Kim Kardashian Isn’t Alone—The Wild History of Celebs Dressing for Court
Kim Kardashian’s recent courtroom appearance in Paris didn’t just spark headlines—it sparked conversations. At the center of one of the most notorious robbery trials involving a celebrity in recent memory, Kim showed up wearing $8 million worth of diamonds. For someone testifying in a trial over her own 2016 armed robbery, that was more than a bold fashion statement—it was a message.
She wasn’t just revisiting a traumatic chapter; she was rewriting it on her own terms. Beside her stood Kris Jenner, as poised as ever, while Kim wore a vintage John Galliano black skirt-suit.
The outfit, elegant yet assertive, was paired with oversized Alaïa sunglasses and a lineup of glittering jewelry. A teardrop diamond necklace from Samer Halimeh, Repossi and Briony Raymond diamond ear cuffs, and over 52 carats around her neck alone—each piece worked as armor, not just accessories.
The Hidden Strategy Behind Kim’s Courtroom Look
Instagram | @stylevitae | Kim Kardashian attended her high-profile Paris robbery trial wearing $8 million worth of diamonds.
What might seem like an extravagant choice was, in many ways, a calculated one. According to Douglas Hand, a professor of fashion law, Kim’s outfit conveyed more than glamor.
“She’s showing the world she’s still standing—and standing tall. From a business and legal perspective, it’s a visual reclaiming of power,” he shared.
While some on social media called the look tone-deaf given the nature of the trial, others saw it differently. The diamonds weren’t just showy—they were a form of protest, a personal assertion of survival, resilience, and control.
When Fashion Speaks Louder Than Words
Kim isn’t the first celebrity to use style as silent testimony.
Gwyneth Paltrow, during her 2023 ski accident trial, wore neutral, high-end pieces from The Row and Celine that quietly oozed wealth without being brash. Her court looks became TikTok fodder, with viewers rating her outfits and mimicking her soft-luxury aesthetic.
E. Jean Carroll, facing off against Donald Trump, took the opposite route—favoring clean-cut, earth-toned dresses and minimal accessories. Her fashion projected credibility and composure, effectively contrasting Trump’s attempts to label her as erratic.
Then there’s Sean “Diddy” Combs, who’s swapped power suits for soft sweaters and wire-frame glasses while battling serious charges. His style strategy? Tone down the mogul persona, appear subdued, and let the clothes speak of humility.
Courtroom as the New Red Carpet?
Instagram | @emberorlando | @stylevitae | Met Gala stylists are now crafting personalized, tailored courtroom looks for stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B.
Stylists who normally prep clients for the Met Gala are now helping them prepare for court. Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B have both opted for courtroom looks that blend tailored structure with just enough personal edge. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about crafting a narrative.
Still, fashion in court can backfire.
Martha Stewart’s 2004 insider trading trial is often remembered less for the crime and more for her Hermès Birkin bag and mink stole. The message wasn’t humility—it was affluence. Public reaction? Not great.
Winona Ryder, in 2002, wore Marc Jacobs pieces with schoolgirl charm. Her efforts to present a softer image couldn’t sway the jury—she was convicted and sentenced to probation and community service.
And then there was Michael Jackson, whose courtroom wardrobe looked like an encore from his concert stage. His elaborate vests and flashy jewelry only intensified skepticism during his 2005 trial.
When Brands Push the Envelope
Instagram | @asvprockystyleguide | @shopyottsvtg | ASAP Rocky and Anna Delvey turn courtroom into a fashion show.
Celebrity courtroom appearances have even become unexpected marketing moments. When A$AP Rocky stood trial in early 2025, he didn’t just arrive dressed to impress—he arrived styled by Saint Laurent. Gabardine trench, striped satin shirt, wool pants—the outfit mirrored a look straight off the runway.
The brand didn’t wait. Media kits were sent out during the trial, confirming Rocky’s ensemble. A top fashion publicist commented that promoting such looks during active trials can feel inappropriate. “Sending out press releases while someone’s still on trial? It’s risky PR,” they said.
Yet it’s happening. Anna Delvey, the infamous “fake heiress,” used her court time in 2024 to debut outfits from an emerging New York designer. The trial became a runway—for a label she was promoting through her PR venture, OutLaw Agency.
Dressing to Confront, Not to Defend
Celebrities now treat courtroom dressing as more than just choosing between navy or gray—it has become a strategic tool. They use fashion to shape perception, influence public opinion, and even win favor. While most defendants dress subtly to project trustworthiness, others—like Kim Kardashian—turn expectations upside down.
Kim didn’t walk into court to prove her innocence; she wasn’t the accused—she was the victim. Her outfit did more than display her wealth; it declared her readiness to confront what happened. She faced the courtroom wrapped in diamonds that many interpreted as defiance.
When celebrities use fashion effectively, they transform it into storytelling. In high-stakes trials involving stars like Kim, what they wear can matter as much as what they say.