Gwyneth Paltrow has been making headlines recently for her eight-day testimony in the Park City, Utah, ski crash trial stemming from an alleged collision in 2016. The actress made sure to dress to impress in the courtroom, showing off her subtle, yet sophisticated sense of style. 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.
While some might think the actress’s fashion choices were just for show, everything from her behavior to her attire will be scrutinized, according to Cynthia Augello, partner at Warren Law Group. “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 was awarded a legal victory when an eight-person jury found she was not liable for the ski crash collision involving Terry Sanderson at the Deer Valley Resort. She countersued and was awarded $1 in damages, in addition to attorney fees. But what about her fashion choices during the trial?
Paltrow opted for an understated presence to impress the jury. “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.”
Costly is an understatement for a few of Paltrow’s getups. For example, on the first day of 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 walked into the courtroom wearing an ivory-colored cardigan from G. Label by Goop with a $25,000 gold Foundrae clip chain heart necklace.
But it wasn’t just about the cost of her clothes. Paltrow made a conscious effort to choose her attire to play to the local crowd and underscore that she’s the ‘obviously famous defendant’ that is being subjected to a money grab by the plaintiff,” according to Attorney Andres Munoz, partner with Romano Law. “But juries also have a keen ability to sniff out disingenuous behavior. So, the balance is to appeal to the jury by appearing more likable and relatable, while staying genuine.”
Each of her looks had a similar neutral palette, from the gray Brunello Cucinelli suit on the third day to the navy skirt and black, long-sleeved polo with Chelsea boots from Prada on the fourth day. She even wore a Goop black cardigan with a matching skirt and 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.
Gwyneth Paltrow was not just dressing for show. She understood that an individual’s choice of clothing in court can insinuate a lot about their credibility and likability. For Paltrow, dressing approiately for the community was pivotal in this case. Regardless of the result, one cannot deny that Paltrow’s fashion choices were just as important to her success in court as her testimony.
