Elizabeth Olsen usually wows me with her daring yet classy red carpet choices. But her recent styles have not lived up to my expectations. Her Erdem lace dress and nude Le Silla heels weren’t particularly striking at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Her look at the recent Q&A screening for her latest sci-fi thriller, The Assessment, also didn’t impress me.
The silhouettes she’s been selecting haven’t been flattering her figure. Her heel choices have also been lackluster. Although a classic choice, she usually wears pumps, which aren’t helping her make a powerful statement.
Elizabeth Olsen fails to wow in a navy PVC dress as she attends a Q&A screening for her latest sci-fi thriller, The Assessment (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Let’s get into the details of her most recent look.
Why Elizabeth Olsen’s Black Pumps Fell Flat on the Red Carpet
While I love the timelessness of black pumps, Elizabeth Olsen’s pair looked dated and dull and lacked the stylish touch she usually nails.
I like the square toes, which add a touch of modernity to the shoes, but everything else, including the heels, feels ordinary and unremarkable. I appreciate her prioritizing comfort with the slightly thick heel, but the overall design is somewhat underwhelming.
Although black pumps are universally flattering and eternally chic, Elizabeth Olsen missed the mark with her latest ensemble. Pairing the black pumps with a navy PVC dress created a dark and flat look, with no contrast or embellishments to break up the monotony.
Elizabeth Olsen wears basic black pumps with thick heels and square toes (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Elizabeth Olsen’s Navy PVC Dress: Bold Fabric, Unflattering Fit
Elizabeth Olsen’s navy Proenza Schouler dress left me with mixed feelings. The design is strange, yet something about it is eye-catching and intriguing.
I love how the shiny PVC fabric in dark navy color beautifully contrasts Olsen’s complexion, adding depth and visual interest. The ruched texture gives the dress a more intricate and fascinating look, but the silhouette isn’t as attractive as it seems.
I don’t like how the Empire drop-waist makes Elizabeth’s torso appear unnaturally long. The way it cinches her waist and flows into a pleated skirt adds a touch of movement and drama to the outfit, but the silhouette is unflattering. The bulky bodice, with loose cuffed short sleeves, swallows up her frame, and the long skirt makes her legs appear shorter.
While the dress may be visually appealing, the overall effect isn’t quite attractive on Olsen’s figure.
Elizabeth Olsen teams her black pumps with a navy PVC dress by Proenza Schouler featuring an empire drop waist, a bulky ruched bodice, and a long pleated skirt (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Square-toe shoes have always been a bit polarizing, and Elizabeth Olsen’s recent look might have missed the mark — but that doesn’t mean the style is a lost cause.
Square toes are trending again, especially for those who appreciate a roomier fit and modern edge. If you’re curious about how different toe shapes affect both comfort and style, check out our complete guide to shoe toe shapes for an in-depth breakdown.
Square-Toe Pumps Are Back: How Celebrities Are Styling the Trend
Square-toe pumps have made a significant comeback, becoming a favorite among fashion-forward celebrities. Here are some standout moments featuring square-toe pumps:
Hailey Bieber’s Edgy Elegance in Saint Laurent
- Event: Saint Laurent Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Show
- Outfit: Hailey Bieber embraced a monochromatic black ensemble featuring a sleek leather jacket and tailored trousers.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with Saint Laurent’s “Doville” pumps, characterized by their subtle square toe and delicate gold-tone ankle chain, adding a touch of rock ‘n’ roll glamour to her outfit.
- More Details: Hailey Bieber’s Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Week Look
Naomi Watts’ Timeless Chic in Prada Slingbacks
- Event: Appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show
- Outfit: Naomi Watts showcased winter elegance in a cashgora coat dress.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with Prada’s sleek slingback pumps featuring a geometric heel inspired by the house’s triangular logo and a subtle square toe, reflecting Prada’s signature blend of classic and contemporary design.
- More Details: Naomi Watts’ Chic Heels on Her Book Tour
Jennie Kim’s Chic Chanel Platform Heels
- Event: Chanel Spring 2025 Haute Couture Show
- Outfit: Jennie Kim showcased a stylish Chanel ensemble, featuring a tailored jacket and matching skirt.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with Chanel’s two-tone platform shoes, featuring black cap toes and white leather, fastened with double-buckled ankle straps, embodying a modern take on the classic square toe design.
- More Details: Jennie Kim’s chic Chanel platform heels
Marion Cotillard’s Rebel Chic in Chanel Slingbacks
- Event: Chanel Spring 2025 Haute Couture Show
- Outfit: Marion Cotillard put a rebellious twist on Chanel’s classic knitted mini-dress, styling it with a black cardigan and layered chain necklaces.
- Footwear: She added a sophisticated touch with black Chanel slingback pumps, featuring a subtle square toe and short block heel, balancing elegance with edge.
- More Details: Marion Cotillard’s rebel chic Chanel look
Sadie Sink’s Elegant White Pumps at Paris Fashion Week
- Event: Ashi Studio Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2024–2025 Fashion Presentation
- Outfit: Sadie Sink showcased a chic pink ensemble featuring a bralette top knotted into an oversized bow and matching structured pink pants.
- Footwear: She complemented her outfit with white square-toed pumps, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing her youthful style.
- More Details: Sadie Sink’s Paris Fashion Week Outfits
These moments highlight the versatility and appeal of square-toe pumps, seamlessly blending classic and contemporary styles in celebrity fashion.
Understated Glam: Why Olsen’s Styling Left Us Wanting More
The styling was also a letdown, as Olsen completely eschewed jewelry. Maybe she wanted the dress to be the focus, but the result was a missed opportunity.
As for her hair, she opted for a simple down-do, with one side cascading over her shoulders, which didn’t help create a polished appearance. If only she pulled her hair up, the look would have been more chic.
She finished her glam with lipstick, peachy blush, and a touch of eyeliner around the eyes.
Elizabeth Olsen wears her brunette hair down and highlights her features with eyeliner, peachy blush, and pink lipstick (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Elizabeth Olsen’s Best Shoe Moments: Pumps, Platforms, and Showstoppers
Elizabeth Olsen has consistently captivated with her impeccable fashion choices, particularly her selection of footwear. Here are some standout moments showcasing her shoe style:
Chic in Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Leda’ Pumps at Cannes
- Event: 70th Cannes Film Festival ‘Wind River’ Photocall
- Outfit: Elizabeth donned a black-and-gold Marc Jacobs turtleneck mini dress featuring long puff sleeves and a pleated bodice.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with black suede Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Leda’ pumps, known for their pointed toes and distinctive lace-up design at the back.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen at Cannes in Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Leda’ Pumps
Matching Sophia Webster ‘Coco Crystal’ Pumps with Aubrey Plaza
- Event: ‘Ingrid Goes West’ Los Angeles Premiere
- Outfit: Elizabeth and co-star Aubrey Plaza made a playful statement by wearing matching black long-sleeved mini dresses adorned with sequined discs from Marc Jacobs.
- Footwear: Both actresses sported black satin Sophia Webster ‘Coco Crystal’ pumps, featuring pointed toes and striking stiletto heels embellished with clear crystal stacked beads.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen and Aubrey Plaza Twin in Sophia Webster Pumps
Elegant in Stella McCartney Sandals
- Event: Stella McCartney Autumn 2016 Presentation
- Outfit: Elizabeth exuded effortless chic in a sleeveless salmon pink embroidered dress, likely by Stella McCartney, paired with a long tan coat.
- Footwear: She completed her look with asymmetric beige suede Stella McCartney sandals, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen Stuns in Stella McCartney Sandals
Bold in Alexander McQueen Inward-Curved Wedges
- Event: ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ Premiere at the New York Film Festival
- Outfit: Elizabeth made a daring fashion choice with a ruffle-collared, ruffle-skirted halter dress by Alexander McQueen.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with Alexander McQueen’s crystal-strapped gold and black peep-toe wedges, renowned for their avant-garde inward-curved design.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen’s Daring McQueen Wedges
Feminine Edge with Bionda Castana ‘Christa’ Sandals
- Event: ‘Therese’ Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival
- Outfit: Elizabeth showcased a feminine Proenza Schouler dress featuring a thigh-high slit.
- Footwear: She added an urban flair with black woven Bionda Castana ‘Christa’ sandals, balancing romance and edginess in her look.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen’s Chunky Woven Sandals at ‘Therese’ Premiere
These moments underscore Elizabeth Olsen’s ability to seamlessly blend classic elegance with contemporary trends, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.