Holly J Moore Deciphers Divorce Court Fashion: Power Suits vs. Revenge Dresses – What Message Are You Sending?  

The courtroom is a stage where every detail matters, and your attire can speak volumes. This is especially true in divorce court, where personal appearance can be a potent visual representation of not just your emotional state but also your intentions.  

Among other things, clothing can influence perceptions of credibility and responsibility, subtly shaping how we are seen by others, including the presiding judge. Whether it’s a ‘revenge dress” hinting at defiance and new beginnings or a modest suit, what you wear to court can tell a story before you utter a word. 

Navigating such nuances requires an experienced guide, and few are better equipped for the role than Holly J. Moore. A seasoned divorce attorney with over 15 years of experience and the driving force behind Moore Family Law Group, she has spent years helping clients articulate their stories while fighting tooth and nail to ensure they get the justice they deserve. 

Moore’s approach goes beyond the legal intricacies of divorce cases. She understands that family law isn’t just about legalities – it’s about people. It’s about their hopes, their fears, their futures. And it’s about empowering them to face what comes next with confidence. 

This is precisely why one of the first pieces of advice that Moore shares with her clients pertains to the matters of fabric. “Your attire in court is a huge part of the message you want to convey – to your ex, to your lawyers, to the judges. I always encourage people to carefully consider what they wear to court because they need to make sure it sends the right signals.” 

Moore further reveals that the choice of attire can sway a judge’s first impression, impacting their perception of an individual’s character and reliability. This is especially crucial in cases where these two elements, including suitability as a parent, are in question. 

In domestic matters, stability and responsibility are almost always at issue. How a woman is dressed for court, Moore maintains, is the first glimpse that the judge gets into one’s character. This is especially true for family court cases where most of the evidence is a testimony of the parties—an exhausting he-said-she-said fight. 

“I am a firm believer in dressing in what makes you feel most confident and powerful! However, the best revenge is getting what you want, not necessarily looking your “hottest” for your ex!” Moore asserts. “Credibility is determined from the second you walk into that courtroom, and dressing for revenge may not translate into favorable orders from the judge.”  

In this context, the age-old adage of ‘dressing for the job you want, not the job you have’ feels critical. In the legal arena, this, of course, translates to ‘dressing for success.’ For instance, a power suit can convey stability and credibility, setting the tone for a positive perception in the eyes of the court. 

Shedding more light on this subject, Moore elaborates that the job of the client and the attorney is, essentially, to make the judge feel safe with their decisions.  

Simply put, the goal should be to make it easy for them to side with you. At the very least, there should be efforts to inspire judges to second-guess their decisions regarding the right way to go. In this case, according to Moore, a power suit would make a world of difference. 

On the other hand, choosing a revenge dress (in which case the revenge is one’s “goods,” as Moore likes to put it) might be interpreted as an attempt to provoke or unsettle. This, in turn, could negatively influence the court’s perception and lead to an unfavorable ruling. 

“In divorce proceedings, if one party claims to be the most stable and the best role model for the children but is scantily clad in a ‘revenge dress,’ the court might not feel as comfortable believing that testimony compared to a woman wearing modest clothes,” Moore says. “It might be unfair and unjust, but it’s human nature. Until we’ve found a way to eradicate our subconscious biases, it’s extremely important to be mindful of this.” 

Without a doubt, navigating divorce isn’t just about evidence, testimony, or legal arguments. The element of psychology, a non-verbal medium that tends to unfold through physical appearance, is inseparable from this narrative. 

As Moore has highlighted, the choice between a power suit and a revenge dress can impact case outcomes, making it paramount to align one’s attire with the goals of credibility and suitability. 

Or, as Moore herself puts it, “Dressing for success takes on a whole new meaning in court. It’s not just about looking sharp. It’s about sending the right message.”