakis (if overly casual or wrinkled)
Avoid Wearing These Footwear
Below is a list of shoes you should not wear in court. When entering the court, especially Los Angeles courts, there are several different types of metal detectors you must pass under. Shoes that contain large amounts of metal, such as large buckles or spikes, may not be allowed in the courthouse.
- Open toed shoes
- Flip-flops
- Sandals
- Running shoes
Avoid Wearing These Types of Footwear
When entering the courthouse — especially in Los Angeles County — you will be required to pass through metal detectors. Footwear with large metal components, such as oversized buckles or spikes, may set off alarms and can even be denied at security.
Footwear to Avoid:
- Open-toed shoes
- Flip-flops
- Sandals
- Running shoes
Recommended Footwear:
- Closed-toe dress shoes (men and women)
- Low or mid-heel closed pumps
- Polished leather shoes in black, brown, or neutral tones
- Loafers (simple, professional style)
- Oxfords or dress lace-ups
- Dress boots (ankle-height, plain design, no metal accents)
- Flats with a conservative, closed-toe design
- Simple slip-on dress shoes without logos or bright colors
Can You Wear Sunglasses in Court?
We advise you to refrain from wearing sunglasses while in court unless you have a medical condition that requires them. Jurors generally want to see your eyes when you are speaking or testifying, as eye contact helps convey honesty and credibility. Wearing sunglasses may create the impression that you are hiding something or not fully engaging in the proceedings, which can negatively affect how you are perceived.
Additional Litigation Prep Tips
It is essential to maintain composure and present yourself professionally throughout your court appearance. Beyond dressing appropriately, proper courtroom etiquette plays a major role in how judges and jurors perceive you. The following litigation prep tips can help you navigate the process with confidence:
General Courtroom Conduct
- Always address the judge as “Your Honor.”
- Do not address attorneys, witnesses, or anyone else by first names or slang.
- Speak clearly and slowly so everyone can understand you.
- Never interrupt attorneys, the judge, or any witness.
- Do not approach the judge unless you are instructed to do so.
- Never speak to or interact with jurors under any circumstances.
- Chewing gum, eating, or drinking (other than water) is not appropriate in court.
- Keep your phone on silent; a ringing phone can frustrate the judge.
- Avoid swearing or using harsh language at any time.
Testifying and Answering Questions
- Only answer the question you are asked.
- If you do not understand a question, politely ask for clarification.
- Keep your composure — yelling, crying uncontrollably, or showing extreme anger can negatively affect how jurors view your credibility.
- Stand when addressing the judge unless you are told otherwise.
- If you need accommodations (medical, mobility, language, etc.), inform the court ahead of time.
Preparing for the Hearing
- Arrive early. Courthouses often have long lines, limited parking, and strict security.
- Do not bring children if they may become loud or disruptive.
- If you bring friends or family, make sure they know they must sit silently and follow courtroom rules.
- Do not panic if your hearing starts late — California courts often have multiple cases scheduled back-to-back.
- Follow all instructions from the judge or bailiff. Failure to do so can be perceived as disrespectful.
Extra Tip: Have a Skilled Injury Attorney by Your Side
If you’ve read this far, here’s one more essential piece of advice:
Do not handle your personal injury claim alone.
Avoid costly mistakes — or even risking the loss of your case — by hiring an experienced injury attorney in California. The right lawyer can guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to collecting your compensation. And if your case requires a court appearance, your attorney will use their skills, knowledge, and experience to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and their lawyers.
Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation. Our litigation attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and can build a strong claim on your behalf. You pay nothing upfront, and if we don’t win, you don’t pay.