The 2009 American fantasy comedy film 17 Again, starring Zac Efron and Matthew Perry, blends late-1980s nostalgia with early 2000s teen culture, reflected not just in the storyline but also in the fashion choices throughout the film.
From retro varsity jackets to low-rise jeans, the wardrobe captures generational contrast. At the same time, the footwear underscores this divide: sneakers dominate the youthful looks, while more refined, adult-leaning shoes mark the grown-up world.
Leslie Mann plays Scarlet O’Donnell, the estranged wife of Mike O’Donnell, whose character transitions between teen and adult forms as portrayed by Efron and Perry.
Leslie Mann as Scarlet O’Donnell stuns in a bold magenta geometric wrap dress, while Nicole Sullivan brings edgy flair as Naomi in a metallic silver moto jacket in 17 Again (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
She starred opposite Zac Efron and Matthew Perry in Burr Steers’ successful comedy, which grossed over $125 million worldwide. She played Scarlet as an adult, and Allison Miller played the teenage Scarlet in the opening scene.
Leslie Mann adds a pop of color in a green top and vibrant floral skirt as Scarlet O’Donnell, while Michelle Trachtenberg, playing her daughter Maggie, channels boho-chic style with layered prints and a deep purple cardigan in 17 Again (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
✨ Red Carpet Elegance: Leslie Mann Elongates Her Look in Nude Louboutins and Zac Posen
Standing just 5 ft 5 in (165 cm), Leslie Mann cleverly used a stylist-favored trick at the 17 Again Los Angeles premiere on April 14, 2009: nude Christian Louboutin peep-toe heels that matched her skin tone.
These heels visually extended her leg line and added subtle height without distracting from her romantic Zac Posen dress.
Leslie Mann stuns in a ruffled ivory Zac Posen dress and nude Christian Louboutin peep-toe heels at the 17 Again premiere, posing on the red carpet with husband Judd Apatow and their daughters (Credit: Jen Lowery / Startraksphoto)
Age Dynamics in “17 Again”: From Fiction to Reality
Filmed in January 2008, 17 Again hit theaters on April 17, 2009—just weeks after Leslie Mann celebrated her 37th birthday on March 26. Interestingly, Mann and Michelle Trachtenberg, who played mother and daughter in the film, are only 13 years apart in age.
Trachtenberg was 23 at the premiere. Zac Efron, born October 18, 1987, was just 20 during filming and turned 22 by the film’s release, emphasizing the generational contrast central to the storyline.
Leslie Mann softens her look with a bright pink cardigan over a navy dress, while Zac Efron keeps it casual and youthful in a laid-back plaid shirt and dark jeans (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Behind the Scenes With Leslie Mann and Zac Efron
During the first week of filming “17 Again” in January 2008, Zac Efron experienced severe stomach pains and was later found to have a burst appendix, which required immediate hospital treatment.
“The first week we were working together, he was having stomach pains; he was doubled-over between takes,” Mann told MTV about filming the movie with Zac Efron in January 2008.
“The next day, we found out that his appendix burst. … He went to the hospital and had it taken care of, and he was back at work the next day!”
“Zac Efron is hot for my wife! What do I do?” laughed “Knocked Up” director Apatow. His wife, Leslie Mann, plays Efron’s love interest in the film. “I’m trying to take the heat that he creates with her and take it back to my house.”
Actress Leslie Mann radiates classic Hollywood charm in a delicate ivory ruffled gown at the Los Angeles premiere of 17 Again on April 14, 2009, held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)
💬 Zac Efron Honors Matthew Perry’s Legacy and Mentorship
Zac Efron, reflecting on his time with the late Matthew Perry during the “17 Again” filming, expressed that he is deeply affected by Perry’s passing and honored by the possibility of playing Perry in a biopic, a role Perry envisioned for Efron.
At the Dallas premiere of “The Iron Claw” in November 2023, Efron shared his admiration and gratitude for Perry, highlighting the impactful mentorship and learning experiences he gained from their collaboration, especially in comedic timing.
In 17 Again, Zac Efron and Matthew Perry embody the same character across time, both suited up in matching brown tailored ensembles with coordinated ties and polished leather dress shoes that underscore the film’s generational mirror theme (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
“I’m honored to hear he was thinking of me to play him,” Efron told People. “We’ll see. I’d be honored to do it.”
“He was a mentor to me, and we made a really cool film together,” he says. “I looked up to him, I learned comedic timing from that guy. I mean, when we were filming 17 Again, it was so surreal for me to look across and have him be there, because I’ve learned so much from him, from his whole life.”
Beyond her memorable performance in 17 Again, Leslie Mann has consistently impressed on the red carpet with her elegant and playful fashion sense. One standout appearance came several years later at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, where she once again proved her status as a style icon.
Leslie Mann’s Continued Fashion Excellence: The 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
In January 2015, 17 Again actress Leslie Mann and her filmmaker husband Judd Apatow joined forces at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
Leslie Mann at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on January 15, 2015 (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Jennifer Aniston in a plunging red Gucci tuxedo paired with Christian Louboutin ‘Iriza’ pumps, Angelina Jolie in a custom Ralph & Russo gown complemented by velvet Stuart Weitzman ‘Candy’ pumps, and Rosario Dawson in a sleek blue silk crepe one-shoulder Vivienne Westwood dress with matching Casadei ‘Blade’ pumps.
The then-42-year-old American actress and comedian donned a gorgeous strapless silver dress from the Reem Acra Spring 2015 collection, toted a Jimmy Choo clutch, and accessorized with Irene Neuwirth jewelry.
Shining Star at the Critics’ Choice: Leslie Mann radiates elegance at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles, dressed in a stunning Reem Acra creation (Credit: Brian To / WENN)
To present awards with her husband at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, the Big Daddy actress completed the beautiful ensemble by showing off her sexy feet in multicolored strappy Burak Uyan sandals.
Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow, a cinematic power couple, share a moment of joy at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, embodying Hollywood’s collaborative spirit (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Do you agree that Leslie Mann was the best-dressed of the evening?
Leslie Mann shows off her pedicured toes in eye-catching multicolored Burak Uyan strappy sandals, featuring sleek black, silver, and pastel blue accents (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Leslie’s Burak Uyan sandals are unfortunately not available online.
Leslie Mann complemented her pastel manicure with a moonstone statement ring and a holographic Jimmy Choo clutch (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Leslie Mann’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments
Leslie Mann consistently captivates on the red carpet with her impeccable fashion sense and standout footwear choices. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:
Leslie Mann’s Louboutin Sandals at the ‘How to Be Single’ Premiere
- Event: Premiere of “How to Be Single” in New York City
- Outfit: Leslie wore a flirty Marchesa dress featuring a black lace bodice and a pink feathered skirt.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with black satin Christian Louboutin “Gardnera” sandals, showcasing her polished pedicure.
- Discover more: Leslie Mann’s Louboutin sandals at the ‘How to Be Single’ premiere
Leslie Mann exudes classic Chanel elegance in a red tweed skirt suit paired with black chain-accented ankle-strap heels and a quilted mini handbag at the Academy Women’s Luncheon in Los Angeles on November 16, 2022 (Credit: Valerie Durant / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Leslie Mann’s White Pumps at CinemaCon
- Event: 2014 CinemaCon Presentation
- Outfit: Leslie brightened the red carpet in a yellow-and-white Oscar de la Renta maxi dress with twisted shoulder straps.
- Footwear: She completed the look with white Bionda Castana “Rosario” pumps, featuring scalloped edges.
- See more: Leslie Mann’s white pumps at CinemaCon
Leslie Mann, who wears a US shoe size 8, shows off a soft nude pedicure in black Chanel ankle-strap heels with signature chain detailing (Credit: Valerie Durant / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Leslie Mann’s Jimmy Choo Pumps at ‘The Other Woman’ Premiere
- Event: Premiere of “The Other Woman” in Amsterdam
- Outfit: Leslie looked chic in a two-piece Monique Lhuillier gown.
- Footwear: She added a pop of color with vibrant orange-red strappy Jimmy Choo sandals.
- Explore her style: Leslie Mann’s Jimmy Choo sandals at ‘The Other Woman’ premiere
From bold sandals to classic pumps, Leslie Mann’s footwear choices continue to inspire and set trends on the red carpet.