Hilary Swank’s Romantic Journey With Philip Schneider—and the Fashion That Followed

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In January 2019, Hilary Swank joined her co-star Clara Rugaard at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival to promote their new Netflix film I Am Mother.

Just half a year after marrying Philip Schneider, she looked chic in black boots paired with a patterned trench coat by Paolo Sebastian.

Clara Rugaard paired her teal satin suit with strappy black heels, while Hilary Swank styled her black trench coat with sleek platform ankle boots at the I Am Mother Sundance premiereClara Rugaard paired her teal satin suit with strappy black heels, while Hilary Swank styled her black trench coat with sleek platform ankle boots at the I Am Mother Sundance premiere during the 2019 Sundance Film Festival at Eccles Center Theatre on January 25, 2019, in Park City, Utah (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Tony King / Future Image / Joe Alvarez / Rocky)

How Caregiving Shaped Hilary Swank’s Views on Love and Relationships

In an interview with USA Today, she shared how caring for her father for three years after he underwent a risky lung transplant changed how she dated.

“It’s almost a great way to weed out people,” says Swank, who married social venture entrepreneur Philip Schneider on August 18, 2018, after two years of dating. Just a few months before meeting her future husband, Swank called off her engagement to professional tennis player Ruben Torres.

Hilary Swank showed off her toned legs in a hot pink mini dress and classic black ankle-strap heels while arriving with Philip Schneider at Wimbledon 2017Hilary Swank showed off her toned legs in a hot pink mini dress and classic black ankle-strap heels while arriving with Philip Schneider at Wimbledon 2017 in London, England, on July 15, 2017

“‘Wait, you live with your dad?’ The reaction to that helps you move through things faster.” She and Schneider, who met on a blind date, have “that same ethos and belief in being there for your family,” she says. “That started it off right.”

From Blind Date to “I Do”: Hilary Swank’s Love Story with Philip Schneider

“It was a blind date set up by actor Misha Collins’s wife Vicki and another close friend Jean. We met at 10:00 a.m. and parted ways at 11:00 p.m.,” she told Vogue in April 2018. “We clearly enjoyed our time!”

Hilary Swank married Philip Schneider in a gorgeous woodland ceremony in California’s Saint Lucia Preserve. A social venture entrepreneur, he was reportedly born in 1973 in California, about a year older than his wife, who was also born in 1974.

Welcoming Twins: Hilary Swank Embraces Motherhood at 48

In April 2023, Swank announced the birth of their twins, a boy and a girl, via Instagram, sharing that they were born earlier that month. She later revealed on The Drew Barrymore Show in February 2024 that their names are Aya and Ohm.

She was previously married to Chad Lowe, an American actor. They married on September 28, 1997, and finalized their divorce on November 1, 2007.

Hilary Swank exuded elegance in a fringed black gown with cutout detailing and peep-toe heels as she posed alongside husband Philip Schneider at TIFF 2018Hilary Swank exuded elegance in a fringed black gown with cutout detailing and peep-toe heels as she posed alongside husband Philip Schneider at TIFF 2018 on September 12, 2018, in Toronto, Canada

Before continuing her red carpet appearances and public life with husband Philip Schneider, Hilary Swank decided to step back from the spotlight. Her reason wasn’t career fatigue or a lack of roles—it was rooted in love, sacrifice, and a commitment to family.

Putting Family First: Why Hilary Swank Stepped Away from Hollywood

In July 2015, we were saddened to hear that Hilary Swank was scaling down on her acting opportunities, but even more saddened to hear that her father had to undergo a lung transplant and that she was his sole caretaker.

Hilary Swank wore her sleek, straight hair parted slightly off-center, highlighting her natural shine and effortlessly polished styleHilary Swank wore her sleek, straight hair parted slightly off-center, highlighting her natural shine and effortlessly polished style

The actress, a strong advocate of family, still managed to smile at the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards. At the same event, Mel B elongated her height in nude Christian Louboutin pumps styled with sleek leather pants, a structured white peplum top, and a black blazer.

Hilary Swank looked effortlessly chic in a black velvet crop top and floral A-line skirt, paired with classic ankle-strap heels and a bold pink clutchHilary Swank looked effortlessly chic in a black velvet crop top and floral A-line skirt, paired with classic ankle-strap heels and a bold pink clutch

Hilary announced that she would probably regret not spending this time with her father, and even put up her New York apartment for rent at $20,000 a month.

Hilary Swank flaunted a dark burgundy pedicure in minimalist black ankle-strap stiletto sandals featuring a single toe band and sleek buckle closureHilary Swank flaunted a dark burgundy pedicure in minimalist black ankle-strap stiletto sandals featuring a single toe band and sleek buckle closure

Shining on the Red Carpet in Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors

The then 40-year-old actress, who had an entire episode of The Office dedicated to her looks, took a break from caring for her father and showed up on the red carpet in a dress by Diane von Furstenberg and heels by Michael Kors.

Hilary Swank flaunts her legs at the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards 2015 on July 15, 2015Hilary Swank flaunts her legs at the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards 2015 on July 15, 2015

The actress was taking a break but had not lost touch with her stylists. Hilary wore a reworked Michael Kors Doris on the red carpet.

Hilary Swank thanks her fans for being understanding of her decision to take care of her fatherHilary Swank thanks her fans for being understanding of her decision to take care of her father

Shop Hilary Swank’s Michael Kors Sandals Online

Silver and embellished versions are available online. Check them out at Zappos and Nordstrom:

Michael Kors Doris Black Smooth Calf SandalsMichael Kors Doris Black Smooth Calf Sandals, $395

Michael Kors Doris Metallic Platform SandalsMichael Kors Doris Metallic Platform Sandals, $395

Michael Kors Collection Doris Platform SandalsMichael Kors Collection Doris Platform Sandals, £357.94

Hilary Swank’s journey from a humble upbringing to Hollywood stardom is not just inspiring—it’s a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and purpose.

She once said, “You only have one life, and if you’re not doing what you love, what’s the point?” Whether she’s blazing trails on-screen or making bold statements on the red carpet, Hilary continues to define beauty and strength on her own terms—one powerful role, and one stylish step, at a time.

Hilary Swank’s Iconic Shoe and Fashion Moments

Hilary Swank has consistently impressed with her impeccable style choices. Here are some of her most memorable fashion and footwear highlights:

Radiant in Vivienne Westwood at the ‘Ordinary Angels’ Premiere

  • Event: ‘Ordinary Angels’ New York Premiere
  • Outfit: Hilary dazzled in a crimson satin gown from Vivienne Westwood’s Made-to-Order collection, featuring a corseted bodice and sweetheart neckline.
  • Footwear: She completed the look with elegant strappy sandals, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
  • Read more: Hilary Swank Shines Bright in Crimson Vivienne Westwood Satin Gown

Chic in Alexander McQueen at the Tokyo International Film Festival

  • Event: ‘You’re Not You’ Press Conference
  • Outfit: The actress showcased her figure in a white knit dress from Alexander McQueen’s Pre-Fall 2015 collection, featuring black accents and an A-line silhouette.
  • Footwear: She paired the dress with classic black pumps, emphasizing her timeless style.
  • Discover more: Hilary Swank and Kim Frickleton Both Dazzle in Alexander McQueen

Elegant in Nicholas Oakwell and Gianvito Rossi at ‘You’re Not You’ Premiere

  • Event: ‘You’re Not You’ Los Angeles Premiere
  • Outfit: Hilary wore a white floral cocktail dress from Nicholas Oakwell’s Spring 2014 Couture collection, exuding grace and femininity.
  • Footwear: She complemented the dress with silver-metallic Gianvito Rossi ‘Ellipsis’ pumps, adding modern flair to her look.
  • See more: Hilary Swank’s Sexy White Cocktail Dress and Ellipsis Pumps

Hilary Swank adds a sharp, androgynous edge in a pinstripe navy suit styled with chunky oxblood loafers and a structured black tote at Showtime’s Yellowjackets FYC Event on April 10, 2025Hilary Swank adds a sharp, androgynous edge in a pinstripe navy suit styled with chunky oxblood loafers and a structured black tote at Showtime’s Yellowjackets FYC Event on April 10, 2025 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Stylish in Balmain at the Tokyo International Film Festival

  • Event: ‘You’re Not You’ Stage Greeting
  • Outfit: The Oscar-winning actress donned a sleek tuxedo dress by Balmain, showcasing her sophisticated fashion sense.
  • Footwear: She completed the ensemble with gold-and-black cap-toe pumps, highlighting her attention to detail.
  • Explore her style: How Hilary Swank Feels About The Office Episode Discussing Her Looks

Casual Chic with Gold Thong Sandals at Art Basel

These moments highlight Hilary Swank’s versatility and elegance in fashion, from red carpet glamour to casual sophistication.