So, you’ve been summoned for jury duty. Lucky you! While you might not be thrilled about spending the day in a courthouse, one thing you can control is how you dress for it. And yes, it actually matters.
Courthouses aren’t fashion runways, but they also aren’t places to roll in wearing pajama pants and an old college hoodie. Somewhere between “I woke up like this” and “I’m here to close a business deal” is the sweet spot. The goal? Look respectful, feel comfortable, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
But what does that actually mean? Let’s break it down.
1. Dress Like You Take It Seriously (Because You Should)
Jury duty isn’t the same as hanging out with friends or running errands. It’s an important part of being a citizen. While you don’t need to wear a full suit, you should aim to look polished and respectful.
Go for neat, professional outfits that show you’ve put in some thought. Business casual works well—try slacks or a knee-length skirt with a nice top, a simple dress, or dark jeans paired with a blazer. If it’s too casual for a work meeting, it’s probably too casual for court.
What Works:
- Blouses, button-down shirts, or simple sweaters
- Slacks, knee-length skirts, or structured dresses
- Blazers or cardigans for layering
- Dark, well-fitted jeans (if the courthouse allows)
What to Avoid:
- Anything too revealing (short skirts, low-cut tops, crop tops)
- Ripped jeans, leggings (unless styled appropriately), or sweatpants
- Loud graphics, political statements, or anything that screams “I’d rather be anywhere else”
2. Comfort is Key (But Keep it Polished)
Jury duty means a lot of sitting. The chairs aren’t exactly ergonomic masterpieces, and you could be there all day. You want to be comfortable without looking like you just rolled out of bed.
Soft fabrics, breathable materials, and shoes you can actually walk in are your best friends. That tailored blazer might look great, but if it’s stiff and restrictive, you’ll regret it by lunchtime.
Smart Choices:
- Stretchy but structured pants (like Ponte)
- Flowy blouses that don’t wrinkle easily
- A cozy cardigan or blazer you can remove if it gets warm
- Low-heeled boots, flats, or comfortable loafers
Things You’ll Regret Wearing:
- Tight skirts or pants that dig into your waist
- High heels (unless you love foot pain)
- Anything that constantly needs adjusting—jury duty is awkward enough
3. Layers Are Your Best Friend
Courthouses are temperature rollercoasters. One minute, you’re shivering under an AC vent, and the next, you’re sweating through your shirt. The solution? Layers.
A light sweater or blazer can save you from freezing, and if it gets too warm, you can easily take it off. Just make sure whatever’s underneath is courtroom-appropriate.
- A lightweight cardigan over a blouse
- A blazer that makes even a simple outfit look polished
- A scarf if you run cold (but avoid giant, blanket-like ones)
4. Skip the Distractions
Your outfit shouldn’t be the main event. The focus in the courtroom is on the case, not on your neon green dress or jangly bracelets. Stick to neutral or muted colors—navy, black, gray, and beige are always safe bets.
Keep It Simple:
- Minimal jewelry (stud earrings, a simple necklace)
- Neutral or soft colors that don’t scream for attention
- Classic patterns like stripes or subtle florals
Skip the Drama:
- Flashy accessories that jingle every time you move
- Bold, distracting prints (save the leopard print jumpsuit for another day)
- Heavy perfume—people are stuck in a room together for hours, and not everyone appreciates “eau de floral explosion”
5. Hair and Makeup: Keep It Low-Maintenance
This isn’t the time for an intricate updo or a full-glam makeup look. A simple ponytail, a sleek bun, or natural waves work just fine. For makeup, think “polished but effortless.”
- A little concealer, mascara, and lip balm? Perfect.
- A full smoky eye with contour and a bold lip? Maybe save that for later.
And if you’re a hat person, leave it at home. Most courts don’t allow them indoors anyway.
6. Bag Essentials: What to Bring
Since you might be sitting for hours, it’s smart to bring a few essentials. But don’t overpack—whatever you bring has to go through security.
- A small tote or structured bag (avoid oversized backpacks)
- A book or Kindle (because court proceedings aren’t always exciting)
- A water bottle (if allowed)
- Snacks that won’t make a mess (granola bars, nuts, etc.)
7. What About Dress Codes?
Some courthouses have stricter dress codes than others. If your jury summons includes guidelines, follow them. If not, business casual is usually safe.
A quick check on your court’s website can help, or if you’re unsure, call and ask. Better to know in advance than to get turned away for wearing ripped jeans.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for jury duty isn’t complicated—you just need to strike a balance between looking put-together and staying comfortable. Think business casual, add some layers, keep things simple, and you’ll be good to go.
And hey, if you end up waiting around for hours, at least you’ll be dressed well enough to go grab lunch somewhere nice afterward.