Is a pantsuit too much for an 'order to show cause' hearing at a city court?

Question

I don't want to come off to the judge as pretentious if I show up in a pantsuit when most other people go to court in sweats and sneakers.

Answer 1

It's not pretentious, it's respectful to the court. But yes, most people will show up dressed disrespectfully to the court, and the judge will notice the difference.

Answer 2

The better your appearance the more highly the judge will think of you and your case.  There is a reason good lawyers always wear suits to court even for the most minor events - people judge you on your appearance.  Those people in sweats and sneakers are usually the ones without a lawyer to guide them and they usually lose their case.

Answer 3

No, it's not too much. It actually is the proper dress, and would be showing respect for the court.

Answer 4

Too much, no!  You should never show up to court in sweats and sneakers, those are considered inappropriate.

Answer 5

The judges really, really like it if you show up well dressed. It shows you respect them.

Just don't go in an expensive fur coat and plead poverty.