Angelina Jolie has never been one to follow the rules—whether in Hollywood or in fashion. From her punk-inspired teenage years to her signature blend of effortless elegance, Jolie’s style has evolved into one of the most refined and recognizable in the industry. But while she’s mastered the art of understated glamour, some might argue her shoe choices could use a little more… drama.
In this deep dive, we’re exploring Jolie’s journey—her struggles with body image, her love for minimalist sophistication, and the timeless footwear that defines her look. Has she played it too safe, or is her commitment to classic style exactly what makes her an icon? Let’s break it down.
Angelina Jolie exudes effortless elegance in a Dior trench coat, wide-leg trousers, and tan leather boots, accessorized with a Celine Horizontal Cabas bag featuring Triomphe embroidery, as she steps out in Paris on July 23, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
Angelina Jolie’s Teenage Years: Rebellion, Bullying, and Unique Style
Bullied as a teenager for her voluptuous lips, Angelina Jolie suffered because of the way she looked while attending Beverly Hills High School. Wearing braces and glasses did not help, and she was ridiculed for being too thin.
“At school I wasn’t that popular person; I was a punk. I loved leather, PVC, and fishnets. Those were my three favorite fabrics in my early 20s. I remember the first time I wore PVC pants,” she told Harper’s Bazaar in November 2019.
“I was waiting for an audition, sitting in the sun in L.A. By the time it was my turn, my pants had fused together. I didn’t get the part. But I loved those pants. I wore something similar when I married Jonny [Lee Miller].”
Angelina Jolie poses in a rugged Western-inspired look alongside her brother James Haven and father Jon Voight, embracing the golden desert light in classic Americana style (Credit: WENN)
Angelina Jolie’s Struggles With Bullying and Body Image
According to Cis Rundle, a family friend who watched after Jolie for eight years, the future star was called “Ubangi Lips” and suffered from anorexia, a common eating disorder, during her teen years.
“She just liked that little bit of pain. She liked that edge,” Cis Rundle told Radar Online in September 2014 and added that Jolie loved to dip her fingers in wax. Following the separation of Angelina’s parents, Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, in 1976, Cis Rundle helped take care of Jolie.
“I carried her into the hospital. She was in that anorexic stage…it was one of her stages. She didn’t stay, it got worked out,” Rundle said about Jolie’s anorexia eating disorder. “But Marcheline got scared that she wasn’t eating.”
“They made fun of her because of her lips, and the girls were mean to her. She has these broad shoulders and long legs—she moved like a gazelle,” Cis Rundle recalled about Jolie’s high school experience.
Pictured with her brother James Haven and her father Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie was bullied in high school and reportedly suffered from the common eating disorder anorexia (Credit: WENN)
Perhaps as a response to this early scrutiny, Jolie has embraced a style that exudes quiet confidence rather than chasing trends. Over the years, she has transformed from a rebellious outsider into a Hollywood icon known for her timeless, sophisticated aesthetic. Her preference for understated fashion, especially in footwear, reflects this evolution.
Whether on the red carpet or in her everyday looks, Angelina’s style choices lean toward minimalist elegance, with a strong preference for neutral tones and classic pumps. But does her commitment to timeless pieces ever feel too safe? Let’s take a closer look at her signature shoe choices.
Angelina Jolie’s Timeless Red Carpet Elegance: Chic Neutrals and Classic Pumps
In January 2012, the Original Sin star was seen at the 2012 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in a nude gown and matching Jimmy Choos.
Angelina Jolie masters monochrome elegance in a sleek black skirt suit, paired with classic pointed-toe pumps for a polished yet understated red carpet look at the American Cinematheque’s 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Foreign-Language Nominee Event held at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles on January 14, 2012 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The American actress, film director, screenwriter, and author was also spotted in a pair of simple Pour La Victoire pumps at the American Cinematheque’s Foreign-Language Nominee Series in Hollywood.
I love the simple sophistication that Angelina is known for, but I wish she would mix it up a little once in a while instead of always wearing boring shoes. Where’s the color? Where’s the sass?
Angelina Jolie shows off her earrings with softly tousled hair (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
In our first example, Angelina wore Pour La Victoire pumps with an all-black ensemble. Yes, Angie looked very polished and nice, but I feel a yawn coming on just from thinking about this ensemble for too long. Do you agree?
In our second example, Angelina paired boring, nude Jimmy Choo ”Quiet’ peep toe pump with an Elie Saab Spring-Summer 2011 pleated jumpsuit.
Angelina Jolie’s Elie Saab Spring-Summer 2011 pleated jumpsuit (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
While I love the ethereal feel of her gown and the subtle yet glamorous look, I’m still bored to tears with her shoe selection.
Angelina Jolie exudes effortless elegance in a flowing nude Elie Saab gown paired with matching Jimmy Choo heels, posing alongside Brad Pitt at the 23rd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on January 7, 2012 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Check out the unexciting Pour La Victoire heels that Angelina wore a bit more closely:
Pour La Victoire “Daina” Pointed Platform Pump, $113.99
I would love to see Angelina in a more colorful pair of shoes. While I understand that the event she was attending was a very professional occasion, from time to time, she should consider injecting a simple but vivid heel like this one:
Jimmy Choo Red Quiet Patent Leather Pumps
So, my fellow shoe experts, what is your verdict? Are Angelina’s shoe choices boring, or do they work with her outfits?
Over the years, Angelina Jolie has transformed from a rebellious outsider to a true icon of timeless elegance. While her personal style remains refined and minimalist, her footwear choices consistently reinforce her love for classic sophistication.
Whether gracing the red carpet in neutral-toned pumps or making a statement with velvet stilettos, Jolie proves that understated footwear can be just as powerful as bold, trendy designs.
Angelina Jolie’s Iconic Moments in Pumps and Heels
Angelina Jolie has consistently showcased her impeccable style through her choice of footwear. Here are some of her most memorable appearances featuring elegant pumps and heels:
1. Black Halter Dress with Aquazzura Pumps
- Event: 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival
- Outfit: Angelina wore a sleek black halter dress that exuded timeless elegance.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with black suede Aquazzura “Savoy” pumps, featuring delicate mesh inserts and 3.25-inch stiletto heels.
- More Details: Angelina Jolie’s Subtle Elegance in Black at Palm Springs
2. Coordinated Look with Stuart Weitzman Pumps
- Event: Screening of “By the Sea” in New York
- Outfit: Angelina stunned in a vintage-style blue chiffon dress by Luisa Beccaria.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with nude Stuart Weitzman “Heist” pumps, featuring pointed toes and 3.5-inch heels.
- More Details: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Wow at ‘By the Sea’ Screening in Coordinated Looks
3. Feathered Dress with Velvet Stuart Weitzman ‘Candy’ Pumps
- Event: 2018 Critics’ Choice Awards
- Outfit: Angelina made a bold statement in a custom feathered dress by Ralph & Russo.
- Footwear: She softened her look with custom velvet Stuart Weitzman “Candy” pumps, adding a touch of luxury and elegance.
- More Details: Inside Angelina Jolie’s Daring Critics’ Choice Look: Feathered Dress and Velvet Heels
4. Little Black Dress with Saint Laurent ‘Paris’ Pumps
- Event: Premiere of “Kung Fu Panda 3”
- Outfit: Angelina showcased her sophisticated fashion sense in a simple Saint Laurent little black dress.
- Footwear: She topped off her look with Saint Laurent “Paris” pumps, featuring pointed toes and 4.3-inch heels.
- More Details: Angelina Jolie Displays Super Skinny Frame in LBD and Paris Pumps
5. Velvet Strapless Dress with Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ Pumps
- Event: ‘Maleficent’ Premiere in Tokyo
- Outfit: Angelina wore a figure-hugging Atelier Versace velvet strapless dress.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ patent platform pumps, featuring a 1-inch platform and 5-inch stiletto heels.
- More Details: Angelina Jolie’s Gravity-Defying Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ Pumps Steal the Show
6. Chiffon Dress with Saint Laurent ‘Dune’ Slingback Pumps
- Event: Venice Film Festival
- Outfit: Angelina looked like a Grecian goddess in a brown Saint Laurent chiffon dress with a textural pattern on the bodice.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Saint Laurent “Dune” slingback pumps, featuring glossy patent leather and spool-shaped high heels.
- More Details: Maria at the Venice Film Festival: Angelina Jolie’s Goddess-Like Appearance in Saint Laurent
7. Alexander McQueen Dress with Le Silla ‘Bella’ Pumps
- Event: 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
- Outfit: Angelina wore a sheer black Alexander McQueen dress adorned with glittering crystals and chains.
- Footwear: She matched her dress with metallic Le Silla “Bella” pumps, featuring a classic design and modern nail-shaped heels.
- More Details: Golden Globes 2025: Best Celebrity Shoe Moments on the Red Carpet
These appearances highlight Angelina Jolie’s refined taste in footwear, showcasing her ability to pair classic pumps and heels with a variety of elegant outfits.