You are involved in a legal case and the big day is near. Use psychology to help you decide what to wear. Research shows that clothes shape first impressions (for example, Hu and O'Toole 2023). And first impressions linger (Swider, Harris, and Qing, 2023).

Some judges will review your clothing to see if you take the proceedings seriously. They may view your clothes as a signal of respect for the court and for them, personally.

Theoretically, you are free to wear what you wish; clothes should not matter in court. But they do. One group of researchers........

© Psychology Today