Shailene Woodley made a bold style statement at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, stepping onto the red carpet in a vibrant Emilio Pucci skirt paired with sleek, pointed‑toe Casadei pumps. More than a decade later, this look remains one of her most memorable red‑carpet moments — a perfect mix of youthful edge and Italian luxury.
The then‑21‑year‑old actress, who had just been cast in The Fault in Our Stars, surprised fans with a daring pixie haircut, a choice that sparked conversation across Hollywood and hinted at her fearless approach to both roles and fashion. While comparisons to Jennifer Lawrence (whose Hunger Games success was still fresh at the time) made headlines, Shailene carved out her own lane — embracing bold style choices that continue to inspire red‑carpet retrospectives today.
Shailene Woodley debuts her new short hairdo at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, embracing a fresh look for her role in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ on August 25, 2013 (Credit: Ryan / WENN)
Reps later confirmed that Shailene’s freshly cropped pixie cut was for her role as Hazel Grace Lancaster in The Fault in Our Stars, the film adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel.
“It’s awesome. The actual cut of it is very Midwestern, 15‑year‑old girl — or, I guess, 17‑year‑old girl, which is the character I’m portraying,” Shailene told MTV News at the time. “It’s fun to embody this sort of energy for a while.”
The movie went on to premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival on May 16, 2014, before its U.S. release on June 6, 2014, by 20th Century Fox. It received favorable reviews, with particular praise for Woodley and co‑star Ansel Elgort’s chemistry and the emotionally resonant screenplay — cementing Shailene’s status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling young talents.
Shailene Woodley showcases her chic style in a printed Emilio Pucci skirt paired with a black cropped top, highlighting her effortlessly fashionable look at the 2013 MTV VMAs
Reflecting on the transformation, Shailene described the haircut as an empowering experience:
“I feel lighter. I also feel strong, especially when I’m able to cut it the way I want to cut it. I’m not nervous at all — so excited. I love it.”
At the time, the cut wasn’t just a style statement; it was a deliberate choice for her portrayal of Hazel Grace Lancaster, the cancer‑stricken protagonist of John Green’s bestselling novel. This bold change marked a turning point in Shailene’s career, signaling her commitment to deeply transformative roles.
More Iconic Shoe Moments from the 2013 MTV VMAs
Shailene Woodley wasn’t the only star making fashion headlines at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. From daring gladiator heels to sky‑high platforms, the event delivered some of the boldest footwear choices of the year. Explore more standout shoe moments from the red carpet below:
👠 2013 MTV VMAs: Best Celebrity Shoe Moments
- 📌 Top 23 Celebrity Shoe Moments at the 2013 MTV VMAs — Highlights include Lil Kim in yellow Louboutin Daf‑Booty boots, Selena Gomez in Atelier Versace pumps, Lady Gaga in Alaïa platform boots, Jennifer Hudson in Louboutin So Kate pumps, and more across the red carpet.
- 📌 Joan Smalls in Casadei gladiator heels — She stole the show in knee‑high Casadei gladiator sandals with mirrored blade heels paired with a Viktor & Rolf mini dress.
- 📌 Miley Cyrus’ super platform sandals — She made headlines wearing dramatic black satin super-platforms with her beaded Dolce & Gabbana outfit.
Shailene kept her hair slicked back while sporting a printed Emilio Pucci skirt with a black, cropped top. The skirt may look like just another handkerchief print piece, but upon closer inspection, delicate beading and two layers of graceful fringes adorn it.
Her look was capped off with pointed‑toe black pumps from Casadei, a luxury Italian footwear brand founded in 1958 by Quinto and Flora Casadei in San Mauro Pascoli, Italy.
Shailene Woodley completes her look with sleek black Casadei pumps, adding a touch of elegance to her daring ensemble
Known for crafting high‑end women’s shoes, including pumps, sandals, and sneakers, Casadei emphasizes tradition, excellence, and innovative design. Today, Cesare Casadei, the current Creative Director, and his daughter Arianna, Communications Director, lead the brand, which is celebrated for its artisanal quality and global presence.
More Celebrity Moments in Casadei
Shailene Woodley’s pointed‑toe Casadei pumps are just one example of how the Italian brand continues to dominate red carpets and fashion-forward events. From timeless Blade stilettos to sleek ankle boots, Casadei remains a favorite among A‑listers who appreciate craftsmanship, elegance, and a touch of bold design. Explore more standout celebrity moments in Casadei below:
👠 Celebrities Styling Casadei Shoes:
- 📌 Emilia Clarke at the “Me Before You” premiere — wearing metallic Casadei ankle‑strap sandals paired with a tiered Chloé gown.
- 📌 Julia Louis‑Dreyfus & Nicole Richie both in Casadei Rodio Steelix pumps on the red carpet, showcasing the brand’s staple red‑carpet style.
- 📌 Chloë Grace Moretz at “The 5th Wave” photocall — elegantly styled in black Casadei t‑strap sandals alongside an Erdem dress.
- 📌 Cynthia Erivo’s street‑chic look in New York City — sporting nude leather Casadei “Flora” stiletto boots with a green sweatsuit and camel coat.
- 📌 Jennifer Lopez & Naomie Harris in sculpted Casadei “Blade” heels — perfect examples of the brand’s red‑carpet presence.
- 📌 Hailee Steinfeld at the AMAs and Variety Luncheon — switching between two pairs of Casadei Blade pumps in sleek black looks.
- 📌 Olivia Palermo at Milan Fashion Week — styling Casadei Superblade boots and pumps in runway‑front street style.