Judge Lynn Toler, a graduate of Harvard and The University of Pennsylvania Law School, served as a municipal court judge for eight years. She presides over Twentieth Television’s popular courtroom television show Divorce Court. She is also the author of My Mother’s Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius, and co-author of Put it in Writing: Creating Agreements Between Family and Friends.
Today, I am honored to put the Black Beauty Spotlight on Judge Toler.
Do you feel like people dress too casual when entering the courtroom?
Sometimes I do. Ratty jeans or cut offs make me think they don’t really understand where they are and what’s going on. I am not a stickler though. If they are neat and clean I usually don’t notice exactly what people are wearing.
What are your favorite accessories?
A bracelet. I don’t like wearing earrings because I do not have pierced ears and the clip-on earrings hurt. I don’t like necklaces because I have very sensitive skin and they make me itch. I wear both earrings and necklaces for the show, in photos and at some appearances, but that’s only because I have to.
Do you tailor your robe to fit your body type?
No. Robes are a peculiarly male garment since only men used to be judges. A robe is power garb. Definitely not made for looking good.
I see that you like accessories. Do you ever feel you over accessorize?
My executive producer and my wardrobe person like accessories. I wear what they suggest. I like silver bracelets, though.
What colors do you rarely wear in the courtroom?
We try for bold tones because we need some pop to add interest to what is basically the big black sheet that I wear. So, we try to stay away from earth tones and pastels.
Describe your style on the weekends
Super casual. Shorts or jeans, T-shirts and, more often than not, a baseball cap.
Who is your favorite designer?
I usually end up getting stuff at Ann Taylor. (Sidebar: I am an Ann Taylor girl, too)
Do you keep up with the trends from the runways?
No. But for some reason I love the show Project Runway!
What are your favorite makeup brands?
I rarely wear makeup if I am not working. I believe my make up artist on the show primarily uses Mac though. On my own time, I usually buy stuff at the drug store. However, I recently bought products by Clinque because it is supposed to be hypoallergenic.
Photos via Twentieth Television
Great interview. I love her, she is beautiful and seems totally down to earth.
[...] Beauty Spotlights have included fashion stylists, authors, designers, R&B artists and even a TV judge. I’ve met these women through my work with Beyond Black Beauty. But, today’s spotlight shines [...]