The Growing Trend of Celebrity Court Style – What’s the Appeal?
Celebrities often know how to make headlines, whether it’s for their red carpet moments or legal battles. Now, their courtroom appearances are getting just as much attention—particularly what they wear. Recently, A$AP Rocky proved that even legal proceedings can double as style showcases.
Throughout his four-week felony assault trial, the rapper stepped out each day in flawless fashion. His collection of pinstripe suits, sharp trenches, broad shoulders, and wide-leg trousers turned courthouse entrances into runways.
This attention to detail in his courtroom attire was not overlooked. A$AP Rocky wore so much Saint Laurent that onlookers joked his courthouse strolls looked like part of a high-end campaign shoot. Even though the trial ended with a not-guilty verdict, it fueled ongoing conversations around celebrity court style—conversations that extend far beyond Rocky alone.
Timberlake’s Unexpected Accessory Choice
Instagram | @elderordonez1 | Justin Timberlake wears layered pearls to court and sparks mixed reactions.
In a different high-profile case, Justin Timberlake showed up to a Sag Harbor court in September 2024 to address a driving while impaired charge. The incident, which occurred in June, resulted in a 90-day license suspension, a $500 fine, and community service. Yet, people didn’t just focus on the legal outcome. Many zeroed in on what he wore—specifically, his accessories.
Timberlake arrived in a layered look: a black crewneck beneath a black V-neck cardigan, paired with brown trousers and leather shoes. However, the detail that stood out most was his double strand of pearls. While once considered traditionally feminine, pearls have found popularity among male artists.
From Harry Styles to Shawn Mendes, musicians continue to embrace gender-fluid jewelry choices. Timberlake’s stylist, Jason Bolden, likely crafted the look with purpose—though opinions differ on whether a courtroom is the best place for pop-star flair.
Celebrity Court Looks Keep Drawing Interest
Courtroom appearances by public figures have increasingly attracted viewers and sparked cultural debate. Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent ski collision trial in Utah and Kim Kardashian’s stint on jury duty generated viral moments. Similarly, the smash sitcom “Jury Duty,” in which James Marsden played an exaggerated version of himself, fueled viewers’ interest in courtrooms.
E. Jean Carroll, a writer, won a $83.3 million defamation decision against Donald Trump in November 2023. Yet, her wardrobe commanded as much notice as her legal victory. On her final day in court, Carroll wore a black turtleneck, a pleated skirt, and a white brocade blazer, paired with black stockings and a cream coat.
She carried a chestnut briefcase and wore striking black and white Oxfords. Her choice to repeat this ensemble—previously worn during a 2023 trial involving the same defendant—symbolized both resilience and intention.
Fashion and Strategy Intersect
Instagram | @90sanxiety | Winona Ryder shows how courtroom fashion sends bold or quiet messages.
Looking back, celebrity courtroom fashion has always generated buzz. In 2002, Winona Ryder made waves when she appeared in a Marc Jacobs dress during her trial for shoplifting—ironically from the same designer. The black dress, with a playful collar and modest hemline, stood out for its ironic flair. Ryder’s look not only became iconic but also fueled magazine covers and even landed her a campaign with Marc Jacobs.
Such examples show how celebrities use fashion to send messages, whether subtle or bold. In court, they must walk a fine line between authenticity and strategy. On one hand, understated looks may help celebrities appear serious and relatable. On the other, leaning into signature style can reinforce public image—even during moments of crisis.
When Fashion Takes a Risk
Some celebrities opt for bold choices despite the setting. Lindsay Lohan once wore a gray cardigan and black attire to a court hearing in 2010, but her middle finger, painted with a defiant message, conveyed a bigger signal. Her outfit aligned with legal decorum, but her manicure clearly didn’t.
On the other hand, Gwyneth Paltrow handled her trial in 2023 with poise. She appeared in soft-toned sweaters, pleated skirts, and tailored suits. The “Goop” founder’s attire exuded cool professionalism by striking a balance between luxury and moderation. As cameras captured every look, her style subtly reinforced her brand’s image.
Instagram | @cult.classicz | @stylevitae | Lindsay Lohan shows her middle finger painted with a defiant message while Cardi B turns heads with bold court fashion.
However, Cardi B decided to make a statement. For her arraignment linked to a strip club incident, she wore a pink and navy suit and carried a neon Birkin bag. When she returned to court due to a plea deal violation, she turned heads again with a dramatic feathered black coat, skinny tie, Louboutins, and a plush hat.
Later, she donned an all-white outfit complete with fur and matching heels. These bold looks drew both criticism and praise—some accused her of mocking the system, while others celebrated her unapologetic flair.
Why Courtroom Style Matters
Court appearances test more than legal arguments—they test image. Judges and juries form opinions in part through presentation. For celebrities, this visual impression can impact both public sympathy and brand perception. As Alexis Neiers’ experience famously illustrates, even the choice between Bebe heels and Louboutins can shape narratives.
Whether dressing down for humility or up for impact, celebrities remain acutely aware of how they appear under legal scrutiny. They calculate each outfit to reflect seriousness, authenticity, or rebellion—depending on what they hope to convey.
Perception Plays a Leading Role
Courtroom fashion has evolved into a spectacle, blurring lines between legal reality and public theater. Each accessory, coat, and shoe contributes to a larger performance, one played out not only in front of a judge but also across social media and headlines. From pearls on popstars to Paltrow’s quiet chic, courtroom style now holds its own in the broader landscape of celebrity image-making.
And clearly, this trend isn’t slowing down.