It should come as no surprise that courtroom attire is important. A courtroom setting is largely rooted in tradition and in the importance of the law. As such, people attending court in Toronto need to dress appropriately. Court attire for women and for men needs to demonstrate respect to the legal proceedings taking place and to the justice system.
When it comes to specific guidelines, the dress codes given are intended to help keep order and protect the safety of attendees. In addition, be aware that judges have the right to enforce a legal dress code, meaning choosing what to wear should be more than just an afterthought.
Court Room and Legal Attire for Women
For women who are representing a client in court, they’re required to wear appropriate court attire. In the highest levels of court, this can require a black robe, a shirt with tabs underneath the robe, and a skirt or pants that include a stripe reflecting the required legal dress in Canada.
In addition to required legal attire for women, depending on the type of court or the reason for appearing, women in the legal professional may be able to wear formal businesses suits, typically in neutral colours such as black, grey or navy. A suit can be comprised of a dress or skirt of appropriate length or can be a pant suit matched with a blouse, sweater or dress shirt.
When it comes to court attire for women appearing in court as a legal client, here are some additional tips to ensure appropriate dress is achieved:
- Avoid shorts.
- Do not wear a hat, sunglasses, or open toed shoes.
- Choose clothing that fits appropriately.
- Avoid bright colours and loud patterns.
- Avoid flashy or overly expensive outfits or accessories.
- Yoga pants or other athletic attire is not recommended.
- Refrain from wearing too much perfume.
In summary, judges expect everyone who appears in their courtroom to look professional. If you have any questions about your legal or courtroom attire, it is best to consult with an expert before you appear in court for the first time.
Quality Legal Attire from Harcourts
Having the appropriate wardrobe to appear in court starts by acquiring high quality, custom fitted pieces that help you maintain a professional and dignified appearance. Harcourts has been providing judges and lawyers in Toronto and throughout the GTA with superior crafted legal attire since 1842. Our handcrafted, custom fit robes and accessories are long lasting and ensure a true and comfortable fit. To find out more about ordering your courtroom attire from Harcourts, contact us.
