The dress code for the High Sheriff is a modified form of eighteenth century court dress. The uniform for the men is quite carefully controlled with the details as proscribed by the regulation ceremonial dress.

A Coat in black or blue-black velvet, stand collar, cut pigeon breasted. Seven buttons on right forepart and seven corresponding twist or false buttonholes on the left. The foreparts meet edge to edge at a point on the breast, where they are secured with a pair of hooks and eyes. Gauntlet cuffs, with three buttons and twist or false buttonholes underneath. Three-pointed pocket flaps on the waist seam with three false buttonholes and corresponding buttons beneath. There are six buttons behind, that is, two at the waist, two in the centre and two at the bottom of the skirts. The body of the coat should be lined in black silk or artificial satin. There are pockets at the breast and in the tails. There are additionally clear instructions for the waistcoat and even the black tights worn by the men.

Buttons should be cut steel, along with the buckles, however the Island’s High Sheriff has a remarkable pair of crystal and cut steel buckles that are handed down each year.

A wig bag of black silk should be attached to the coat at the back of the neck, to hang over the collar, though high sheriffs do not wear a wig.

High sheriffs are supposed to carry a cocked hat that they never wear. It is described as a ‘chapeau bras of black plush, with black watered silk cockade or rosette’.

All high sheriffs can carry a sword, with cut steel hilt and mountings and a black lacquered scabbard.

Additionally the men should wear white kid or cotton gloves, as well as a plain front shirt, with a white lawn or cambric stock fastened with studs, lace fall at front. Matching lace ruffles should be be sewn in into the cuffs of the coat.

The clothes worn by lady sheriffs are much simpler because there are no precise regulations governing court dress for lady sheriffs. They didn’t exist when the rules were established!

Whilst ladies are encouraged to wear Court Dress of black or blue velvet, the styling is a matter of individual choice. Preferably the outfit should include cut steel buttons and shoe buckles and a black silk wig bag. Lady Sheriffs do not typically wear swords but one may be carried before them in procession.