Known for her impeccable attention to detail both on and off the screen, Dakota Fanning once admitted, “I like everything perfect. Everything has to be neat… My shoes are all arranged. It’s sad. I’m a little like Ray, a little bit” (Los Angeles Times). This meticulous nature extends to her effortlessly polished style, whether she’s on the red carpet or running errands.
At 5’4″ (162.6 cm)—or 5’5″ (165.1 cm), depending on the interview—Dakota Fanning knows how to use heels to elongate her frame, favoring timeless designs from luxury brands like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo.
Dakota Fanning toting a Bottega Veneta Jodie allover bubble top-handle bag at the opening night of the new Sphere Las Vegas event space on September 29, 2023 (Credit: Michael Simon / Startraksphoto)
How Dakota Fanning Uses Heels to Elevate Her Petite Frame
“I’m a shorter person, so I’ll see something and think, ‘That looks amazing!’ But that person is 6ft 1in. It’s going to look different on my 5ft 5in frame,” she told The Guardian about her average height in 2016.
On Your Next Shoes, Dakota Fanning can be seen flaunting her legs and boosting height in heels by footwear brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gianvito Rossi, Proenza Schouler, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Nicholas Kirkwood, and Tamara Mellon.
High heels have long been a staple in women’s fashion, offering more than just added height. They enhance posture by encouraging a straighter back and lifted shoulders, making one appear more confident and poised. The elevated heel shifts the body’s weight forward, creating a natural arch in the back and accentuating the curvature of the spine.
This subtle change improves posture and contributes to a more graceful and elegant demeanor. Additionally, the elongation of the legs and the enhanced arch can make the wearer appear taller and more slender, further boosting confidence.
No wonder Dakota Fanning frequently opts for heels—whether she’s stepping onto the red carpet or running errands, they give her that extra boost in both height and confidence.
Dakota Fanning exuded elegance at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards in a striking Dolce & Gabbana custom red gown with a flowing cape and thigh-high slit—though her choice of shoes remained hidden beneath the sweeping fabric at The Beverly Hilton on January 5, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Stepping in Style: Dakota Fanning’s Most Memorable Designer Shoe Moments
Dakota Fanning’s red carpet and street style choices consistently highlight her sophisticated fashion sense, with her shoe selections adding the perfect finishing touch. Whether embracing bold colors, sleek silhouettes, or classic elegance, these footwear moments prove why she remains a style icon.
- Proenza Schouler: At the 18th Annual ACE Awards, Dakota made a bold statement in a blue crochet net dress, revealing a black bralette and pinup-style underwear. She completed the daring look with black strappy Proenza Schouler sandals featuring triple-wide straps and cobalt blue soles, adding a modern edge to her ensemble.
- Jimmy Choo: During the London photocall for ‘The Watchers,’ Dakota exuded elegance in an Oscar de la Renta canvas dress adorned with Ebru tulips. She paired the look with red satin Jimmy Choo ‘Etana’ sandals, their sleek straps and sculptural heels adding a pop of color and sophistication.
- Manolo Blahnik: On the ‘Good Morning America’ show, Dakota donned a white Simkhai shirt dress, elevating the ensemble with gold Manolo Blahnik ‘Racita’ slingback sandals. The metallic gold complemented her all-white outfit, adding a touch of luxury to her look.
- Christian Louboutin: At the Save the Children Illumination Gala, Dakota opted for a midnight blue strapless Zac Posen dress, paired with nude Christian Louboutin pumps. The classic heels added a subtle contrast, enhancing the elegance of her ensemble.
Dakota Fanning, wearing Staud x New Balance 327 “Sea Salt Atlantic” sneakers paired with a khaki vest and navy leggings, makes her way to the gym on October 13, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Dakota Fanning’s Rise to Stardom: From Child Prodigy to Acclaimed Actress
Her career took off at seven when she delivered an impressive performance as Lucy Dawson in the drama film “I Am Sam” in 2001. This achievement earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination at eight, making her the youngest nominee in SAG history.
As a child actress, Fanning took on significant roles in various films such as “Uptown Girls” (2003), “The Cat in the Hat” (2003), “Man on Fire” (2004), “War of the Worlds” (2005), “Dreamer” (2005), “Hide and Seek” (2005), “Charlotte’s Web” (2006), and “Push” (2009). She also voiced the title character in “Coraline” (2009).
Dakota Fanning shows off her pedicure in floral-printed Saint Laurent Candy platform sandals (Credit: Elizabeth Pantaleo / Startraksphoto)
In her later career, Fanning transitioned to more mature roles, portraying characters like Lewellen in “Hounddog” (2007), Lily in “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008), Cherie Currie in “The Runaways” (2010), and Jane in “The Twilight Saga” series from 2009 to 2012.
Throughout the 2010s, she continued to shine in independent productions, including movies like “Now Is Good” (2012), “Night Moves” (2013), “Very Good Girls” (2013), and “Effie Gray” (2014).
Dakota Fanning rose to prominence at the age of seven for her performance as Lucy Dawson in the drama film I Am Sam (2001) (Credit: WENN / SG)
In 2018, Fanning appeared in the heist comedy “Ocean’s 8” and starred in the period drama series “The Alienist.” Her diverse acting career also includes playing Manson girl Squeaky Fromme in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) and portraying First Daughter Susan Ford in the Showtime biographical drama series “The First Lady” (2022).
She is the older sister of Elle Fanning and began her professional acting career at the age of five when appearing in a Tide television commercial.
Dakota Fanning flaunts her feet in black satin Christian Louboutin Cross Me sandals with signature red soles (Credit: Adam Nemser / Startraksphoto)
Beyond her impressive film career, Dakota Fanning has cultivated a reputation for her refined yet daring fashion choices. She consistently exudes effortless elegance, whether stepping onto the red carpet in timeless silhouettes or experimenting with bold colors and statement accessories.
One such standout moment was her stunning appearance at the 2016 Elle Women in Hollywood Awards, where she captivated in a striking yellow ensemble that perfectly showcased her evolving style.
Dakota Fanning Stuns in Vibrant Yellow Dress at 2016 Elle Women in Hollywood Awards
Dakota Fanning attended the 2016 Elle Women in Hollywood Awards to honor her close friend and fellow “Twilight” co-star, Kristen Stewart (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The then-22-year-old actress arrived to present an award to her close pal and “Twilight” co-star Kristen Stewart. She took to the stage in a bright yellow dress and told the audience about her friendship with Kristen.
“I can honestly say that my friendship with Kristen is one of the most special bonds in my life,” Dakota said. “She has held my hair back as I told her (of) heartbreak, she has always been there for me when I have needed her most.
“I am proud to call you one of my best friends in this world, you are my sister forever.”
Dakota Fanning radiated in a vibrant yellow dress at the 23rd Annual Elle Women in Hollywood Awards held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 24, 2016 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Dakota turned to stylist Samantha McMillen for her sensational red — or rather, green — carpet look. She ditched her typical conservative style and went the daring route in a Miu Miu pleated dress.
Dakota Fanning wore her blonde hair straight and sported soft, feminine makeup (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The actress showed off her sartorial sass by going braless underneath her custom plunging yellow frock. The dress featured a low-dipped neckline, open sides, and a sexy v-back, offering a generous glimpse of Dakota’s flesh. It also featured a bejeweled waistband and matching epaulets, which provided a touch of Grecian goddess vibe.
Dakota completed the look with minimal jewelry, including rings and earrings. She wore her blonde tresses straight and soft, feminine makeup.
Dakota Fanning chose a daring Miu Miu pleated dress that showcased her confidence and style (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Dakota completed her sunshine yellow look with a pair of yellow satin “Tamara” sandals by Brian Atwood.
Dakota Fanning showed off her feet in “Tamara” yellow satin sandals by Brian Atwood (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
These sold-out sandals have crisscross ankle straps, open toes, and four-inch heels.
Dakota Fanning’s sandals boasted crisscross ankle straps, open toes, and approximately four-inch heels (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Brian Atwood: A Celebrity Favorite for Show-Stopping Heels
Dakota Fanning’s affinity for Brian Atwood’s designs places her among a cadre of stylish celebrities who have also embraced the brand’s sophisticated footwear. For instance, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley turned heads at the 2015 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London, pairing her ensemble with gold Brian Atwood ‘Tamara’ sandals, adding a touch of metallic elegance to her look.
Similarly, Vanessa Hudgens showcased her fashion-forward sensibility by opting for Brian Atwood’s towering ‘Madison’ heels, demonstrating the brand’s versatility in complementing various styles. These instances highlight how Brian Atwood’s creations continue to be a favored choice among fashion icons, seamlessly blending with their distinctive aesthetics.