Dress for Jury Success: Less is More

Red suits for women and pink shirts for men may make powerful fashion statements. But when lawyers are appearing before juries, they're fashion statements that should be avoided, along with provocative—and noisy—clothing, a consultant advises.

"Less is more," says consultant Andrea Ward, who recently discussed appropriate attire for jury trials at a program sponsored by the New Haven Women Attorneys Committee and held at the law offices of Wiggin and Dana. She says both men and women should wear well-cut clothing in conservative colors that doesn't distract from their message to the jury, reports New York Lawyer (sub. req.), in a reprint of a Connecticut Legal Tribune article.

However, a white shirt works well, Ward adds. "It makes people feel secur,e and you look clean and professional, and the jury will respond to you more positively. It has a neutrality and creates confidence and calm."