In court, it helps not to be your own counsel simply because legally, you may not be the best representative for yourself. You can certainly try, and you do have that right, but it is not a recommended route. It is really best to hire an attorney for you for a court session where you are scheduled to appear, or to be heard, also called a hearing. Besides, with a legal representative representing you and your interests in a court of law, you may come out with a better result. You must always remember that any courtroom only gets to know you for about a twenty minute window, in a normal court situation.
First impressions are as important in court, as being well groomed, and well represented.
You would not want the court to focus on a particularly outlandish outfit, or your old work clothes instead of what you are trying to say. Also, if you do not want to be embarrassed in court, bathe and come to court with respect to cleanliness. Try to go to your local open court before your scheduled time with the court, and see what others that work there are wearing, and try to mimic their outfit, if financially possible. Even if you have to buy a second hand outfit for court, make sure it is clean, and nice fitting, meaning not too loose, and not too tight. Browns, blues, and blacks are the most widely accepted court colors.