What to Wear to Jury Duty (Court-Ready Outfit Ideas)

 

It’s something that most people will experience in their lives, and it can be stressful for some. Jury duty requires a certain dress code, so planning your outfit for the occasion can feel tough. Choosing the right clothes is important for this role, and adhering to the courtroom’s guidelines is imperative. But that doesn’t mean you can’t show a bit of personality along the way. No matter the season, there is an outfit that will make you look professional and ready for business. Whether you are going for your first day or your sixth, here is your guide for what to wear to jury duty.

 

What to Wear to Jury Duty

Do’s

• Check the court dress code guidelines -usually found on the FAQ’s page of the district court.
• Dress professionally – business casual is the best place to start
• Prioritise comfort  – you will likely be sitting for long hours
• Stick to close-toed shoes – this is a requirement for some courts, so check in advance 
• Bring clothes to layer – the court may change in temperature quickly
• Keep it simple – plain and simple clothes are always the best

 

Don’t’s

• Avoid anything too casual
• Steer clear of anything too revealing – if you wouldn’t wear it to work, don’t wear it to jury duty
• Avoid slogan shirts and logo brands – they can be distracting and inappropriate for a court setting
• Refrain from loud, noisy, and over-the-top accessories
• Avoid ripped or detained attire 
• Keep the trainers at home – dress sneakers are okay, but avoid anything intended for exercise 

 

What to Wear to Jury Duty for Women

Trousers

When deciding what to wear to jury duty, it’s essential to choose pants that are smart and comfortable. Opt for shades like black, charcoal, gray, and brown, as they are great for creating a professional look and can be paired with anything. If you prefer denim, ensure you select a well-tailored pair that is clean and presentable. Avoid ripped, oversized, or dirty jeans at all costs. Remember, the more put-together you look, the better.

 

 

Suits

You can’t go past a suit if you are unsure of what to wear to jury duty. This choice is timeless for any season, and you can dress it up or down to suit your personal preference. The most practical shades are gray, black, cream, and navy blue – you can throw in a bold color like green, pink, or red if you want to make a statement. However, it’s best to avoid anything with a loud print or pattern, as this may not suit the dress code or appear unbecoming for the occasion.

 

 

Dresses

When you’re called for jury duty, dressing appropriately is key. It’s important to present yourself in a professional and respectful manner, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. If the weather is on your side and you’re feeling flirty, why not try a dress? Dresses are versatile and classic, and they flatter every body type. But keep in mind that you should avoid anything too short or tight-fitting. If it’s chilly outside, add a pair of stockings and over the knee boots to keep warm. In warmer weather, choose a dress that hits the calf or knee and shows off just a little skin.

 

 

Blazers

If you want to create a court-friendly outfit but don’t know where to start, a blazer is the easiest starting point. You can wear it with a plain T-shirt and smart jeans, a suit, a maxi skirt or a dress and boots. It’s an excellent choice for transitional seasons, as you can layer it with other pieces that maintain a business casual appearance. While the most common colors are neutral in tone, you can play around with different textures like plaid, tweed, wool, and satin to give a twist to the timeless garment.

 

 

Skirts

When it comes to court appearances, it’s important to dress professionally and respect the seriousness of the situation. If you’re wondering what to wear to jury duty, starting with a skirt might be a solid choice. A maxi skirt can be a versatile option because it will offer some protection from the elements, whether it’s raining or sunny outside. If you’re going to be standing for long periods of time, a mid-length pleated skirt can also be a comfortable and stylish option. Try pairing it with knee high boots or close-toed slides, depending on the weather. Just make sure to avoid any skirts that sit above the knee – they may not be appropriate and could make you feel uncomfortable.

 

 

Tops

When attending jury duty, choose a top that would fit with a smart casual dress code. While it depends on the courtroom’s guidelines, sticking to more conservative silhouettes is a safe place to start. Something as simple as a white t-shirt or button-down can be an excellent choice, thanks to its versatility. Feel free t play with color, texture, and patterns. However, it’s a good idea to steer clear from anything with a logo, slogan, or print on the front, as it may be read as unbiased or unprofessional.

 

 

Cardigans/Sweaters

No matter what the temperature is outside, it’s always a good idea to bring warm layers for your time in court. A cropped cardigan is a cute and comfortable way to stay cozy. It’s great for those warmer months, as many buildings will have air conditioning inside. A light brown longline cardigan paired with a turtleneck, leather skirt or trousers, and boots or heels is a stylish and professional look. If it is cooler outside, a sweater might be a better choice. Opt for a pair of trousers and flats or slides for a comfortable yet sophisticated outfit. Remember, it’s crucial to look professional and ready for business when serving on a jury.

 

 

Smart Jeans

If you’re not sure what to wear to jury duty and want to wear something comfortable, you can’t go past some smart jeans. This sophisticated choice is incredibly easy to style and looks smart enough for a professional environment. Wide-leg, bootleg, and straight-leg silhouettes look fantastic with a blazer, sweater, or coat. For a more refined feel, keep the length of your pants at the bottom of your ankle or lower, but don’t let them drag on the ground. Another thing to consider is the condition of the jeans – avoid rips, tears, stains, or printed designs, as they may appear sloppy.

 

 

Accessories

The importance of accessorizing cannot be overstated, even when it comes to jury duty attire. Believe it or not, the right accessories can completely transform the outfit you’re wearing. While it may be tempting to go all out, it’s important to keep things simple and classic. This means sticking to neutral colors and classic metals like gold and silver. Not only will this keep you looking professional and put together, but it will also decrease the likelihood of any mishaps when going through security. So when wondering what to wear to jury duty, remember that the smallest details can make the biggest impact.

 

 

What to Wear to Jury Duty for Men

Blazers

A blazer is a standard piece of attire that you should consider for jury duty. Opting for a business casual dress code, this outerwear should be clean and fit well. The color you choose depends on the season – lighter shades should be reserved for warmer months, whereas colder months favor richer hues. Of course, you can’t go wrong with black, gray, navy, or charcoal. While you can choose to wear it as a suit, feel free to experiment with more casual layering. This can include a navy blazer and pair of dark-colored chinos, white sneakers, dress shoes, or boots.

 

 

Cardigans/Sweaters

It’s a good idea to dress comfortably while on jury duty – not only will you be sitting for extended periods of time, but the temperature may fluctuate in the building. Opting for a sweater or cardigan will keep you snug while adhering to a smart dress code. Opt for something plain or with a minimal pattern – bright colors, logos, and slogans may come across as inappropriate. Wear them with a pair of chinos, suit trousers, or well-tailored jeans, and you’ll be ready for whatever the weather brings.

 

 

Smart Jeans

Just because the dress code at jury duty is business casual, it doesn’t mean you must avoid jeans. A pair of smart denim trousers are a good choice for this occasion, but you should adhere to a few guidelines. First, make sure the fit is good – anything too tight will be uncomfortable for you to sit in – so a wide-leg, straight or slim cut is best. Next, keep clear of dirty, torn, or printed fabrics – this will instantly read as a casual outfit, even if you wear it with a blazer. Ideally, they should hit either just above or below the ankle, but if they’re too long, you can roll up the bottoms.

 

 

Shirts

When choosing a shirt for jury duty, think about the sort of clothing you would wear to the office. A neutral button-down with a pair of trousers or a suit is a classic go-to, but you can switch things up by swapping in jeans, a cardigan, or a large overcoat. You can also choose something with a print or pattern or try a different color for a fun twist. If weather permits, layer a sweater and scarf over the top – it will give you the warmth of added fabric while observing courtroom practice.

 

 

Trousers

When deciding what to wear to jury duty, it’s important to remember that you are entering a professional environment. In order to present yourself in the best possible light, it’s recommended to adhere to smart casual or business casual dress codes. This means that when selecting trousers, opt for well-tailored options in dark shades such as black, charcoal, or brown. These hues provide a base for adding other colors without appearing too loud or distracting. However, be sure to steer clear of any modified designs such as rips, sew-on patches, or chains that may appear inappropriate for the courtroom. By dressing in a clean, presentable manner, you can ensure that your appearance won’t detract from the important task at hand.

 

 

Chinos

Comfort is a priority when dressing for jury duty, so if you find suit trousers or jeans too tight to sit in for extended periods of time, opt for chinos. These are a neat and attractive choice, and you can dress them up or down with a few easy tweaks. A T-shirt, cardigan, and coat combination looks classic and put-together, but swap out the layers for a blazer and a button-down for a more office-friendly look. Wear them with boots, dress shoes, or clean white sneakers, and you’ll be ready for business.

 

 

Jackets

While you may be quick in grabbing a jacket before you leave the house, you should consider what style it is and if it will align with the courtroom’s dress code. While you don’t have to sport a blazer to look professional, a Blouson or leather jacket can give you a well-dressed finish. Feel free to experiment with some adventurous colors like blue, green, or white, but the safest choice is something dark or neutral. If you want to wear a denim jacket, apply the same principle that you would with your trousers – avoid rips, tears, or anything that may appear too casual.

 

 

Dress Shoes

When heading to jury duty, it’s important to dress appropriately, and a key part of any outfit is the shoes you choose. A pair of dress shoes can easily elevate your look to a business casual level, making you appear more professional and put together. When it comes to colors, black and brown are the most common choices, but don’t be afraid to match your belt to your shoes for a sleek and polished look. Additionally, make sure your shoes are scuff-free and well-polished, as any scuffs or scratches can quickly bring down the overall look of your outfit.

 

 

Sneakers

While it’s not necessarily a business casual staple, a pair of comfortable sneakers can be worn for jury duty. But before you pull out your favorite kicks, always double-check the courtroom’s dress code requirements. White, black, and brown shoes look great with myriad outfit choices, and they’re the best color palette to remain within the clothing regulations. The right footwear to try is something that is clean and free from scuff marks. Ideally, wear a pair of sneakers that you would not exercise in but something designed for style purposes.