The 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted by Aidy Bryant at the Santa Monica Pier, celebrates the best independent films and television series of 2024. It recognizes films that exhibit originality and artistic brilliance.
The red carpet is in a league of its own, allowing celebrities to embrace their individuality and express themselves through fashion.
Emma Stone, Elizabeth Olsen, and Hunter Schafer wow in springtime hues at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California (Credit: Ryan Hartford / INSTARimages)
Serving as a playground for style exploration, this year’s red carpet was filled with classic and contemporary looks, with celebrities opting for everything from casual but chic ensembles in spring and summer colors to sophisticated black evening wear like Demi Moore’s.
Emma Stone Elevates Spring Style in Chic Two-Tone Emilia Wickstead Dress and Black Pumps
As a longtime ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Emma Stone has often stunned in statement gowns from the French fashion house at high-profile events. But for the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, she took a more casual yet chic approach, choosing a two-tone ensemble by Emilia Wickstead with sleek pumps.
Emma opted for sleek black d’Orsay pumps that elegantly accentuated her feet’s contours. Featuring sharp, pointed toes and V-shaped vamps, the heels exuded sophistication, while slender ankle straps with buckle fastenings added a delicate, feminine touch. The high stiletto heels not only elevated her look but also provided a statuesque finish.
These pumps are the perfect addition to her outfit—classy and elegant yet comfortable enough to wear all night.
Emma Stone opts for feminine d’Orsay pumps with V-shaped vamps, pointed toes, and slim ankle straps (Credit: Ryan Hartford / INSTARimages)
Her outfit features a bold black and chartreuse color-block design. The top section is completely black and has a daring cutout plunge at the center held in place by a horizontal strap and shoulder straps decked out with beaded flowers. The lower half is a chartreuse green mini skirt, adding a touch of modernity and trendiness to the overall look.
The outfit is eye-catching, to say the least. The bold color combination creates a visual contrast that draws attention to the outfit, making it stand out. I adore how the mini skirt adds a pop of springtime freshness and pairs so well with the black top.
Emma Stone looks striking in a color-blocked dress by Emilia Wickstead featuring a black bodice with beaded straps and a chartreuse green mini-skirt (Credit: Ryan Hartford / INSTARimages)
Emma wore Irene Neuwirth jewels, including the Gemmy Gem One of a Kind Wire earrings and a few rings, to add extra sparkle to the look. The jewels were minimalist yet elegant and helped elevate the ensemble.
Her pixie hair and soft pink makeup enhanced the look’s feminine glamour, giving it a sweet, girly yet modern, sophisticated atmosphere.
Why Women Love D’Orsay Pumps and How Celebrities Style Them
D’Orsay pumps have long been a staple in women’s fashion. They are celebrated for their unique design, which elegantly exposes the arch of the foot. This distinctive cut adds a touch of sophistication and creates a flattering silhouette, making the legs appear longer and more graceful.
The allure of d’Orsay pumps lies in their versatility; they seamlessly transition from business-casual ensembles to evening wear, offering a chic complement to various outfits.
Celebrities have embraced this timeless style, each adding their unique flair. Kylie Minogue, for instance, was spotted in animal-print Christian Louboutin ‘Iriza’ d’Orsay pumps, pairing them with an all-black ensemble to let the shoes take center stage.
Similarly, Amanda Holden chose white ‘Iriza’ pumps to complement her pink sequined dress, demonstrating how d’Orsay pumps can add elegance to vibrant attire. Emma Watson, known for her sophisticated style, has frequently opted for black satin Burberry d’Orsay pumps, showcasing their adaptability to both formal and casual looks.
Elizabeth Olsen Welcomes Spring in a Mint Green Lace Erdem Dress and Nude Le Silla Heels
We may still have a few weeks until spring, but Elizabeth Olsen is already gearing up for the new season. She was pictured in a feminine outfit that perfectly captured the essence of spring, wearing head-to-toe pastels complete with nude pumps.
Elizabeth wore the chic and sophisticated Le Silla “Eva” pumps made in Italy from glossy patent calf leather. They have a timeless pointed-toe silhouette and sit atop a tall 4-inch stiletto heel, making them the perfect shoe for dressing up for special occasions.
They’re a stunning example of classic Italian craftsmanship, and their nude color is suitable for the transition from winter to spring.
Elizabeth Olsen opts for nude Le Silla Eva pumps featuring pointed toes and stiletto heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
I love how Olsen stayed true to the theme, teaming her pumps with Erdem’s mint green lace midi dress. This $3,575 dress looks regal, meticulously crafted from intricate floral lace that drapes over her curves elegantly.
The dress has a rather unconventional silhouette, with a slouchy folded detail at the waist. One side features a draped lace sleeve, and the other is adorned with a charming pink bow with a long ribbon that creates a sweeping train. This coquette element adds a touch of drama and romance to the design.
It’s coupled with an asymmetrical skirt draped to one side, creating a unique wrap effect. The lower portion of the skirt is see-through, exposing Olsen’s legs and giving the otherwise modest dress a sensual touch.
Elizabeth Olsen pairs her transitional nude pumps with a mint green Erdem lace dress featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and a pink ribbon on one shoulder (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
While I like the color combination of pink and green, the silhouette doesn’t work for me. But I must admit, I’m amazed at the elegance and craftsmanship that went into creating this dress.
Olsen kept the look elegant with pink and gold jewelry by B.P. De Silva. She wore statement earrings and adorned her manicured hands with the Deco Pop Tourmaline and Galle Lights Morganite rings.
How Nude Pointy-Toe Pumps Elevate Elizabeth Olsen’s Look
Elizabeth Olsen’s choice of nude pointy-toe pumps is a strategic fashion decision that enhances her ensemble’s elegance while offering practical benefits. Nude heels, matching the wearer’s skin tone, create a seamless line that elongates the legs, a style trick favored by many celebrities.
This leg-lengthening effect is particularly advantageous when paired with dresses or skirts, as it adds height and sophistication without drawing attention away from the outfit. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, nude shoes are celebrated for their versatility.
They effortlessly complement a wide range of colors and styles, making them a staple in many wardrobes. For instance, Anya Taylor-Joy has been spotted wearing nude Christian Louboutin ‘Iriza’ pumps, highlighting their universal appeal and ability to enhance various ensembles.
Hunter Schafer Makes a Bold Statement in Prada’s 2010s-Inspired Heels and a Floral Dress
Hunter Schafer lives up to her reputation for bringing something new to the red carpet. She is known for her daring and unique fashion sense, which often blends feminine and masculine elements with deconstructed tailoring, eye-catching colors, and silhouettes.
At the Film Independent Spirit Awards red carpet, she continued to impress with her look, showcasing a pair of statement sandals straight off the Prada Spring 2025 runway—pink and gray sandals with square open toes and block heels.
These shoes channel early 2010s fashion. They have square open toes and covered vamps with sharp edges that give them a contemporary, edgy vibe, while thin ankle straps secure them in place and lend a feminine touch.
The towering block heels, with a flared trim at the back, add a whimsy touch that would have been right at home on the 2010s red carpet.
Hunter Schafer embraces the 2010s statement shoe trend by wearing Prada’s Spring 2025 shoes in pink and gray patent leather with square peep toes and block heels with flared trims (Credit: Ryan Hartford / INSTARimages)
I would have paired these heels with a more understated, minimalist ensemble, such as a grey or pink dress, to create a streamlined and cohesive look. However, Schaffer took a different approach and paired the bold shoes with a bright yellow floral dress.
It’s a summery dress from the same Prada collection, featuring orange flower prints and a pretty ruffled hem. While the dress is cute, I’m unsure if it goes well with her shoes. As always, Hunter Schafer’s bold choices make a statement.
Hunter Schafer teams her statement Prada heels with a summery Prada dress featuring orange floral prints (Credit: Ryan Hartford / INSTARimages)
Hunter frequently wears little to no jewelry to highlight her inherent beauty. She often embraces a ’90s minimalist aesthetic, favoring understated and carefree looks that allow her unique sense of style to shine.
At the event, she boldly eschewed jewelry. She let her blonde tresses flow naturally over her shoulders, and her minimal makeup flawlessly accentuates her natural attractiveness.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards have long been a platform for showcasing bold and fashion-forward footwear choices. Over the years, celebrities have stepped out in statement heels that have left lasting impressions.
Memorable Shoe Moments from Past Film Independent Spirit Awards
Here are some standout shoe moments from previous Spirit Awards:
Kerry Washington’s Floral Christian Louboutin ‘Sissi’ Pumps
- Event: 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: Kerry Washington turned heads in a vibrant Giambattista Valli Fall 2012 Couture dress.
- Footwear: She completed the look with floral-print Christian Louboutin ‘Sissi’ pumps.
- More Details: See more of Kerry Washington’s best red carpet shoes
Jennifer Lawrence’s Gold-Plated Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals
- Event: 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: Jennifer Lawrence embraced a sleek, minimalist look in a structured Lanvin bodysuit.
- Footwear: She paired her outfit with gold-plated Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, adding a touch of glamour.
- More Details: Jennifer Lawrence’s standout shoe moments
Gabrielle Union’s Towering Gucci Platform Heels
- Event: 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: Gabrielle Union made a bold statement in a sequined Gucci blazer and matching skirt.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with six-inch Gucci platform heels.
- More Details: Gabrielle Union’s fearless red carpet style
Janelle Monáe’s Christian Louboutin ‘Tudor Bal’ Sandals
- Event: 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: Janelle Monáe wowed in a geometric Salvatore Ferragamo ensemble.
- Footwear: Her black suede Christian Louboutin ‘Tudor Bal’ sandals featured gold-tone pyramid studs and pearl embellishments.
- More Details: Janelle Monáe’s most iconic footwear looks
Kerry Washington’s Christian Louboutin ‘Blakissima’ Sandals
- Event: 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: Kerry Washington shimmered in a sequined Prada dress.
- Footwear: She opted for black patent leather Christian Louboutin ‘Blakissima’ sandals with a T-strap silhouette and bow details.
- More Details: More of Kerry Washington’s best shoe moments
From bold platforms to delicate stilettos, these celebrities prove that the Film Independent Spirit Awards red carpet is the perfect place to showcase both daring and classic shoe choices. See more stunning footwear from past