Lindsay Lohan spent most of 2011 the same way she spent most of 2010: in and out of courtrooms. Even though she served a few days of jail time and spent three months in Betty Ford last year, she emerged from the rehab center in January with plenty of court hearings ahead of her, and a slew of heavily scrutinized courtroom outfits.

Our friends at Above the Law recently offered their take on Lindsay’s most memorable courtroom outfits and their subsequent media scrutiny. Although she left her “Fuck you” manicure back in 2010, the legal blog found fault with the short hemlines, form-fitting silhouettes and apparent distaste for bras Lohan flaunted in the beginning of the year. However, as ATL suggests, her lawyers may have given her some advice (that she actually listened to) because her latest courtroom outfit is a far cry from the questionable Basic Instinct number below.

We’re not sure if it’s her supposed sobriety, her sanity is slowly returning or she’s starting to learn from her mistakes, but it looks like Lohan’s trainwreck days could maybe finally be behind her. Yes, she posed nude for Playboy, but the photos were as classy as a Marilyn Monroe-inspired nude Playboy shoot could be. She looked good, didn’t go full-frontal, and went home with $1 million. We approve.

Especially since she seems to have used that money wisely, investing in classic, expensive pieces like the chic, neutral Celine sweater and Prada pants and shoes she wore to a probation progress report hearing Wednesday, during which her judge reportedly told her, “You’re doing well and I’d like to see it continue.” So would we, judge! So would we.

As 2011 draws to a close, can we finally bid farewell to this Lindsay and welcome back a smart, talented, empowered, sensible one? Let’s hope 2012 is her comeback year. Click through for a look at her sartorial progress in 2011.

Are you glad Lohan finally seems to be getting her shit together? Or do you think the media should leave her alone and let her wear what she wants?

Photos: Getty