Blake Lively’s Red Carpet Shoe Swap: From Louboutin ‘Benedetta’ Sandals to Platform Converse

On August 3, 2021, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively arrived at the AMC Lincoln Square in New York City for the premiere of Free Guy. The appearance remains a definitive example of their approach to public style: coordinated but distinct, leaning into texture and footwear rather than over-the-top spectacle.

While the evening celebrated Reynolds’ lead role in the Shawn Levy-directed film—where a video game NPC attempts to rewrite his own destiny—the focus off-screen settled on the couple’s intentional wardrobe choices.

Lively, in particular, used the moment to pair high-fashion sequins with a surprising footwear pivot that prioritized utility without sacrificing the event’s aesthetic.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds pose at the Free Guy premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City on August 3, 2021, with her shimmering Prabal Gurung gown skimming the red carpet and subtly concealing the Christian Louboutin sandals anchoring the look (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

The synergy between the two often extends to their creative work; Reynolds has frequently noted Lively’s uncredited contributions to his scripts and character development.

This collaborative spirit was visible on the carpet, where their outfits felt like two parts of a single, cohesive narrative.

Framed through Blake’s footwear choices—from her elegant Christian Louboutin sandals to her later comfort-first sneaker switch—the premiere stands as a reminder that great red-carpet style isn’t about excess. It’s about knowing when shoes, not theatrics, should lead the story.

Ryan Reynolds Suits Up in Brunello Cucinelli as Blake Lively Steals the Spotlight in a Sparkling Prabal Gurung Gown

Ryan looked handsome for the premiere in a beige corduroy Brunello Cucinelli suit with a black-and-white plaid shirt underneath. Staying in character, he wore a pair of specs and completed his outfit with gray socks and brown suede loafers.

Ryan Reynolds looks effortlessly polished in a beige corduroy Brunello Cucinelli suit paired with a black-and-white plaid dress shirt and suede lace-up shoes as he joins Blake Lively at the Free Guy premiere (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

Stealing her husband’s spotlight, Blake Lively wowed in her sparkling pink gown from Prabal Gurung’s Resort 2022 collection.

The Gossip Girl actress hadn’t stepped on the red carpet in over a year and did not disappoint in her stunning gown, featuring bold geometric front and side cutouts that revealed her trimmed waist and ample cleavage.

Decked out in pink sequins, the floor-sweeping gown also features an open back and crystal piping along the bodice’s edges to add extra sparkle.

Blake Lively stuns in a sparkling Prabal Gurung Resort 2022 gown featuring bold cutouts and crystal-trim detailing at the Free Guy premiere (Credit: Mega / WENN)

Blake’s Diamond Details: Mismatched Earrings and a Braided Ponytail Woven With Jewels

While she didn’t need anything else to stand out, the American actress accessorized with mismatched earrings and several diamond rings.

Instead of wearing necklaces around her neck, Blake’s longtime hairstylist, Rob Ortega, decided to weave some Lorraine Schwartz diamond chain necklaces into her loose braided ponytail.

Blake Lively with Lorraine Schwartz diamond chains woven into her braided ponytail (Credit: Mega / WENN)

To complement the high-shine sequins, celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle opted for a sophisticated, neutral palette.

He sculpted Blake’s features using his namesake Exposure Warming Powder, finishing the look with a custom-blended lip: Bite Beauty’s Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick in the earthy tones of Tamarind and Fig.

Blake Lively shines with neutral glam and a jewel-woven braided ponytail, finished with Bite Beauty’s Power Move lipstick in Tamarind and Fig (Credit: Mega / WENN)

From Louboutin “Benedetta” Sandals to Converse Kicks: Blake’s Chic Shoe Swap

Blake completed her red-carpet comeback look with Christian Louboutin “Benedetta” sandals, which she later swapped out for Converse sneakers.

Over the years, the Christian Louboutin “Benedetta” sandal has become a certified red-carpet favorite, and YNS has documented some of its most memorable celebrity moments. Amanda Seyfried first put the style on our radar at the 2015 CFDA Fashion Awards, while Janelle Monáe later showcased the metallic gold version in our Benedetta gold-heel style comparison.

Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio brought even more glamour to the 2016 CFDA Awards in shimmering silver Benedetta sandals, captured in our coverage of her Michael Kors look.

The bold red Benedetta even elevated Blake Lively’s maternity ensemble at the 2016 Met Gala in a flowing Burberry gown, featured in our Met Gala breakdown.

Blake Lively lifts her sequined Prabal Gurung gown to reveal the ultimate comfort switch: white high-top Converse platform sneakers (Credit: Blake Lively’s Instagram)

And later that summer, Blake reached for the same strappy silhouette again at Cannes, pairing it with a cornflower-blue Atelier Versace gown at the premiere of The BFG, as seen in our Cannes premiere feature. Together, these moments prove why the “Benedetta” remains one of Louboutin’s most flattering, camera-loving red-carpet designs.

Opting for comfort, The Shallows star shared a photo on Instagram of herself lifting her gown to reveal her high-top platform kicks.

Explore More of Blake Lively’s Most Iconic Shoe and Style Moments

As Blake’s Free Guy appearance reminded us, her fashion track record is filled with equally memorable shoe moments and red-carpet standouts.