What Should I Wear to Court for my Divorce?

May 19th, 2025 by Tiffany Hughes

Going through a divorce is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences one can face. Alongside the emotional and financial aspects, there are practical and stressful considerations to attend to, such as what to wear to court. While your appearance may seem like a trivial detail compared to the broader issues at hand, the first impressions by a Judge can actually have a significant impact on how you are perceived by the Court and other parties involved. Getting a good first impression from the Judge is important for your divorce in Illinois.

Dressing Professionally and Respectfully for Court

When appearing in court, it’s essential to dress in a manner that reflects the seriousness and gravity of the divorce proceedings. When deciding what to wear, dress as though you are going to an important job interview. Your attire should convey respect for the court and the legal process. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

What Should Men Wear to Court?

• Suit: Opt for a well-fitted, conservative suit in a neutral color such as navy, black, or gray. If you do not have a suit, a pair of slacks or nice pants will do the trick.
• Shirt: Wear a long-sleeved, collared shirt in a solid color. White or light blue are the safest choices.
• Tie: If you are going to wear a tie, choose a conservative tie that complements your suit and shirt.
• Shoes: Wear polished or clean dress shoes in black or brown.
• Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum. A simple watch and wedding band, if applicable, are acceptable. Too much or excessive jewelry and accessories can be overly flashy and distracting to court proceedings.

What Should Women Wear to Court?

• Suit or Dress: A tailored suit or a conservative dress that falls below the knee is appropriate. Stick to neutral or dark colors.
• Blouse: If you are wearing a suit, pair it with a tailored blouse in a solid color or a muted pattern if you do not have a solid-colored blouse.
• Shoes: Opt for closed-toe, low-heeled shoes in a neutral color. If you do not want to wear heals, you can also wear closed-toe, neutral-colored flats.
• Jewelry: Keep jewelry understated and minimal. A simple watch and wedding band, if applicable, are acceptable. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or distracting.
• Makeup and Hair: Keep makeup and hair styles natural and professional. If you are concerned about your particular makeup or hairstyle, please consult your divorce attorney.

What Should I Not Wear to Court?

While it’s important to dress professionally and respectfully, there are also some definite “don’ts” when it comes to courtroom attire:

• Casual Clothing: Avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants or sweatshirts, workout clothes, shorts, tank tops, hats, sneakers, flip-flops, or any casual attire. Wearing too casual of clothing maybe seen as disrespectful by the Court.
• Revealing Clothing: Court is a solemn and conservative occasion. Dress modestly and avoid clothing that is too tight, low-cut, or revealing.
• Bright or Distracting Colors: Stick to neutral or muted colors and avoid anything too bright or flashy. If you are in a pinch and unable to find something that fits the neutral or muted colors description, you may be able to wear bright colors or flashy patterns, but never both. You should consult your divorce attorney before wearing either bright colors or flashy patterns.
• Excessive Jewelry or Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum to avoid appearing overly flashy or distracting. A good thought process when dressing for Court is that the simpler and plainer an outfit is, the better it is for Court.

Additional Tips for What to Wear to Court

• Personal Hygiene: Make sure you are clean-shaven (if applicable) and that your hair is neat and well-groomed. If you are unable to shave for religious reasons, make sure that it is clean and well-maintained. If you have concerns about your particular facial hair or hairstyle, please consult your divorce attorney.
• Be Comfortable: While it’s important to dress professionally, also make sure you are comfortable in what you’re wearing. You’ll likely be sitting for an extended period, so comfort is key.
• Consult Your Divorce Attorney: If you’re unsure about what to wear or any specific outfit, don’t hesitate to consult your divorce attorney for further or more specific guidance.

Appearances matter, especially in a formal setting like a courtroom. By dressing professionally, respectfully, and in a manner that reflects the seriousness of the divorce proceedings, you can make favorable first impressions on the Judge, the Court, and others involved in your divorce proceedings. While your attire may not directly impact the outcome of the case, it can influence how you are perceived, which can in turn, affect the Judge’s perception of you, your credibility and your respect for the divorce process. So, when in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dress in a manner that shows you take the divorce proceedings seriously and respect the court’s authority.

Need More Information or Representation?

If you are filing for a divorce or wondering what you should or should not wear to court, give The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. a call today at 773-893-0228 for a confidential, complimentary 30-minute phone consultation or email Tiffany Hughes directly at Tiffanyhughes@thugheslaw.com. Our entire practice is solely dedicated to the area of family law. We are highly experienced in providing legal representation to anyone who is filing for a divorce in Illinois and need help deciding what you should wear to Court for divorce proceedings in Illinois, what you should not wear to Court, what men should wear to Court, what women should wear to Court, how to dress professionally and respectfully for Court, importance of first impressions by a Judge, and consulting your divorce attorney.

About Tiffany M. Hughes, Divorce Attorney, Principal, Managing Partner, The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C.:

Tiffany M. Hughes is a divorce attorney and Managing Partner of The Law office of Tiffany M. Hughes. Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer in Lawyers Magazine in 2018 and 2019, Super Lawyer from 2016 to date, and in addition to numerous other accolades, Ms. Hughes represents individuals in all aspects of family and matrimonial law proceedings, including litigation, mediation, allocation of parental responsibility (formerly known as custody), parentage, divorce and other child-related matters.

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This blog is made available by The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of Illinois law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in Illinois.  The law changes constantly and we do not go back in time to edit old posts that may be affected by these changes.  If you have any questions about Illinois law, which is the only State this blog and website discusses, please call The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for a complimentary phone consultation and do not draw any legal conclusions without speaking to a competent attorney in Illinois first.