Gwyneth Paltrow Dressed to Impress During Ski Crash Trial
Gwyneth Paltrow, the 50-year-old Oscar-winner, recently made headlines for her subtle, yet sophisticated sense of style during the eight-day testimony in the Park City, Utah, ski crash trial stemming from an alleged collision in 2016. She paired major designer labels with her own G. Label by Goop brand threads, some of which sold out in minutes online upon being featured in court.
According to Cynthia Augello, partner at Warren Law Group, “every aspect of her behavior, attire, and statements will be scrutinized,” so it comes as no surprise that Paltrow went for an understated presence to impress the jury. “A litigant’s choice of clothing in court can unconsciously convey significant information about them, whether it is accurate or not,” Augello said. “Ms. Paltrow’s overall demeanor and unique aura leave an indelible impression on both the judge and the jury, and while her visage should not influence the outcome of the case, it undoubtedly plays a role in shaping perceptions.”
Paltrow donned a wide range of fashionable outfits for her eight-day ski crash trial. On the first day of the trial, she wore a $1,200 pair of brown leather Celine boots, a green trench coat, and cream-colored sweater from The Row, and aviator Ray-Ban sunglasses. On the second day of proceedings, she wore an ivory-colored cardigan from G. Label by Goop with a $25,000 gold Foundrae clip chain heart necklace. She also carried a vintage brown leather Celine purse. She wore a gray Brunello Cucinelli suit on the third day and testified wearing a long navy skirt and a black, long-sleeved polo with Chelsea boots from Prada on the fourth day.
Despite the underlying cost, each of her looks had a similar neutral palette. Gwyneth repeated her Celine boots for day six but opted for Proenza Schouler White Label leather culottes for a cool $900. Paltrow also paired the look with her own pink G. Label blouse. On verdict day, she wore a Ralph Lauren top with a blue blazer from the designer label.
“Gwyneth Paltrow has chosen an appropriate wardrobe for her trial, opting for attire that aligns with the expectations of the local community, while maintaining an effortless appearance,” Augello said. “Despite the likelihood of her clothing being costly, it is a widely accepted notion that her wardrobe would be expensive.”
Attorney Andres Munoz, partner with Romano Law, told Fox News Digital that Paltrow “made a conscious effort to choose her attire,” adding “her choice of clothing and accessories may be to play to the local crowd or to underscore that she’s the ‘obviously famous defendant’ that is being subjected to a money grab by the plaintiff.”
According to criminal defense attorney Silva Megerditchian, while jurors “see everything,” as long as the clothing is appropriate, it truly does not affect the verdict. “It is important to note when representing a celebrity, there is a difference between likability and credibility,” Megerditchian said. “Ms. Paltrow may not come off relatable or even likable, but most legal analysts would say her testimony was credible and in a trial, nothing is more important than the credibility and believability of the witness, regardless of what they are wearing or how expensive their jewelry is.”
In the end, Paltrow earned a legal victory when an eight-person jury found she was not liable for a ski crash collision involving Terry Sanderson at the Deer Valley Resort. She countersued and was awarded $1 in damages, in addition to attorney fees.
To sum up, Gwyneth Paltrow’s choice of clothing for her trial might have played an influential role in shaping perceptions of the jury and the judge. While there is no evidence to suggest that the attire can influence the outcome of a legal case, a litigant’s choice of clothing in court can unconsciously convey significant information about them. Despite her clothing being costly, Paltrow’s wardrobe aligns with the expectations of the local community and underscores that she is the obviously famous defendant. Finally, regardless of what a witness is wearing or how expensive their jewelry is, nothing is more important than the credibility and believability of the testimony presented in court.
