Kate McKinnon’s Style Evolution: From SNL Star to Red-Carpet Icon in Stuart Weitzman Heels

also became the stage where sharp humor met even sharper style. Standing 5 feet 3½ inches (161.3 cm) tall and wearing a U.S. women’s size 8 shoe, the Emmy-winning comedian has turned every appearance—on and off the screen—into an opportunity to showcase her understated yet confident fashion sense.

Whether she’s in sleek black pumps on the red carpet or towering heels that balance her petite frame, McKinnon proves that great shoes can command as much attention as the punchlines that made her famous.

Kate McKinnon joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in April 2012 and left the show in May 2022 after completing a decade of performances (Credit: NBC / WENN)

Kate McKinnon joined Saturday Night Live in 2012 and quickly rose from featured player to breakout star. Over the next decade, she became one of the show’s most unforgettable cast members.

Effortless Elegance: Classic Black Heels & Understated Red-Carpet Style

Before long, McKinnon was also making her mark offscreen—swapping her comedic personas for polished, understated red-carpet looks. Known for her preference for sleek black dresses and classic heels, she often gravitates toward elegant silhouettes that strike a balance between confidence and simplicity.

Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon attend the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on August 16, 2014 — McKinnon keeps it classic in a black cocktail dress and peep-toe T-strap heels, while Bryant adds a playful pop of color with her fuchsia cardigan and glitter pumps (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Kate McKinnon studied theater at Columbia University before spending years honing her voice and comedic timing onstage and behind the mic.

After standout work with the Upright Citizens Brigade and Logo TV’s The Big Gay Sketch Show, she finally earned her spot on Saturday Night Live in 2012.

Kate McKinnon exudes understated elegance in a classic black sleeveless dress at the Portlandia season premiere on December 10, 2012, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City (Credit: Kyle Blair / WENN)

An instant hit, McKinnon became known for her razor-sharp impressions of everyone from Hillary Clinton and Anthony Fauci to Ellen DeGeneres and Justin Bieber. Her portrayal of Clinton, in particular, became a defining moment of the 2016 election era—equal parts uncanny and iconic.

Robert De Niro portrays Robert Mueller, and Kate McKinnon portrays Jeff Sessions during the 855th episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which aired Nov. 10, 2018 (Credit: WENN / NBC)

Her “Close Encounter” sketch with Ryan Gosling and Cecily Strong remains one of SNL’s most celebrated moments. Beyond the laughs, the show also brought McKinnon lasting friendships with fellow comedians like Leslie Jones and Aidy Bryant.

Offstage, McKinnon has built a thriving career in film and television. From Ghostbusters and Office Christmas Party to Finding Dory, she’s proven her range far beyond sketch comedy. Recent roles in The Bubble (2022) and Barbie (2023), where she stole scenes as “Weird Barbie,” showcase her knack for balancing humor with heart.

She has also achieved commercial success as a Verizon spokeswoman, contributing to an estimated net worth of around $9 million as of 2025.

Radiant in Blue: Versace Gown & Hidden Heels at the Ghostbusters Premiere

As her on-screen fame grew, McKinnon’s red-carpet confidence followed suit. She often gravitates toward streamlined silhouettes and bold color choices—favoring elegance over flash. Even when her heels are subtly hidden beneath floor-length gowns, their shape still adds an elongating finish that complements her petite frame.

Kate McKinnon brings effortless sophistication to the Ghostbusters Los Angeles premiere on July 9, 2016, at the TCL Chinese Theatre, wearing a cobalt blue Versace gown with a front slit and David Yurman jewelry — her heels mostly hidden but perfectly lengthening the look (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)

Power in Red: Narciso Rodriguez Dress & Studded Ankle-Strap Sandals

Her polished presence on the red carpet soon became as recognizable as her comedy itself. In April 2018, she was honored as Comedy Star of the Year at the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards.

Kate McKinnon channels timeless sophistication at the 2018 CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards, wearing a fitted red Narciso Rodriguez midi dress that highlights her figure while keeping the overall look sleek and refined on April 26, 2018, at Caesars Palace’s Omnia Nightclub in Las Vegas (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

To accept the award, Kate McKinnon wore a bold red Narciso Rodriguez dress featuring a sleek, form-fitting design that highlighted her figure. She paired the outfit with simple black strappy heels, keeping the look elegant and minimalistic.

A closer look at McKinnon’s black studded ankle-strap sandals — a chic, feminine choice that complements her size 8 feet and adds subtle polish to her red-carpet ensemble

Tailored Confidence: Akris Power Suit & Stuart Weitzman Patent Pumps at the Oscars

Six years after her appearance at the 2018 CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards, McKinnon leaned into modern tailoring for another standout red-carpet moment. Embracing clean lines and refined details, she proved that understated dressing can make just as powerful an impression as any gown.

Kate McKinnon attends the 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024, wearing a custom Akris suit styled by Rebecca Grice. She completed the look with black patent Stuart Weitzman Stuart 100 Pumps and Bucherer fine jewelry — a sleek, confident ensemble for presenting the Best Documentary Short and Feature awards alongside America Ferrera (Credit: Nick Agro / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

McKinnon has graced the Academy Awards twice—first at the 89th Oscars in 2017, where she presented alongside Jason Bateman, and again at the 96th Oscars in 2024, when she joined America Ferrera to announce the documentary winners.

On both occasions, she opted for Stuart Weitzman heels, a subtle signature of her polished, minimalist style.

Classic Glamour: Narciso Rodriguez Gown & Stuart Weitzman Heels at the 2017 Oscars

Kate McKinnon and Jason Bateman present the Oscar for Achievement in Makeup at the 89th Academy Awards on February 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood — McKinnon wears a Narciso Rodriguez gown, Stuart Weitzman heels, and Chopard jewelry (Credit: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

Other Female Comedians with Standout Shoe and Fashion Moments

Before Kate McKinnon brought her mix of wit and elegance to the spotlight, other comedy powerhouses had already proven that humor and high fashion can go hand in hand. From red-carpet stilettos to playful platform heels, these women show that great style is no joke.