In some courts, dressing business casual is allowed but try to keep looking informal at a minimum. Court proceedings can span up to an hour or more so try to dress as comfortably as you can. Seasonal clothes are a must. Remember to dress according to the weather. The jury’s job is a responsibility with honor and prestige, so the juror’s impression is expected to reflect the same. If you are looking to get a leadership role, then you should research the appropriate dress code for jurors. In California, the expected dress code for jury duty is business casual. Men and women are expected to wear professional clothing when appearing in the courtroom. Before selecting an outfit for a court appearance there are some guidelines to follow.
Jury Dress Code In California
For Men
Selecting an outfit for an environment with rules and regulations can be quite difficult. Dressing correctly can help increase your performance for the day. By now, you should have gone through the guidelines provided by the court you are to appear in as I said. Generally, business casual is the required dress code. As a man, you can pair collared button T-shirts with whatever casual trousers you have. Tucking in your T-shirts will give a professional look. White Shirts and checkered T-shirts are a must-have in your wardrobe as a man that has to dress professionally. Turtle necks can be worn in court, you can wear this in a suit jacket. Blazers are also a way to spice your outfit for a day in the courtroom. Dressing according to the weather is important, you can wear layers of clothes to keep you warm, a puffer jacket is a good idea. When it comes to shoes, flip flops, sandals, and any other casual shoes are not appropriate for a juror. Professional shoes like loafers are acceptable. Wear shoes that cover your toes. Accessories are also a way to spice up your outfit, they keep them at a minimum and avoid frames or wristwatches that look casual.
For Women
Wearing a dress, skirt, blouse, or pants and shirt works flawlessly for women. The goal is to give a formal look. An outfit with button-down shirts is always a go-to. For your pants, a wide leg or bell bottoms will give a chic look. Dresses are a beautiful way to show elegance, above the knee dresses are professional clothing for a juror. Blazers turn any outfit into a formal one. Matching sets are acceptable as long as they look professional enough. Open-toe shoes and any unprofessional-looking shoes are improper to wear as a juror to court. You can wear heels or loafers to look professional. Remember to keep accessories to a minimum. The less jewelry the better. Your jewelry should not be flashy and should not make a sound as you move.
Do’s For Both Men And Women
Select legal or business casual clothes. Both men and women should remember that the goal of selecting an outfit for jury duty is to look as professional as you can. Buttoned-down shirts and blazers are super valid. It’s almost like a requirement, you can’t go wrong with it. For women, heels or a loafer for footwear is recommended, and for men loafers or any shoes that look proficient. Simple jewelry is the way to go. Accessorising should be kept at a minimum. Women should hold small handbags.
Don’ts For Both Men And Women
Prevent wearing too many flashy colors. Recommended colors will be black, navy blue, white, or grey. Do not opt for casual clothing like Tees, shorts, and distressed jeans. The women should try to stay modest. Do not show too much skin. No excessive accessories like caps, hats, and bold jewelry. This is a hard no as they defeat the purpose of looking business-wise. Short dresses or skirts are not allowed. Short trousers for men are also not allowed. Flip-flops and casual shoes are a no go way to appear in court as a juror. Make sure to not wear anything with an abusive catchphrase or message.
Conclusion
Overall, your outfits should be in line with the guidelines of the court. Whatever you choose to wear at the end of the day, you should ensure you are comfortable in it. Picking an outfit for jury duty does not mean you should go out of your style. You can still be who you are while dressing up to appear in court. In California, the weather condition can vary, so do well to check out the weather forecast for the day before picking an outfit.
