Charlize Theron may be known for her impeccably tailored, minimalist wardrobe—often anchored in crisp black and white—but every so often she reminds the world that she can deliver full-throttle glamour when the moment calls for it.
And at the 2020 British Academy Film Awards—a night defined by sustainable couture, iconic heels, and unforgettable red-carpet fashion—she did exactly that.
Stepping onto the Royal Albert Hall red carpet, the Bombshell star and Best Actress nominee traded her signature sleekness for a dramatic burst of color, choosing a vivid purple Dior Haute Couture gown that instantly became one of her standout Dior moments.
Even years later, the look remains a masterclass in modern Old Hollywood.
Charlize Theron lifts the hem of her pleated purple Dior gown to reveal the black open-toe heels hidden beneath as she arrives at the 2020 BAFTAs (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
And while the floor-skimming hem elegantly concealed her footwear, close-up shots confirm she anchored the dramatic gown with classic black open-toe heels—likely custom Dior, in keeping with her long-standing ambassadorship with the house.
A peek beneath the pleated hem reveals Charlize Theron’s classic black open-toe heels and a polished neutral pedicure
Another of the night’s attendees, Renée Zellweger, wore a pale-pink satin Prada off-the-shoulder column gown with David Webb art-deco bangles, dyed-to-match Jimmy Choo pumps, and a softly swept updo.
Charlize Theron brings a vibrant pop of color to the 73rd British Academy Film Awards in a pleated purple Dior Haute Couture gown, its floor-skimming hem elegantly concealing her high heels at Royal Albert Hall in London on February 2, 2020 (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Leslie Fremar, Charlize’s stylist, told British Vogue: “Maria Grazia [Dior’s artistic director] gave Charlize the option of wearing purple or red. The vibrant purple was the standout option, and dictated the silhouette of the traditional Old Hollywood gown.”
The pleated chiffon strapless gown highlighted Charlize’s svelte figure. It had a sculpted bodice with a daring plunging neckline that drew attention to her cleavage. It also featured a black belted waist to accentuate her figure and a floor-sweeping, flowing pleated skirt.
Charlize kept the accessories simple with Tiffany and Co. jewelry. She wore a selection of earrings and rings and debuted a choker from the new T1 collection, set in 18k rose gold and encrusted with over 240 diamonds.
Hairstylist Adir Abergel styled Charlize’s blonde pixie in a side-parted messy updo. Makeup artist Kate Lee complemented her dress with magenta eyeshadow and matching lipstick. She also applied mascara and a hint of blush on her cheeks.
Charlize Revisits Her Signature Black-and-White Style at the Oscars Nominees Luncheon
The previous week, Charlize attended the 2020 Oscar Nominees Luncheon in Hollywood, wearing a Dior Pre-Fall 2020 ensemble.
Rocking her signature look, she wore an understated white short-sleeved collared top tucked into a belted, flared pinstripe midi skirt.
Charlize Theron pairs her signature black-and-white tailored Dior ensemble with sleek black ankle-strap pointed-toe pumps at the Oscars 2020 Nominees Luncheon in Hollywood on January 27, 2020 (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Charlize accessorized her sophisticated ensemble with diamond stud earrings and a layered diamond necklace. She also carried an oblique saddle clutch from Dior and finished off her business-chic look with black pointed-toe pumps.
Charlize Theron completes her pinstripe Dior ensemble with classic black pointed-toe pumps featuring delicate ankle straps
Beauty-wise, she wore a bleached pixie, courtesy of Adir Abergel, and added a pop of color to her black-and-white outfit with a slick of bold red lipstick.
Charlize Theron elevates her monochrome Dior ensemble with a crisp white collared top, sleek pixie cut, and a bold red lip at the Oscars 2020 Nominees Luncheon
Charlize Theron’s Style Legacy: From Dior Gowns to Everyday Heels
Whether she’s sweeping into an awards show in sculpted Dior Haute Couture or keeping things sharp and minimal in black-and-white tailoring, Charlize Theron has built a red-carpet legacy on confident, uncluttered glamour. Her looks rarely rely on gimmicks; instead, she lets impeccable cuts, rich color, and sleek, sky-high heels do the talking.
For anyone who loves following her evolution—from Old Hollywood-inspired gowns to polished, business-casual moments—her shoe choices are the throughline. They anchor the drama, streamline the silhouettes, and prove that a great pair of heels can be just as memorable as the dress. Below, explore Charlize Theron’s most iconic shoe and fashion moments:
✨ Charlize Theron’s Most Iconic Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📏 Standing at 5’9¾” (177.2 cm), Theron still commands the red carpet in towering styles like sleek Casadei ankle-strap sandals.
- 💼 The business-casual reinvention featuring black leather Dior “Attract” pumps styled with high-waisted denim and a white Dior blouse.
- 🔥 The daring “femme fatale” look from the Fast X Rome premiere, where she paired a Dior mesh coat with classic black patent pointed-toe pumps.
- 🎨 A statement-making moment in NYC wearing Christian Louboutin ‘Decoupata’ color-block sandals with a black Lanvin sheath dress.
- 🖤 The 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party ensemble, where she complemented her Dior Haute Couture look with minimalist Jimmy Choo ‘Minny’ heels.
- 🏖️ Her laid-back summer chic look at a CTAOP event featuring flat black Dior “Dioriviera D-Sand” sandals with gold-finish metal accents.