What to Wear to Court: Long Island & New York

Updated February 2026 — A 2023 American Bar Association study found that 65% of judges admit inappropriate courtroom attire can negatively affect their initial perception of people appearing before them. That number may cause some anxiety, but following these guidelines will help you show up looking exactly how judges and juries want to see you. As a personal injury and employment law firm that appears in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Kings, and Bronx courts weekly, The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. has spent years watching what works and what backfires.

Why what you wear to court actually matters

Judges are human. They form impressions fast. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people shown photographs of faces for just 33 milliseconds could form trait impressions that predicted later judgments. In a courtroom, where a judge may see dozens of cases in a single morning, those first few seconds when you walk through the door carry real weight.

This is not about vanity. It is about credibility. Jurors and judges are more likely to pay close attention to your testimony when your appearance signals that you take the proceedings seriously. Defense attorneys, prosecutors, and opposing counsel all dress professionally because they know this. You should too.

From my own experience trying cases in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and across New York City, I can tell you that the people who dress appropriately almost always present themselves better on the stand. Confidence follows preparation, and what you wear is part of that preparation.

General rules for courtroom attire

The baseline for every court appearance in New York: dress like you are going to a job interview at a conservative company. If you would not wear it to meet a bank manager, do not wear it to court.

What to wear

• Dark, solid colors — Navy, charcoal, black, dark gray. These are safe in every courtroom.
• Well-fitted clothing — Not too tight, not too loose. Clothes that fit properly look more professional than expensive clothes that do not.
• Clean, pressed garments — Wrinkles signal carelessness. Iron everything the night before.
• Closed-toe shoes — Leather dress shoes or conservative flats. No sneakers, no sandals, no boots with buckles and straps.
• Minimal accessories — A watch and a wedding ring are fine. Leave the rest at home.

What NOT to wear

This list comes from real observations in Long Island and NYC courtrooms:

• Jeans of any kind — Yes, even dark wash “dress jeans.” Judges notice.
• Athletic wear — No joggers, gym shoes, hoodies, or track suits.
• Graphic tees or clothing with logos — A shirt that says anything is a shirt that says the wrong thing.
• Sunglasses on your head — Sounds minor, but judges have commented on this. Take them off before entering the building.
• Heavy cologne or perfume — Courtrooms are small. Juries sit close together. Strong scents are distracting and can irritate people.
• Hats — Remove all hats before entering the courtroom unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons.
• Low-cut tops, short skirts, or anything revealing — The courtroom is a formal setting. Dress conservatively.
• Flashy jewelry — Oversized watches, heavy gold chains, or large statement pieces can give the wrong impression, particularly in cases involving financial disputes.

DO vs. DON’T: courtroom attire at a glance

What men should wear to court

The gold standard for men in a New York courtroom is a two-piece suit in navy or charcoal. If you own one, wear it. If you do not own a suit, here is the minimum:

Ideal:

• Navy or charcoal suit
• White or light blue dress shirt (long sleeves, buttoned at the cuffs)
• Tie — solid or subtle pattern, nothing distracting
• Dark leather belt matching your shoes
• Dark dress socks (not ankle socks)
• Polished leather dress shoes

Acceptable alternative (if no suit):

• Dark dress slacks (not khakis)
• Collared button-down shirt, tucked in
• Leather belt
• Dress shoes

Avoid these specific items:

• Short-sleeve dress shirts worn without a jacket
• Brown shoes with a black suit
• Novelty ties
• Visible undershirts (crew neck showing above collar)

What women should wear to court

Women have more flexibility, but the principle is the same: conservative, professional, no distractions.

Ideal:

• A pantsuit or skirt suit in navy, charcoal, or black
• Blouse in a solid, muted color
• Closed-toe shoes with a low or moderate heel (you may be on your feet or walking through long courthouse hallways)
• Simple earrings, one ring, and optionally a small necklace

Acceptable alternatives:

• A knee-length or below-the-knee dress in a solid, dark color with a blazer
• Dress pants with a professional blouse
• A cardigan over a collared blouse with dress slacks

Avoid:

• Open-toe shoes or stilettos
• Anything sleeveless without a jacket or cardigan
• Skirts or dresses above the knee
• Heavy or dramatic makeup
• Large handbags — bring a small, simple bag or folder

Court dress codes by location in New York

Different courts in the New York area have slightly different atmospheres, though the dress code expectations are broadly similar.

Nassau County courts

Nassau County District Court (99 Main Street, Hempstead) and Nassau County Supreme Court (100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola) are busy courthouses where judges run tight schedules. Business attire is expected. These courts tend to be more formal than smaller town courts, and judges here have been known to comment on inappropriate clothing from the bench.

Nassau County Supreme Court (Mineola) — This is the primary trial court for civil cases over $25,000, including personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, and contested employment discrimination cases. The courthouse has metal detectors at entry — empty your pockets ahead of time so you are not fumbling at security while the judge is calling your case. Parking is available across the street but fills up by 9:30 a.m., so plan accordingly. Judges in the Commercial Division and the IAS parts here tend to be the most formal on Long Island.

Nassau County District Court (Hempstead) — This court handles smaller civil matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations. While the atmosphere can feel more casual than Supreme Court, the same dress rules apply. Judges here move through dozens of cases per hour and you may only have a few minutes to make your impression.

Suffolk County courts

Suffolk County courts — including the courthouse in Riverhead and the District Court in Central Islip — serve a geographically large county. Traffic and commute times often lead people to dress more casually, but do not let that influence you. The same rules apply. Judges in Suffolk are no less observant than their Nassau counterparts.

Suffolk County Supreme Court (Riverhead) — The Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex at 235 Griffing Avenue handles major civil and criminal cases. This is the court where car accident trials, slip and fall cases, and construction accident lawsuits are tried. The drive from western Suffolk can take 60-90 minutes, so factor that into your outfit plan — bring a backup shirt in your car in case of coffee spills on the Long Island Expressway.

Suffolk County District Court (Central Islip) — Located at 400 Carleton Avenue, this court handles misdemeanors, small claims, and civil cases under $25,000. It is one of the busiest courthouses on Long Island. Dress in full business attire even though many people around you will not — that is exactly how you stand out to the judge.

Suffolk County Family Court (Central Islip) — The Family Court at 400 Carleton Avenue hears custody, child support, and orders of protection cases. Judges in family court are evaluating your character alongside the facts. What you wear is part of that evaluation.

New York City courts (Queens, Kings, Bronx, Manhattan)

NYC civil courts and Supreme Courts can feel chaotic, especially during morning calendar calls where dozens of cases are heard in quick succession. In this environment, dressing professionally helps you stand out for the right reasons. Queens Civil Court and Kings County Supreme Court are particularly crowded — you want the judge to see a serious litigant, not another face in a sea of casual attire.

Queens County Supreme Court (Jamaica) — Located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, this courthouse handles major civil litigation for the borough. Security lines can be long, particularly Monday mornings. Wear clothing without metal accessories to move through screening faster. Judges here are experienced with high-volume dockets and form impressions quickly.

Kings County Supreme Court (Brooklyn) — The courthouse at 360 Adams Street is where Brooklyn personal injury trials and civil cases are heard. The courtrooms are formal and judges expect professional appearance. If you are traveling from Long Island, give yourself an extra hour for bridge and tunnel traffic.

Bronx County Supreme Court — Located at 851 Grand Concourse, the Bronx courthouse handles cases in one of the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the state. Dress your best here — juries in the Bronx are attentive and will notice effort.

Manhattan Supreme Court (60 Centre Street) — The most iconic courthouse in New York. Business attire is the absolute minimum. Many attorneys in Manhattan wear full suits every day. Match their energy.

Town and village courts

Smaller courts on Long Island — like the Babylon, Huntington, or Massapequa justice courts — are less formal than county courthouses, but the respect you show through your clothing still matters. Some town court judges are even more particular because they take the formality of their courtrooms seriously. Do not dress down for a “small” court. The same applies to village courts in places like Hempstead and Islip.

What to wear for specific types of court appearances

The level of formality should match the stakes.

Jury trials

This is where clothing matters most. Jurors are regular people making judgments about your character, and research consistently shows that appearance influences credibility assessments. Wear your best suit. Have it cleaned and pressed. Get a haircut a few days beforehand. Everything about your appearance should say: “I respect this process and I am taking it seriously.”

If you are a personal injury plaintiff, avoid wearing anything that could be perceived as inconsistent with your claimed injuries. For example, wearing very high heels when you are claiming a back injury might seem minor, but defense attorneys notice these things and may use them. The same principle applies in truck accident and motorcycle accident cases — do not wear anything that undermines the seriousness of what you went through.

Family court appearances

Family court allows slightly more relaxed attire, but only slightly. Business casual is the floor — dress slacks and a collared shirt for men, or a professional blouse and slacks for women. The judge in a custody or family matter is evaluating your judgment, and that includes the judgment you showed in getting dressed that morning.

Traffic court

Many people show up to traffic court in casual clothes. This is a mistake. If you are contesting a ticket, the judge is deciding whether to believe you. Dressing professionally communicates that you take the matter seriously. It does not guarantee a favorable outcome, but it can tip a borderline decision in your favor.

Arraignments and criminal proceedings

If you or a family member is appearing for an arraignment or any criminal matter, dress as formally as possible. The judge is making decisions about bail and release conditions, and appearance can factor into their assessment of whether someone is a responsible member of the community.

Interactive court outfit checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for your specific court appearance. Select your court type, then check off each item as you get ready. Your progress is saved automatically.

What to wear to court on a budget

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to dress appropriately.

• Thrift stores and consignment shops — Long Island has excellent secondhand stores, particularly in Nassau County. A used suit that fits well looks better than an expensive one that does not.
• Discount retailers — Stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Burlington carry professional clothing at a fraction of department store prices. A decent blazer runs $30-50.
• Borrow from someone your size — Friends and family members often have professional clothing they rarely wear. Ask.
• Clothing rental services — Online rental services let you rent a suit or professional outfit for $30-60. Worth it for a trial.
• Focus on fit over brand — A $40 shirt from Target that fits you properly will look better in court than a wrinkled $200 shirt that is too big.

If affording appropriate clothing is genuinely an issue, tell your attorney. Experienced lawyers understand this and can often help find solutions.

Grooming and personal presentation

Clothing is only part of the picture.

• Hair — Clean, combed, and out of your face. Men: if you have a beard, trim it neatly. Women: a simple, conservative style.
• Nails — Clean and trimmed. Neutral nail polish is fine; neon colors or long acrylics may be distracting.
• Tattoos — Cover visible tattoos if possible. Long sleeves and collared shirts handle most situations. This is not a judgment on tattoos — it is a practical observation about how some jurors react to them.
• Piercings — Remove facial piercings other than simple earrings. Nose rings, lip rings, and eyebrow piercings should come out for the day.
• Fragrance — None or very light. The person sitting next to the jury should not be able to smell you.

Preparation checklist: the night before court

• Outfit laid out and pressed (check for stains, missing buttons, loose threads)
• Shoes polished or at least clean
• Belt matches shoes
• Wallet, keys, phone — all set
• Stain remover pen packed (accidents happen)
• Safety pins packed (a button pops off at the worst possible moment)
• Weather checked (bring an umbrella or appropriate coat — do not let rain ruin your outfit)
• Backup outfit ready in your car (just in case)
• Know exactly where you are parking and how long the walk to the courthouse is

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear khakis to court? Technically yes, but dark dress slacks are better. Khakis read as casual. If khakis are all you have, pair them with a blazer and tie.

What if I cannot afford a suit? See the budget section above. At minimum, wear dark pants, a clean button-down shirt, and dress shoes. Your attorney can advise on what is realistic for your specific court appearance.

Can I wear religious head coverings to court? Absolutely. New York courts protect religious dress. Judges are trained on this, and religious head coverings — including hijabs, yarmulkes, turbans, and others — are always permitted.

What should children wear to court? If a child must appear or attend, dress them in clean, neat clothing. Button-down shirts, khakis, and clean shoes for boys. A simple dress or blouse with a skirt or dress pants for girls. No graphic tees or sneakers.

Do jurors really care what I look like? Yes. Multiple studies confirm that jurors form lasting impressions within the first minutes of seeing a witness or party. A 2017 study in Law and Human Behavior found that professionally dressed defendants received more favorable evaluations than those in casual clothing, even when testimony was identical.

What about virtual court appearances? Post-COVID, some proceedings happen by video. Dress from the waist up as if you were attending in person. Wear a solid-colored top (no patterns — they flicker on camera). Sit in a well-lit room with a clean background. Do not attend a virtual court hearing in a t-shirt because “they can only see my top half.”

Can I wear boots to court? Dress boots in leather (Chelsea boots, for example) are acceptable if they are clean and conservative. Avoid work boots, combat boots, or boots with excessive buckles and straps. Standard leather dress shoes remain the safest option.

What should I wear to a deposition? A deposition is not in a courtroom, but it is still a legal proceeding. Dress in business attire — the opposing attorney and a videographer may be present. What you wear to a deposition can appear in the trial record if the deposition is played for a jury.

Does the color of my suit matter? Navy and charcoal are the safest colors. Black suits can read as too formal or funereal. Brown is acceptable but less traditional. Avoid light colors like khaki or beige — they do not project seriousness in a courtroom setting.

What if my court date is in the summer? Summer heat does not change the dress code. You still need to wear a suit or business attire. Lightweight wool or linen-blend fabrics breathe better than polyester. Change into your court clothes at the courthouse if needed rather than sweating through them during a hot commute.

When what you wear is not enough

Looking the part matters, but it does not replace legal preparation. If you are facing a court appearance for a personal injury case, an employment dispute, or any other legal matter, having an experienced attorney beside you matters far more than any suit.

The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. represents clients across Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and throughout Long Island. Whether you need help with a car accident case, a workers’ compensation claim, a slip and fall, or an employment discrimination matter, we are here to fight for you. Call 516-750-0595 for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Each case is different, and specific questions about courtroom attire or legal proceedings should be discussed with an attorney.

For more tips on what to wear in court, watch the video below: