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Dressing for court - Bummer Knees - 12-10-2009 12:36 AM
My hearing is next week and I have a question about dressing for court.
I have a nice outfit I would like to wear to court, slacks & sweater.
The outfit is confortable, covers my braces, but the sweater looks to be on the expensive side.
I did not purchase the outfit new as it came from salvation army.
The outfit is comfy & nice looking but will I give the wrong impression by wearing something that has an "expensive look" to it.
Thanks, this is really bugging me.
RE: Dressing for court - kit - 12-10-2009 12:53 AM
One thing my Father told me long ago is people dress up for three things in life, A wedding, Court, and death. I think you should wear what makes you feel comfortable and not be concerned if it looks expensive, aren't the braces "cheep" enough?
RE: Dressing for court - chrischris - 12-10-2009 01:23 AM
Rule of thumb is to keep your clothing simple and conservative.
An "expensive" look is a relative term and could carry different meanings to different people. Cashmere sweaters are "expensive" but very professional looking. A nice cotton sweater can also have an "expensive" look.
Dress businesslike to make the best impression. Wear hose, low heals, light makeup, no heavy perfume, no gawdy looking jewelry.
RE: Dressing for court - jayne - 12-10-2009 09:15 AM
I went in scrubs.....most times the lawyers hammered it out before court time..
RE: Dressing for court - backache - 12-10-2009 10:17 AM
I always dressed up, not that I have expensive clothing, but I would wear something that looked nice and was comfortable. I unfortunately can't wear heels any more, they kill me. I can imagine the judge knows you have clothes from pre injury time. Or it could have been a gift from someone. These judges are not dumb. If you would walk in with old rags on he/she will know you dressed that way to try to give the impression that you are so down and out that you can't afford to buy anything. Years ago when I was first divorced I went to the welfare dept. to get my children medical benefits, just for 6 months until I could get back on my feet. I refused any other help, but didn't want my kids to be uninsured. I wore a dress did my hair and makeup. I saw several people in there who I knew. I also knew they had much better clothing than they had on, since they were dressed in clothes I wouldn't have given to goodwill because they were so bad. The receptionist actually thought I was a government worker and was there on business. When I finally got in to see the person I had my appointment with he said to me. "It is so nice to see someone dress decently for a change, many people dress down to try and get sympathy from us. Yet I have seen these same people in stores dressed to the nines a few days prior to their appointment." I got my kids their coverage without any trouble. Have you ever noticed while watching a TV court program, how many people wear crosses around their necks or an American flag on their clothes. It seems to me they wear them to show the judge that they are religious, or patriotic and they wouldn't lie in court. I have noticed this numerous times and wonder if these people always wear these crosses and flags or if they want to impress the judge. Not that people don't wear crosses and flags I do on occasion, but if I noticed this I'm sure the judge has also. Hun what I'm trying to say is , wear your outfit. You are a proud woman and I think the judge will see this if you dress decently. He certainly won't think badly of you for trying to look nice. This is just my opinion.
RE: Dressing for court - Bummer Knees - 12-10-2009 11:05 AM
Thank you Backache, Jayne, chrischris, & kit.
The sweater I would like to wear has a silk collar & cuffs but it is very comfortable, and since my injury I do not have a large selection of clothing to chose from, and as posted I have before & after injury clothing.
The day of my hearing will be a long day, my hearing is at 9:00 and the deposition on my friend's death is at 3:00 in the afternoon. The attorney for the insurance company is showing her claws, she is mad I did not agree to their settlement offer previouso to the scheduled hearing date.
RE: Dressing for court - capricorn - 12-10-2009 11:07 AM
I agree with all, Bummer. Go comfortable. If what you've chosen fits nice and you will be comfortable, don't forget you have a really long day, I wouldn't worry about anything else. I have an old friend who is one of the biggest criminal attorney's in Philadelphia. He told me once that a Judge misses nothing in his court room. I don't think dressing should be "staged" for any hearing. Be yourself. It's been a long , hard road for you. I also can't wear heels of any height anymore. I have purchased shoes that are like a sneaker but look really nice with a pair of dressier slacks. Good luck. We're all praying.
RE: Dressing for court - backache - 12-10-2009 11:27 AM
Cap don't you just miss heels??????? I see some that I would die to be able to wear they are so cute, but if I wear anything with even a low heel I'm down and out for days. I just saw a red pair in a shop and I stood there almost in tears because I knew if I bought them I could never wear them, but they sure would have looked good with a dress I have.
RE: Dressing for court - Tuffy - 12-10-2009 12:11 PM
I feel as long as you are neat and clean that is what matters.....Ragged jeans, shorts, just don't cut it. Nice slacks, blouses,sweaters, are the way to go. Good luck and be comfortable...
RE: Dressing for court - capricorn - 12-10-2009 12:13 PM
OMG! Backache...red ones.
Yes I do miss them. I feel like a frump sometimes. Don't wear skirts or dresses anymore either because I can't put pantyhose on without hurting my back and am too short to wear them without heels. I had a pair of Red leather and a pair of black suede that I still dream about. LOL