Courtroom Fashion: Why Olive Green is the Colour of Composure and Approachability
Olive Green: The Courtroom Colour of Composure and Approachability

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The Symbolism of Olive Green in High-Stakes Fashion

It felt oddly symbolic that on the first day of their much-publicised court case last month, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni both arrived wearing olive green. The running joke? That their stylists must have conspired against them. But in high-stakes settings such as a courtroom, outfit choices are critically important. What you wear serves as a powerful form of non-verbal messaging, and green, in particular, emits certain distinct vibes.

Softer than traditional black or navy, olive green suggests a remarkable composure under pressure. It feels inherently optimistic, too, and as such a laid-back and versatile shade, it significantly boosts the wearer's approachability and relatability. It also photographs beautifully, making it a practical choice for public appearances where media scrutiny is intense.

Personal Style Insights and Spring Trends

Interestingly, I have found myself strongly drawn to olive green since early February. As you can see from the outfit I am pictured in here, my preferred hue to pair it with is butter yellow rather than pink – the colour both Lively and Baldoni chose. Where pink can sometimes feel overtly romantic or sweet, yellow makes olive feel modern, fresh, and contemporary.

Sweater (worn over shoulders) and trousers, Cos. Blazer, Toteme. Rollneck, Massimo Dutti. Sunglasses, Prada. Bag, The Row. Boots, Khaite. Toteme Blazer was £920. Shop Massimo Dutti Sweater. Shop Prada Sunglasses. Shop Khaite Boots was £1,450. Shop.

The other exciting look I will be wearing this spring is the boudoir trouser – long, silken, and gloriously relaxed. Effortlessly stylish when worn with heels and something structured, such as a sharp blazer, this nonchalant silhouette cemented its high-fashion credentials on the S/S 26 shows of Carven and Schiaparelli. This hero trouser is poised to overturn even the most loyal devotion to traditional tailoring, offering a sophisticated yet comfortable alternative.

Vogue's New Editorial Vision and Style Contrasts

Finally, one person's style I am keen to watch is that of Chloe Malle, 40, who was named head of editorial content at American Vogue by Anna Wintour, 76, in September. The two women were interviewed recently by The New York Times, and their style – and personalities – could not have been more strikingly different.

'I do not want the fact that I am editing Vogue to mean I am intimidating to talk to at kindergarten drop-off,' said Malle. The daughter of actress Candice Bergen, she acknowledged the 'nepo baby' discourse but prefers to be seen as a Vogue 'workhorse'. She added that she would never be a fashion girl who is 'too cool, unavailable, or laconic'.

Meanwhile, in the photograph of the two women sitting together, Wintour had her signature dark shades on, maintaining her iconic, enigmatic persona. Only time will tell if Malle's girl-next-door, accessible style remains the same as she steps into this influential role.

Sweater (worn over shoulders) and trousers, Cos. Blazer, Toteme. Rollneck, Massimo Dutti. Sunglasses, Prada. Bag, The Row. Boots, Khaite.

Spring Fashion Wish List and Celebrity Spotting

@thestylistandthewardrobe @youmagazine. TROWS LOVE Trousers: These trousers by Balzac Paris are on my wish list for spring. Perfect with creams, yellows, and olive greens.

HOT TO TROT Necklace: Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse with this bold pendant. Horseshoes also bring luck, and who does not want a little of that?

SPOTTED: Jennifer Lawrence in an outstanding airport outfit at New York's JFK. Dressed in a butter-yellow coat by The Row, she teamed it with La Ligne trousers and Mary Jane flats by Tory Burch, showcasing a chic and practical travel style.