The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C.
What to Wear to Court
in New York
A 2023 ABA study found 65% of judges say inappropriate attire negatively affects their perception. First impressions form in 33 milliseconds. This guide, built from 24+ years of appearing in NY courts, makes sure yours counts.
65%
Judges Say Attire Affects Perception
ABA 2023 Study
33ms
Time to Form a First Impression
J. Experimental Social Psychology, 2019
24+
Years Appearing in NY Courts
Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C.
Courtroom Attire at a Glance
From years of watching what works and what backfires in Long Island and NYC courtrooms.
DO Wear
DON'T Wear
Interactive Court Outfit Checker
Select your court type and check off each item as you prepare. Your progress updates in real time.
Supreme Court is the most formal setting. Dress as if your career depended on the impression you make — in many ways, your case does.
You are ready for court.
Every item checked. You are going to make a strong impression.
Courthouse-Specific Dress Guidance
Each courthouse has a different atmosphere. Here is what to expect at the courts where we appear most often.
Nassau County
Nassau County Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola
The most formal on Long Island. Handles civil cases over $25,000 including personal injury and employment discrimination. Metal detectors at entry — empty pockets ahead of time. Parking fills by 9:30 a.m.
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street, Hempstead
Handles smaller civil matters, landlord-tenant, and traffic. Judges move through dozens of cases per hour — you may only have a few minutes to make your impression. Same dress rules as Supreme Court.
Suffolk County
Suffolk County Supreme Court
235 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead
Handles major civil and criminal cases — car accident trials, slip and fall, and construction accident lawsuits. The drive from western Suffolk can take 60-90 minutes — bring a backup shirt in case of coffee spills on the LIE.
Suffolk County District Court
400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip
One of the busiest courthouses on Long Island. Handles misdemeanors, small claims, and civil cases under $25,000. Dress in full business attire even though many around you will not — that is exactly how you stand out to the judge.
New York City Courts
Queens County Supreme Court
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica
Long security lines, especially Monday mornings. Wear clothing without metal accessories to move through screening faster. Judges here form impressions quickly on high-volume dockets.
Kings County Supreme Court (Brooklyn)
360 Adams Street, Brooklyn
Formal courtrooms with judges who expect professional appearance. If traveling from Long Island, give yourself an extra hour for bridge and tunnel traffic.
Bronx County Supreme Court
851 Grand Concourse, Bronx
One of the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the state. Dress your best — Bronx juries are attentive and will notice effort.
Manhattan Supreme Court
60 Centre Street, Manhattan
The most iconic courthouse in New York. Business attire is the absolute minimum. Many Manhattan attorneys wear full suits every day. Match their energy.
What to Wear by Case Type
Match your formality level to the stakes of your proceeding.
Jury Trial
Most Formal
Wear your best suit, cleaned and pressed. Get a haircut a few days before. If you are a personal injury plaintiff, avoid anything inconsistent with your claimed injuries.
Family Court
Business Casual Minimum
Dress slacks, collared shirt, and closed-toe shoes. The judge is evaluating your judgment alongside the facts — clothing is part of that evaluation.
Traffic Court
Stand Out From the Crowd
Most people dress casually. That is a mistake. Professional attire communicates that you take the matter seriously and can tip a borderline decision in your favor.
Deposition
On the Record
Not in a courtroom, but still a legal proceeding. A videographer may be present, and your appearance can appear in the trial record if the deposition is played for a jury.
Virtual / Video Court
Camera Ready
Dress from the waist up as if attending in person. Wear solid-colored tops — patterns flicker on camera. Sit in a well-lit room with a clean, neutral background. Do not attend a virtual hearing in casual clothes because "they can only see my top half."
Dress for Court on Any Budget
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to dress appropriately. Here are five ways to look professional without breaking the bank.
Thrift Stores
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
Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Burlington carry professional clothing at a fraction of department store prices. A decent blazer runs $30-50.
Borrow
Friends and family members often have professional clothing they rarely wear. Ask someone your size — most people are happy to help.
Clothing Rental
Online rental services let you rent a suit or professional outfit for $30-60. Worth every penny for a trial or important hearing.
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. Fit always wins.
If affording appropriate clothing is genuinely an issue, tell your attorney. Experienced lawyers understand this and can often help find solutions. Use our settlement calculator to understand the potential value of your case.
Video Guide: What to Wear to Court
Attorney tips on courtroom attire from 24+ years of appearing in Long Island and NYC courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear khakis to court?
What if I cannot afford a suit for court?
Can I wear religious head coverings to court in New York?
What should children wear to court?
Do jurors really care what I look like in court?
What should I wear for a virtual court appearance?
Can I wear boots to court?
What should I wear to a deposition?
Does the color of my suit matter for court?
What if my court date is in the summer?
Need Legal Help Beyond Wardrobe Advice?
Looking the part matters, but it does not replace legal preparation. Whether you are facing a personal injury case, an employment dispute, or any other legal matter, having an experienced attorney beside you matters far more than any suit.
No fee unless we win. Available 24/7. Serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and all of New York.
The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C.
Huntington Station • Long Island • New York City • Serving all of New York State
24+ years of courtroom experience, so you can focus on your case — not your wardrobe.
© 2026 The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this page or submitting a contact form. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.