Courtroom couture: How defendants can use fashion in their favor

So, you find yourself headed to court. Your appearance before a judge or jury can affect the court’s ruling, whether it’s a 15-minute hearing for speeding or a 15-day jury trial before a jury at the county courthouse for a third arrest related to possession with intent to distribute.

The evidence and your attorney’s strategy are beyond your control. But by carefully orchestrating your visual presentation, you can project honesty, integrity and self-control — characteristics that judges and juries tend to equate with innocence. Master the subtle ways your attire and grooming can send this message, and you may just sway the court to a more sympathetic ruling.

Here are some tips for proclaiming, without even opening your mouth, “I am an upstanding citizen and innocent of these scurrilous charges!” — even if you’re guilty as sin. The idea is to look like someone other than the person in your mug shot.

DISCLAIMER: Most of the following tips are obviously not applicable if you’ll be shuffling in sporting an orange jumpsuit and shackles. In those cases, all you can do is mind your manners and pray.

• Wear a suit or a serious jacket with coordinated bottoms. They should be dark, preferably navy. A pinstripe is ideal.
• For men, a dark print tie is essential. For women, a sensible white blouse is best.
• In terms of jewelry, women should wear a simple strand of pearls and pearl post earrings (faux is fine). Guys should go with an understated watch or none at all. Rings should be minimal.
• No earrings for guys, and no lip, eyebrow or tongue rings for men or women.
• Any tattoos you can’t cover with clothes, cover with makeup.
• Wear nothing that would cover any part of your face. If you have a choice, opt for contact lenses over eyeglasses. If your eyeglasses are not conservative, wear the contacts and buy conservative reading glasses to wear in court. (Recall Michael Jackson’s spectacles in his last child-molestation case, in which he was acquitted.)
• Makeup should be minimal and natural-looking. Bright red lipstick is absolutely out because it can be perceived as aggressive or sexual.
• In terms of hair, no distracting circusy color patterns. Unless locks are neatly cropped, women should wear hair up in a conservative ‘do such as a bun. Guys should be freshly trimmed with a clean-shaven face. If you’re usually bald, let your hair grow in even if it shows male pattern baldness.
• Be on time, look calm, wear a soft smile and always respond to the judge with “Yes ma’am/yes sir” or “No ma’am/no sir.”

And watch your body language. Lean forward, feet flat on the floor and hands clasped on the table, (or behind the back if standing). Between your nonverbals and style statement, the persona you project should be humble and respectful rather than rebellious, defiant or clueless.

Need help dressing yourself or a client for court? Contact us at fredricklamont@gmail.com.