What to wear to 341 meeting

[justbroke]

Our BK court district actually gives out a 'Dress Code'. In one of our documents is the following:

"Appropriate attire: You are reminded that Local Rule 5072-1(b)(16) requires that persons should dress in appropriate business attire consistent with their financial abilities. Among other things, a coat and tie are appropriate for a man; a dress or pants suit is appropriate for a woman."

I love the means based attire rule.

When I went to my 341, I wore business casual with pressed button down shirt, tucked in. Pressed dress slacks, shoes, leather belt. Something I could go to work in a professional environment.

I think I was the best dressed at my 341 (other than the lawyers).

When I attend court, I wear a suit.

Look... think of it this way. They have seen your financials and know what you should be able to afford. Having wrote that, i wouldn't go into a 341 adorned with expensive jewelry, Rolex watch, or any such thing, as it may just bring up questions during the meeting.

However, after the 341, I would dress in appropriate attire for court. I haven't seen one debtor other than myself in a suit and tie in court. The lawyers there now know me, but at first, thought I was just another BK lawyer or creditor attorney. We were joking one day when one lawyer came in and a debtor attorney said "ah... creditor scum attorney"... the creditor's attorney said something similar back to him... we all laughed.

[dingdong]

LOL!! If this were me, the Trustee would add on a few extra payments!

Yeah, I just wanted to show that I had no Assets!

HAHAHAHA

( just kidding, I am really much more modest than my post let on, just like a little humor now and then)

[relief13035]

At my 341 there was a wide range of the way people dressed - from suits to sweats. It was a strange bunch. I dressed business casual and that was fine. I wore perfume, I don't see a problem with that. I DID take off my wedding ring because it's pretty big.

[JJL]

I wore jeans,t-shirt a distressed leather jacket and steel toe boots. Don't worry about it.

[JRScott]

What do you wear? We don't want to wear anything too nice, that makes us look like we have money. (Would be the only nice clothes we have at this point.)

I would dress maybe as you might dress for casual dining with the following changes:

1. No jewelry other than a plain watch and plain wedding bands.
2. No designer brands for clothes or accessaries (like your purse).

[bkchap7filer]

My papers from my attorney said "no need to dress up," so I didn't. I wore nice jeans and a nice sweater, but didn't even wear casual slacks due to attorney advice. As it turns out, I was one of the nicest dressed in the room.

[elstx]

Lots of varying answers here. Someone mentioned something about a court date after. What court date???????

[Logan]

What do you wear? We don't want to wear anything too nice, that makes us look like we have money. (Would be the only nice clothes we have at this point.)

If you were the trustee what would you expect people to wear?

I suggest dressing business casual as a minimum as I believe it implies that you're taking your BK seriously.

At my hearing there were people in shorts and flip flops and others in suits. I wore what I would wear when meeting clients at my business.

People do get overly worked up with these kinds of details. I was talking and joking with the trustee prior to the beginnings of the hearing. It was appropriate since he started a conversation with my lawyer and I joined in. They're only human.

Good luck!!!!

Logan

[justbroke]

Lots of varying answers here. Someone mentioned something about a court date after. What court date???????

Depending on your case, you may have several hearings. Generally you need not attend them if your lawyer is representing you.

The lawyer will usually tell you which ones you need to be at. Being very generic, the only time you may be required to show up is the 341 meeting.

Since I'm a pro se debtor, I need to show up for all hearings.

[jennordhavn]

I wore slacks and a nice top with boots. Basically what I would wear to work. I took out my CZ earrings because they were kinda big and I didn't want the trustee to think they were diamonds......lol. I also switched purses because I bought a fake D&G in Mexico and didn't want him to think it was real.

[AngelinaCatHub]

At my 341 there was a wide range of the way people dressed - from suits to sweats. It was a strange bunch. I dressed business casual and that was fine. I wore perfume, I don't see a problem with that. I DID take off my wedding ring because it's pretty big.

The reason I said no perfume is: I used to hire, when an obnoxious amount of perfume was worn, it gave me a feeling of "cheapness" and lack of self-esteem (in that persons mind). I may have forever been wrong, but it in any case brings attention to that person in remembrance. As I originally stated, you wish to bring no outstanding remembrance to the Trustee, and stealth your way through. 'Hub

[evilxs]

I wore black slacks and a sweater. Wedding band, but not engagement ring. No other jewlry. I pulled my hair back and wore make up. neutrals. no lip stick. short heels.

I was probably one of the better dressed there.

I saw jeans, long sleeved shirts, shop uniforms, one suit on a guy. No purse. I carried my wallet, all they need is a DL and SS card in my state and I wasnt carrying anything in I didnt need. LOL


When my husband had his 341 a few years back before we were married he just wore his shop uniform.

[nullbalance]

at my hearing there were people in scrubs and one guy was a bit grungy in his coveralls, but you can tell he had just come from work. one girl had on her babyphat jeans and jacket with this huge designer bag, but i didn't stay to see the results of any questioning about her choice of clothing.

dress for court like you would a casual church event or dinner. i wore jeans, but i had on a nice sweater, my hair done, no jewelery or anything flashy.


not that i have anything flashy to wear to begin with (broke, lol)

[indigoblue]

I'm wondering if dress capris are acceptable?

[momof3b1g]

I'm wondering if dress capris are acceptable?

I think it depends on your area. I wore jeans, tennsi shoes and a nice top. Others were dressed and jeans and t shirts. Some a bit more, but they may have been in work clothes. I think nicely dressed is fine. Our attorney said you don't want to call attention to yourself. Either too flashy or really sloppy.
I think you should dress according to your income etc. If you don't have a ton of money don't dress like you do. and vice versa. If you have money don't come sloppy to make it look like your poor. Does that make sense?