What To Wear To Jury Duty
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Most adults are familiar with the process of getting ‘the letter’ in the mail summoning you for jury duty. Being chosen can be slightly nerve-wracking but a little exciting.
However, what does one wear in a courthouse? That’s a good question and I’m going to answer it for you!
Besides the decisions you’ll be making during the proceedings, picking an outfit is another thing to check off on your to-do list.
It’s essential to be comfortable and look appropriate in such a setting since you’ll probably be sitting in a slightly cold room for long hours.
You might want to dress to impress as a lot of eyes will be on you. But, you’ll have enough on your mind already! So, I’ve compiled a list of outfits to wear when you’re summoned to court to help ease your racing thoughts.
In this guide, I’ll share lots of styling tips, show you a few outfit ideas, and so much more, so that deciding what to wear to jury duty will be a piece of cake. Also, you’ll learn:
- How to choose the best outfits for jury duty
- What to wear to jury duty during different seasons
- How to style outfits for jury duty
- Fashion tips to avoid
- Where to buy your ensemble
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is when you provide service as a juror during legal proceedings. Jurors are summoned to deliver an unbiased verdict to a court or decide on a punishment.
There are different types of juries, including petit, grand, and coroner’s juries. The type will depend on the legal proceeding.
History of Jury Duty
Since the Middle Ages, jury duty has been part of the Anglo common law legal system. But, it evolved from ancient customs where men with good character would help investigate crimes and deliver a judgment for the accused.
Of course, years later, courts began summoning women too. Depending on your location, jurors are randomly selected, and guidelines vary. In the United States, if summoned, jury duty is mandatory.
What To Wear To Jury Duty
When thinking about what to wear to jury duty, it’s important to choose comfortable and professional pieces.
Of course, you’ll want to read up on the court guidelines since some courts may require jackets and ties or just a collared shirt. Either way, familiarize yourself with the dress code.
There are other things to consider, too, like the season, the environment, and your preferences. Generally, going for a business or a smart casual look is a foolproof option.
Realistically, bold clothing or beach attire isn’t acceptable. And since courtrooms tend to be on the cooler side, you can also wear a light coat or sweater to keep you warm.
If you’re still wondering what to wear to court, we’ve compiled a list of five options to help you put together an appropriate and stylish outfit.
First up, we’ll check out some options for women jurors. So, if you’ve been Googling, ‘what to wear to jury duty female,’ you’ve come to the right place.
5 Outfit Ideas For Jury Duty
Simple and professional looks are nothing without a white button-down shirt. This silk top from ALEXIS is the perfect piece if you’re chosen for jury duty in the spring or summer. It’s loose, breathable, and will match any of your wardrobe staples.
A white button-down is a foolproof option. You’ll definitely adhere to the jury duty dress code if you pair it with some wide-leg black pants for a contrasting look.
On the other hand, you could wear a pair of straight-leg khakis, but we’d stick to neutral colors to maintain the refined look. Plus, you can don a blazer if it gets nippy during the proceedings.
This ‘70s-inspired matching suit set is another outfit that meets jury duty attire guidelines. The wide-leg trousers complement the oversized suit jacket from Verishop, and the neutral shade of pink gives the suit the perfect ‘business chic’ vibe.
It’s not too flashy, but it will definitely make an impression on the attorneys and other jurors.
Getting summoned for jury duty is a great excuse to purchase a sophisticated women’s suit and the Verishop soft pink matching set is elegant, refined, and classy.
The best part about it is that you can wear it again after serving as a juror. So from work to after-hours functions, you’ll be able to style this suit for many occasions.
A matching set also expands your wardrobe. Plus, you can wear the jacket or pants separately and still put together an appropriate jury duty outfit. And who doesn’t love that kind of versatility?
There’s a chance that you could get selected for jury duty during the colder months. In that case, a turtleneck is the perfect choice for brisk weather and offers many options for layering and styling.
In this picture, the black turtleneck and beige pants combo are professional and appropriate for court proceedings. Plus, the additional accessories finish off the outfit beautifully and make it look put together and sophisticated.
Turtlenecks or ‘mock neck sweaters’ add a classy and elegant vibe to your outfits. And while black is easily matched with any color, a turtleneck is also a versatile garment.
Wearing it alone with some neutral pants is a safe option, but you can elevate a look by throwing on a cropped sweater vest or a white collared shirt on top.
Accessories can also make or break your ensemble. Again, wearing dainty jewelry is a great option, and a matching belt is a gorgeous finishing to many looks.
When considering what to wear to jury duty, females aren’t the only ones struggling. Men also have trouble figuring out what to wear.
So, of course, we have to look at a few masculine outfit ideas to help you put together a reliable and polished ensemble. After checking out these looks, hopefully, you won’t feel the need to write ‘what to wear to jury duty male’ in the Google search bar.
When trying to decide what to wear to jury duty, males might have a more difficult time. There aren’t as many stylish or ‘out there’ options for males, but then again, jury duty is serious business.
Any look that’s too bold won’t be suitable for the proceedings. So, you’ve got to put that graphic tee aside when you’re getting ready for court.
The layered dress shirt and knit sweater look is perfect for autumn court sessions. It can make you look qualified for jury duty and provide enough layers for comfortable wear.
Plus, if you haven’t heard, corduroy is making a comeback, and corduroy pants are superb fall bottoms.
A look similar to the one pictured will impress anybody. Knit sweaters are a wardrobe staple and can be worn for many different occasions.
For jury duty, you’ll look like you have it all together and are perfectly capable of delivering a fair and just verdict.
When it comes to bottoms, a pair of corduroy pants might not be your first choice. But, bear with us!
As we said, brown corduroy is making a comeback, and for a good reason. It’s durable, comfortable, and will make you look dressed up no matter what you style it with.
And with a brown pair of shoes, you can put together an elegant and rugged look that will be suitable for jury service.
Of course, no one can be Ryan Gosling. But, his premiere outfits (as seen above), are some of the most celebrated.
A striped button-down shirt and tailored navy pants are the perfect combo for summer business casual looks. All in all, it’s an easy-breezy outfit to put together when called up for jury duty.
Blues are really forgiving in a professional setting, especially when partnered with white. Shades of blue reflect a sense of calmness, stability, and trust when styled appropriately.
So, throwing on some navy blue pants will project a dependable image in a courtroom.
Additionally, a matching short-sleeve button-down top is refined, comfortable, and cool enough to wear during the warmer months. You can also add some brown accents to take this look to a whole new level.
What Type Of Jury Duty Outfits Can You Get?
When figuring out what to wear to jury duty, keep this in mind: it’s essential to look professional and feel comfortable at the same time.
Of course, the type of outfit you choose will depend on the court guidelines, but a reasonable dress code to settle for is business casual.
So, neutral shades should also be your first choice. An outfit with neutral colors will always look professional and put together compared to a brightly colored one.
Wearing neutral colors also means that you’ll look dignified and appropriate for the court proceedings.
Plus, no one wants to wear a bold, vibrant outfit that could be distracting. Instead, you’ll want to help the attorneys, judges, and other jurors remain focused on the case at hand.
We might sound like a broken record, but you’ll also need to feel comfortable. For instance, you can opt for dress pants with a straight or wide-leg design to prevent any discomfort.
Sweaters are another great option for layering if it gets chilly in the courtroom or if you’re summoned in the winter.
The bottom line is this: you’ll want to dress as if you’re going into the office.
While jury duty isn’t a fashion show, it’s important to look appropriate, so putting together a smart or business casual outfit is a great place to start.
How To Choose The Best Jury Duty Outfits
When preparing to serve on a jury, it’s important to have a few things in mind before choosing or purchasing a new outfit. Here are some factors that might play into your decision:
- Price
You might not want to break the bank on a new outfit for jury duty. But, you can invest in pieces that’ll end up being in your wardrobe for events past your service.
So, something like the ALEXIS Astor Silk Top for $200 might be steep, but you can wear the white button-down for several other occasions. So, you’ll most likely get your money’s worth.
But, you can opt for more basic options in a lower price range. For example, a $15-$30 turtleneck from stores like Zara or Aritizia will definitely serve you well for many years to come. Then, you can layer up with other pieces from your closet.
- Quality
You’ll also want to consider the quality of the clothes. While you might be sitting in a courtroom for a few hours, you wouldn’t want to wear anything too tight or easily torn.
Of course, wear and tear are normal, but we’d suggest shopping at stores with a good track record for high-quality pieces.
Aside from looking professional, comfort is a must when you’ll be spending hours in an outfit. So, breathable pieces are always an excellent option.
- Material
Lastly, when choosing what to wear to jury duty, you’ll want to think about the material. Of course, the materials you choose will go hand-in-hand with the season. For instance, lightweight fabrics, like cotton or linen, are more appropriate for the warmer months.
Basically, you’ll want to look for an outfit that’s durable, comfortable, and that you can sit in for long periods of time.
As we said, you’ll also be expected to follow court guidelines. For example, if the courthouse allows jeans, you could go for a pair with a relaxed fit.
But, make sure to choose denim that you’ll be 100% comfortable in, as you don’t want any discomfort to draw your focus away from the proceedings. But note that ripped jeans are a no-go!
How To Style Jury Duty Outfits
Being in a courtroom is nerve-wracking as it is. So, when choosing what to wear to jury duty, you don’t want to come off as disrespectful or nonchalant. Essentially, styling your outfit will depend on three things: the season, dress code, and your own style preferences.
We don’t recommend sporting anything too light or airy like a short-sleeve button-down if you’re summoned during the winter. Instead, you can go for something like a cable knit sweater, a pair of tailored pants, and dress shoes to stay cozy both inside and outside of court.
Additionally, in the colder months, layering is your friend. For instance, wearing a button-down shirt underneath a knit sweater will elevate your outfit into something a bit more dignified, stylish, and warm all at the same time.
There are a few dress code rules you might have to follow when you’re called up for service. Now, we’re not saying you have to wear a full ballgown, but as we said, you don’t want to look too casual.
So, we’d suggest choosing an outfit that’ll make you look dependable in a professional setting.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Jury Duty Outfits
While focusing on performing your democratic duty, figuring out what to wear to jury duty won’t necessarily be on the top of your to-do list.
So, it might take a backseat until the day of the hearing. But don’t panic! Here are a few things to watch out for if you’re putting together some last-minute jury attire:
- Leave your go-to beach outfit at home: While shorts and flip-flops would be the most comfortable summer option, the courtroom might not be the right place for them. Anything too casual doesn’t suit the legal setting.
- Don’t wear flashy accessories: Hats or blinged-out jewelry might be a distraction from the matter at hand. Small necklaces or minimalist watches are the best way to go when accessorizing.
- Don’t wear any shirts with graphics or an offensive slogan: Maintaining a business casual aesthetic doesn’t mesh well with graphic tees, and you might not look ready to deliberate during a necessary court proceeding.
How To Take Care Of Jury Duty Outfits
As with all clothing pieces, following the care instructions on clothing tags is essential. Also, while wear and tear are normal after having a piece for a long time, you can prevent any significant damage by washing your garments properly.
Of course, court proceedings will have brief recesses. For jurors, food, snacks, and drinks are provided, and you’ll usually spend these breaks together.
You’re also allowed to bring your own meal, but regardless, we’d suggest sitting while eating to avoid any stain mishaps. Jurors also get a chance to step out for air but avoid doing so during inclement weather to keep your outfit nice and pristine.
Best Places To Buy Jury Duty Outfits
Shopping for outfits when thinking about what to wear to jury duty can be challenging. Also, professional, court-appropriate clothing might be expensive if you look for high-quality pieces.
As we mentioned earlier, some people may not want to break the bank for jury duty. But, there are a couple of brands that’ll be kind to you and your wallet.
Basically, before you get started, it’s a good idea to think about your favorite places to shop for business casual attire.
Trendy and casual retailers might not be the right place to go if you’re looking for something appropriate for jury duty. Stores like Aritzia, Zara, H&M, Old Navy, or Target have stylish and affordable in-store and online options.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out what to wear to jury duty isn’t usually the first thought that pops into your mind when you receive ‘the letter’ in the mail. Still, there’s no doubt that choosing an outfit might bring you some anxiety.
As we’ve stated, when it comes to the perfect juror ensemble, it’s vital to consider both the court guidelines and your own preferences.
The way you dress can speak volumes about your character, and you’ll also want to maintain a sense of professionalism while doing your civic duty. With that said, looking stylish and dependable never hurts and is a great combination.
While maintaining your sense of style, you’ll want to choose a comfortable outfit. You’ll be spending long days sitting and observing the proceedings, so it’s imperative to select appropriate attire that you’ll feel comfortable in.
So, if a suit or blouse is too tight or stuffy, it might be overly distracting.
By now, you should be able to easily answer the question, ‘what do you wear to jury duty?’ But if you ever need a reminder, refer to this handy guide.
And, at the end of the day, here’s our number-one tip: wear presentable pieces that won’t hinder your fair decision-making. If you keep this in mind, you’ll be all set.
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:
