Respectability is a spectrum

Trials by jury are one of the pillars of American democracy, and as a potential juror, most courthouses require that jurors’ presentations reflect the solemnity of the occasion. “On paper, most courts across the country say the same thing: ‘Dress respectfully.’ That’s intentionally vague, and it gives courts flexibility, [but] in practice, there’s a real spectrum,” says Shelby Hart, a family-law attorney at Coker, Robb and Cannon in North Texas. “Federal courts and larger urban counties tend to expect business casual at a minimum, [while] smaller counties or rural jurisdictions can be more relaxed, but even there, ‘respectful’ still means looking like you took it seriously.”

What the judge says, goes

Regardless of what a local courthouse’s website says, the presiding judge will decide whether your outfit is appropriate. “Judges have broad discretion regarding courtroom attire. They set the tone for decorum in their courtroom and can determine what is and isn’t acceptable on a case-by-case basis,” says Andrew L. Hope, the founding attorney of Hope Law in Des Moines, Iowa. “While most judges follow published guidelines, they ultimately have the authority to enforce dress codes as they see fit, including denying entry or instructing a juror to change.”

Take it seriously

Despite its importance in upholding our democracy, jury duty is an inconvenience that many people would rather avoid. However, if you’re hoping to be excused from the jury, showing up in your pajamas isn’t the way to go about it. “There’s a misconception that dressing poorly can help you get excused from jury duty,” says Edwin Aiwazian, CEO of the Lawyers for Justice law firm in Los Angeles. “In reality, that can work against you.” Dressing intentionally inappropriately could mean being sent home to change, or—in extreme cases—found in contempt of court. “If a juror fails to meet the dress code, they’re far more likely to get admonished by the judge than excused from duty,” says Justin Osborn, a personal-injury lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina. “A juror also risks being held in contempt of court if the dress is too outrageous or repeatedly violates the court’s instructions. So you might end up trading jury duty for a fine or a night or two in jail.”

Boring is good

Despite all of the vagaries around dressing for jury duty, it’s actually not that complicated when you get down to it. Regardless of the courthouse to which you’re reporting, your best bet is to err on the side of business casual with a button-up shirt, a nice-enough pair of pants, and some low-key, comfortable shoes. If jeans are allowed, wear a pair that aren’t ripped. Courtroom A/C can be intense, so bring a sweater, a quarter-zip, or a light jacket to throw on. And since many public buildings designate themselves as “scent-free zones,” skip the perfume.

“Jurors are supposed to be neutral decision-makers, [and] anything about appearance that undermines that, whether it’s a political statement, offensive imagery, or just obvious disregard for the setting, becomes the court’s business,” Hart explains. “Aim for neutral, clean, and unremarkable. The goal isn’t to impress anyone. It’s to avoid becoming the story before the case even starts.”

Not sure where to start? Any version of this outfit politely whispers “impartial decision-maker.”