— Dressing guide · Updated June 2026
What to wear to court
Court is one occasion where clothes genuinely matter: you want to look respectful, conservative and like you take the proceedings seriously. The goal is to be taken seriously and to blend in — neat, modest, muted. Treat it like a formal job interview with the dial turned slightly more conservative.
The rule
Conservative, neat, modest and muted. Look like you respect the process.
For men
- ·A suit if you have one (dark, plain); otherwise dark trousers + a collared shirt, ideally a tie.
- ·Polished closed shoes.
- ·Clean, tidy, understated — nothing flashy.
For women
- ·A suit, or a modest dress/skirt or trousers with a conservative top.
- ·Cover shoulders; keep hemlines and necklines modest.
- ·Low closed shoes; minimal jewellery.
Do
- Dress conservatively and neatly.
- Choose muted, plain colours.
- Cover tattoos and remove visible piercings if you can.
Don't
- Don't wear casual clothes (jeans, trainers, shorts, t-shirts, hats).
- Don't wear anything revealing, loud or distracting.
- Don't wear slogans or strong logos.
Put the outfit together
Build a capsule you can pull this look from, or try a piece on your own photo first.
Frequently asked questions
What to wear to court?
Court is one occasion where clothes genuinely matter: you want to look respectful, conservative and like you take the proceedings seriously. The goal is to be taken seriously and to blend in — neat, modest, muted. Treat it like a formal job interview with the dial turned slightly more conservative. The rule of thumb: Conservative, neat, modest and muted. Look like you respect the process.
What should men wear?
A suit if you have one (dark, plain); otherwise dark trousers + a collared shirt, ideally a tie. Polished closed shoes. Clean, tidy, understated — nothing flashy.
What should women wear?
A suit, or a modest dress/skirt or trousers with a conservative top. Cover shoulders; keep hemlines and necklines modest. Low closed shoes; minimal jewellery.
What should you avoid?
Don't wear casual clothes (jeans, trainers, shorts, t-shirts, hats). Don't wear anything revealing, loud or distracting. Don't wear slogans or strong logos.