Celebrity courtroom fashion is making a powerful style statement

Cardi B has has come out victorious in a recent lawsuit against her, but it was her wardrobe rather than the verdict that was the talk of the town. The rapper made a powerful statement when she arrived in court donning a white suit that featured a structured blazer and tailored wide-leg pants with her hair flowing in dramatic waves. Her courtroom outfits have given the case second priority to the 32-year-old's sense of style.

This has become a pattern in celebrity court cases where they send a message with their outfits; a tried-and-trusted formula used by almost everyone, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Kim Kardashian. The cases may range from property damage to a messy divorce but it's the look that holds the most weight when celebrities enter the courtroom. 

The advent of courtroom style

Celebrity-centric courtroom cases have always been sensationalised, as early as the 90s, like the infamous OJ Simpson case. The new era of social media and paparazzi snaps have made them a thing of virality. The Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard case was televised in June 2022 like a reality show and featured many big-name cameos who testified, such as Kate Moss and Jason Momoa.  

Criminals become celebrities 

Sometimes, even the criminals become celebrities, like Luigi Mangione, who quickly became the man of many dreams for many TikTokers. While Luigi's curly mop of hair, strong facial features and Instagram presence went on to make him a viral internet crush and modern Robin Hood, even though he awaits sentencing behind bars.

When families are friends

Rihanna played the role of the supportive, yet glamorous wife when A$AP Rocky was on the stand for firing a gun at a former friend. Johnny Depp similarly gained favour thanks to his ex-girlfriend, Kate Moss's appearance in his favour, placing the Pirates of the Caribbean star's reputation in the right light. 

(Also read: Rihanna is rewriting the rules of maternity fashion)

A sensational woman

Gwyneth Paltrow attended a civil case against her at a Utah courthouse in 2022, during which her wardrobe was labelled as the ultimate quiet luxury look. Her stealth wealth style came at a time when the TV series Succession aired, making her similar style the focal point of the trend, thus earning her brownie points in the court of public opinion. Her court style featured understated pieces from The Row, Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana with a colour palette of khaki, navy blue and white. 

When clothing is a message

Gwyneth wore 1980s aviator-style spectacles when being sued by a retired optometrist, sending a subtle yet cheeky message. Kim Kardashian wore a John Galliano peplum gown paired with $7 million worth of diamonds dripping down her body, when confronting the thieves who stole her necklace in Paris back in October 2016.

Kate Moss wore a pussybow blouse; corporate-appropriate yet feminine, blending elegance with authority while testifying in favour of Johnny Depp. Luigi Mangione opted for knit sweaters, leaning towards his Ivy-league persona and winning hearts from his internet fan club. 

A$AP Rocky showed up in well-tailored, structured fits from Prada, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Tom Ford, making him appear as anything but a man who would erratically shoot at a former friend. 

Cardi B's stylist used a similar tactic with tailored, structured outfits in a subdued palette of white and nude. Her soft-spoken tone without a single hair out of place helped cement her image. 

Justin Timberlake clutched his pearls, quite literally, when he arrived for his driving while impaired hearing, wearing twin pearl necklaces around his neck. 

When Winona Ryder was being tried for a shoplifting case of designer goods in 2001, she showed up in court wearing a Marc Jacobs dress with some of the accessories she was later convicted for. Later, she even featured in the Marc Jacobs 2003 campaign. 

(Also read: Everything to know about  Sofia Coppola's Marc Jacobs documentary)

Finding themselves at the centre of a courtroom drama is a nightmare for any celebrity and their publicist, but these celebrities knew how to make the best of it with their style.