From Destiny’s Child to Dawson’s Creek: Two Michelle Williamses, Two Distinct Styles — and Shoe Stories to Match

Tenitra Michelle Williams, who rose to fame in the 2000s as a member of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child, and Michelle Ingrid Williams, an American actress whose accolades include a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, are both known professionally as Michelle Williams.

Though they share the same name, the two Michelle Williamses couldn’t be more distinct in background and style. Tenitra Michelle Williams, the soulful Destiny’s Child singer, stands 5′7½″ (171.5 cm) tall and wears a US shoe size 7, exuding stage-ready confidence and glamour.

In contrast, Michelle Ingrid Williams, the acclaimed actress known for her nuanced performances, is more petite at 5′3¾″ (161.9 cm) and wears a US size 8, often favoring refined, minimalist silhouettes that highlight her delicate frame and timeless poise.

Actress Michelle Williams and singer Michelle Williams—two stars who share a name but not a style—showcase their distinct red-carpet personas, one in minimalist elegance and the other in high-glam metallic drama (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Nicky Nelson)

Despite sharing a professional name, these two Michelle Williamses have achieved fame in different entertainment spheres and are unrelated.

More on Michelle Williams’ Chic Shoe and Fashion Moments

While this article highlights Michelle Williams’ Cannes appearance in Stella McCartney wedges, the actress has delivered countless other memorable fashion moments across red carpets and runways. Explore more of her elegant and footwear-focused looks below:

Before exploring her romantic life and cinematic milestones, it’s worth remembering how Michelle’s grounded elegance and thoughtful approach to fashion have long mirrored her subtle yet powerful screen presence.

Michelle Ingrid Williams: From Screen Romance to Real-Life Drama

While filming Brokeback Mountain in 2004, Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger formed both an on-screen and off-screen connection that quickly drew public attention. The two shared a three-year relationship and welcomed their daughter, Matilda, in 2005.

During their time together, Michelle’s effortless elegance and understated red-carpet choices — often classic gowns paired with chic heels — reflected her grounded approach to fame and fashion.

By early 2007, Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger had become one of Hollywood’s most stylish couples. Their appearances together often blended her soft, retro femininity with his relaxed sophistication, capturing the understated charm that defined their shared red-carpet era. Michelle’s evolving pixie cut and preference for 1960s silhouettes hinted at the polished minimalism that would later become her signature.

Holding hands at the 2007 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Michelle Williams—wearing a heavily-embellished Chloé mini dress and classic Louboutin pumps—perfectly complemented Heath Ledger’s tailored, laid-back suit on February 24, 2007, in Santa Monica, California (Credit: Nikki Nelson/ WENN)

The couple welcomed their daughter, Matilda Rose, in 2005 before parting ways in 2007. Following their separation, Michelle continued to balance motherhood and career with grace, steadily evolving her red-carpet style into one defined by elegance and emotional depth.

In the years that followed, Michelle’s refined sense of style came into full focus. By the time she arrived at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival in a sleek Stella McCartney look, her minimalist approach and graceful confidence had cemented her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most effortlessly elegant dressers.

Glamour and Style: Michelle Williams at Cannes

In May 2010, Michelle Williams attended the Cannes Film Festival alongside her co-star Ryan Gosling to promote the romantic drama film Blue Valentine. Michelle debuted a stunning new appearance that left an impressive mark on almost everyone.

Michelle Williams, Derek Cianfrance, Ryan Gosling, and Faith Wladyka at the Cannes International Film Festival 2010 – Day 7 – ‘Blue Valentine’ Photocall in Cannes, France on May 18, 2010

Known for her signature strawberry-blonde waves, Michelle debuted a striking new look at Cannes — a chic, platinum-blonde pixie cut that perfectly framed her features.

The fresh, modern hairstyle added an edgy contrast to her deep blue-black Suno dress, highlighting her effortless ability to blend classic femininity with contemporary cool.

Michelle Williams showcases effortless Parisian chic in a blue-black speckled Suno dress with structured shoulders and a softly pleated skirt at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival photocall for Blue Valentine (Credit: WENN)

And I love how she finished off the outfit with an on-trend pair of sky-high cork wedges — which, by the way, look very comfortable. Here’s a closer look at those shoes:

A closer look at Michelle’s Stella McCartney cork-wedge sandals featuring faux-leather straps and pink-trimmed midsoles — an eco-chic statement that perfectly complements her minimalist dress (Credit: WENN)

Michelle’s sandals are by Stella McCartney and feature a brushed faux-leather upper. They feature 5.25-inch-tall cork wedges and pink trimmings at the midsoles. The platforms are 1.25 inches thick, so you’ll walk in 4-inch heels with the pair.

Stella McCartney Cork Wedges, $735