Dress Like You Belong in the Record

The courthouse is not a coffee shop.
It’s not your classroom, your gym, or your weekend errand route.
It’s the physical embodiment of justice — and when you walk through those doors, every inch of you communicates respect, credibility, and readiness.

We’re Not Schoolteachers

We’re not schoolteachers.
We’re not office administrators.
We’re not gig workers with clipboards and coffee cups.

We are officers of the court — the guardians of the record. We handle testimony that determines people’s freedom, livelihoods, reputations, and millions of dollars in verdicts. That level of responsibility demands presence — and presence begins with how you show up.

You don’t need to dress like you’re teaching a class; you need to dress like you’re writing history. Because in many cases, you are.

Every keystroke you make becomes part of the permanent legal record of the United States. That should be reflected in the way you present yourself to the world — sharp, composed, and unmistakably professional.

Whether you’re an attorney, a court reporter, a paralegal, or an intern, your wardrobe is your first exhibit.

Professionalism Is Non-Negotiable

Every courtroom professional should treat the courthouse as sacred ground. The judge’s robe, the clerk’s seal, the flags, the transcript — all are symbols of order. But so is you.

When you roll in wearing capris, cheetah-print flats, or a burgundy-red dye job that would make a K-pop star blush, you’re not making a style statement — you’re making a credibility statement.

You may not intend disrespect, but perception governs credibility. And credibility governs trust. In law, that’s everything.

The $1,600 Rule

If you’re making $1,600 per diem or billing hundreds an hour, you can afford a suit jacket. Period.
If you can afford a flight case on wheels and professional certifications, you can afford to look the part.

Investing in a professional wardrobe is not vanity; it’s a tool of your trade — no less essential than your steno machine, your laptop, or your reporter’s certificate. When you appear in front of judges, juries, or clients, your attire should whisper, I take this profession seriously.

You represent not just yourself but the integrity of the record. The law is steeped in tradition — and though we can modernize process and technology, decorum never goes out of style.

What “Professional” Actually Looks Like

Let’s strip away the guesswork. Professional court attire doesn’t have to be expensive, but it must be intentional. Here’s the modern baseline:

For Women

• Suits: A tailored blazer with matching slacks or a knee-length skirt. Dark neutrals — black, navy, charcoal, or beige — always win.
• Tops: Solid blouses, button-downs, or shells in subdued colors. Avoid plunging necklines or sheer fabrics.
• Shoes: Closed-toe flats or modest heels. No cheetah print, sparkles, or sneakers.
• Hair: Natural or professional tones. Burgundy, pink, or neon blue may be fun, but they distract. If you must keep a bright color, tie it back neatly or wear a neutral wig during proceedings.
• Accessories: Minimal jewelry, no jangling bracelets, no statement earrings that swing like pendulums when you turn your head.

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For Men

• Suits: A fitted jacket, pressed slacks, tie, and polished shoes. Always pressed, never wrinkled.
• Colors: Navy or charcoal convey authority without arrogance.
• Hair/Grooming: Clean, controlled, intentional. No novelty socks, no hoodies, no visible undershirts.

If you’re appearing in a California superior court, a federal courtroom, or even a deposition room with high-value clients, treat it as though you’re walking into the Supreme Court. That mindset will carry your professionalism before you ever speak a word.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

The legal profession runs on perception. Judges notice. Jurors notice. Even clerks and bailiffs notice.

A crisp, well-fitted suit says I am organized, credible, and detail-oriented.
A wrinkled shirt, leggings, or capri pants say I’m casual about my craft.

That subconscious impression extends to your work product. The judge doesn’t know if your transcript is perfect yet, but they’ll assume it is — or isn’t — based on how you show up.

The same is true for lawyers. Jurors subconsciously trust the attorney who looks prepared, pressed, and polished. A slouching posture or sloppy outfit makes your argument work twice as hard.

Court Is Not Casual Friday

The pandemic blurred the lines between home and office. Remote hearings, Zoom appearances, and hybrid depositions made it easy to forget that the courtroom is still a temple of formality. But the moment you step foot in a courthouse — any courthouse — that line reappears.

Dress codes exist because respect requires ritual. You wouldn’t walk into a wedding in sweatpants. Why would you enter a courtroom — a forum of justice — any less prepared?

The phrase “business casual” has been abused beyond recognition. Capri pants, open-toe sandals, and graphic tote bags reading “Can’t Tell” belong in brunch lines, not legal corridors. When in doubt, overdress. You can always remove the jacket, but you can’t suddenly conjure professionalism if you never brought it.

Style as Silent Advocacy

Your wardrobe advocates for you before you utter a word. For court reporters, whose presence is meant to be neutral and authoritative, that quiet credibility is vital. You’re the keeper of the record — the living embodiment of accuracy and integrity.

For lawyers, dressing sharply is not about ego. It’s about empathy. Clients need to see you as the person they can trust with their lives, finances, or freedom. Judges and juries need to feel you respect the gravity of the process.

Even for legal staff, interpreters, or videographers, dressing appropriately says you understand your environment. You’re part of a team that upholds justice, not just a bystander.

Building a Professional Wardrobe on a Budget

Not everyone has $5,000 to drop on designer suits — nor should you. But you can assemble a professional, camera-ready wardrobe without breaking the bank.

1. Start with Neutrals. Black, navy, gray, and beige mix and match easily.
2. Invest in Structure. Buy one excellent blazer and one pair of perfectly fitting slacks. Tailoring beats brand names.
3. Shop Smart. Thrift stores, outlets, and resale sites like Poshmark or The RealReal often carry quality pieces at a fraction of retail.
4. Rotate Accessories. A silk scarf or statement watch can change your look without changing your outfit.
5. Maintain Everything. Dry-clean regularly. Steam wrinkles. Polish shoes. Replace missing buttons.

You’re not dressing to impress — you’re dressing to express respect.

The “I Don’t Care” Epidemic

Somewhere along the way, many professionals started mistaking informality for authenticity. But “being real” doesn’t mean being careless. There’s a difference between individuality and indifference.

Showing up in a hoodie to a deposition doesn’t make you relatable; it makes you look unprepared.
Dyeing your hair a bright shade without understanding how it will appear under fluorescent courtroom lights isn’t self-expression; it’s self-sabotage.

You can be modern, stylish, and even bold — but your choices should elevate the profession, not distract from it.

When in Doubt, Look at the Judge

Judges are your north star for courtroom decorum. They set the tone. Observe them: robes pressed, demeanor controlled, minimal jewelry, neutral tones. Everything communicates authority and gravity. That’s the aesthetic standard for everyone in that space.

If your appearance would look out of place standing next to a judge, it’s probably out of place in a courtroom.

The Respect Loop

When you dress like a professional, people treat you like one. When they treat you like one, you perform like one. When you perform like one, opportunities multiply.

Court reporters who carry themselves with authority command higher rates and repeat business. Attorneys who project confidence attract better clients. Clerks who look capable often move up faster. The respect loop begins with what you project.

The Takeaway

In law, presentation is inseparable from substance. You can’t separate credibility from appearance. If you’re going to represent justice — or record it — you owe it to the system, the litigants, and yourself to look the part.

Invest in your wardrobe.
Press your clothes.
Show up like the courthouse matters.

Because it does.

StenoImperium
Court Reporting. Unfiltered. Unafraid.

Disclaimer

This article reflects my perspective and analysis as a court reporter and eyewitness. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney.

This article includes analysis and commentary based on observed events, public records, and legal statutes.

The content of this post is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. All opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are based on publicly available information, industry standards, and good-faith concerns about nonprofit governance and professional ethics. No part of this article is intended to defame, accuse, or misrepresent any individual or organization. Readers are encouraged to verify facts independently and to engage constructively in dialogue about leadership, transparency, and accountability in the court reporting profession.

• The content on this blog represents the personal opinions, observations, and commentary of the author. It is intended for editorial and journalistic purposes and is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
• Nothing here constitutes legal advice. Readers are encouraged to review the facts and form independent conclusions.

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