Gwyneth Paltrow’s Courtroom Fashion: A Lesson in Credibility
Gwyneth Paltrow, the 50-year-old Oscar-winning actress, has recently taken the spotlight once again for her courtroom fashion. Throughout her eight-day testimony in a Park City, Utah, ski crash trial stemming from an alleged collision in 2016, Paltrow dressed to impress. 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.
Paltrow’s choice of clothing, according to Cynthia Augello, partner at Warren Law Group, will be scrutinized. “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.”
Despite the likelihood of her clothing being costly, Paltrow has chosen an appropriate wardrobe for her trial. “By appearing approachable and relatable, she doesn’t give the impression that she thinks of herself as more important than the jury,” Augello added.
Each of Paltrow’s looks had a similar neutral palette, with shades of cream, gray, and black dominating the courtroom. The actress wore a $1,200 pair of brown leather Celine boots, a green trench coat, and a cream-colored sweater from The Row on the first day of trial. On the second day, she walked into the courtroom wearing an ivory-colored cardigan from G. Label by Goop with a $25,000 gold Foundrae clip chain heart necklace.
Gwyneth wore a gray Brunello Cucinelli suit on the third day, which she had previously worn while shopping with her daughter, Apple, in November. On the fourth day, Gwyneth testified in Prada, wearing a long navy skirt and a black, long-sleeved polo with Chelsea boots, which retail for $1,320. She brought back her Prada boots for day five and wore a $595 Goop black cardigan with a matching skirt. On day six, she opted for Proenza Schouler White Label leather culottes, paired with her own pink G. Label blouse.
Criminal defense attorney Silva Megerditchian said that while jurors “see everything,” as long as the clothing is appropriate, it truly does not affect the verdict. “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,” Megerditchian said.
Ultimately, 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.
Paltrow’s appearance in court, which was an unspoken tool of persuasion, absolutely falls within the category of appealing to the jury by appearing more likable and relatable while staying genuine. While her fashion choices may have generated a lot of buzz, it is clear that credibility and believability hold the most weight in any trial, and in the end, the verdict is what matters most.
