Anna Kendrick Shows Her Range: From Vampy J. Mendel Oscars Gown to Fresh Dior Color-Blocking

When Anna Kendrick hit the awards circuit in early 2014, she delivered two red-carpet moments that showcased two completely different sides of her style—one bold and moody, the other crisp and feminine.

Within just 24 hours, she moved from a sharp, black-on-black J. Mendel gown at the Oscars to a light, color-blocked Christian Dior dress at the Spirit Awards, offering a masterclass in how versatile her red-carpet presence could be.

What makes these back-to-back appearances so compelling today is how distinctly they contrast: one look is architectural and vampy, the other airy and modern. Together, they offer one of Kendrick’s strongest early style snapshots.

A Standout 2014 Oscars Look: Anna Kendrick’s Moodier Take on Red-Carpet Glamour

The biggest night in Hollywood back in 2014 delivered no shortage of memorable fashion moments, and looking back at the 86th Annual Academy Awards red carpet only underscores how strong that year really was.

Among the standout appearances was Anna Kendrick’s, who embraced a moodier, more directional aesthetic than many of her fellow attendees.

Anna Kendrick shows off the intricate sheer paneling and starburst-embroidered bodice of her black J. Mendel gown at the 2014 Oscars

A Darker, Sharper Oscars Look That Set Her Apart in 2014

While much of the carpet leaned into sweeping pastel gowns and classic princess silhouettes, Kendrick chose a sharper, sexier path in an all-black J. Mendel look paired with Christian Louboutin heels.

At the time, the then-28-year-old actress was fresh off a high-visibility run at New York Fashion Week, quickly cementing herself as a rising style favorite.

From every angle, Kendrick’s J. Mendel gown reveals pleated layers, an asymmetric neckline, and a strappy open back paired with her burgundy Rauwolf clutch at the 86th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 2, 2014 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / Apega / FayesVision / WENN)

Her J. Mendel Fall 2014 gown—instantly recognizable for its asymmetrical lines, sheer paneling, floral embroidery, crisscross back straps, and pleated chiffon skirt—balanced edge with elegance.

Other Standout 2014 Oscars Shoe & Style Moments

To put Kendrick’s darker, more directional choice into context, here are a few other memorable shoe and fashion moments from the 2014 Oscars red carpet.

Anna Kendrick brings an edgy elegance to the 2014 Oscars red carpet in a black J. Mendel gown with sheer detailing, embroidered bodice accents, a high-slit pleated skirt, and black Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform pumps, finished with a burgundy Rauwolf clutch (Credit: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

A Closer Look at Her Christian Louboutin “Jenny Sling” Platforms

She completed the look with a glossy French twist, a structured red Rauwolf clutch, vampy red nails, Piaget jewels, and Christian Louboutin’s “Jenny Sling” platform pumps.

Her Christian Louboutin “Jenny Sling” platform pumps peek out from beneath the gown’s pleated hem, framing her deep burgundy pedicure

The Jenny Sling platform pumps feature knotted front straps, peep toes, slingback straps, stiletto heels, black silk satin, and the brand’s signature red leather soles.

Christian Louboutin “Jenny Sling” Pumps in Black Satin, $955

Christian Louboutin “Jenny Sling” Pumps in Red Suede, $955

Soft, Sculptural Color-Blocking in Christian Dior Resort 2014

Anna was also spotted looking chic and pretty at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which was in stark contrast to her vampy look at the recently concluded Oscars.

Anna Kendrick highlights the dramatic open-back design of her white-and-blue Christian Dior Resort 2014 dress at the Film Independent Spirit Awards

The ‘Pitch Perfect’ star wore a white dress from Christian Dior’s Resort 2014 collection, which features an open back, an asymmetrical design, and blue and blush panels on the skirt.

Her Dior dress—with asymmetrical color-block panels and a sculptural high-low hem—paired perfectly with nude Jimmy Choo “Xenia” sandals and a blush-and-black Dior clutch at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards held at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California, on March 1, 2014 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / Apega / FayesVision / WENN)

Her hair was swept to one side in a low ponytail, and she carried a large pink-and-black clutch from Dior.

Kendrick carried a structured blush Dior clutch featuring black snakeskin accents and a bold graphic floral motif

A Closer Look at Her Jimmy Choo “Xenia” Sandals

She finished her look with pink lips and a pair of nude “Xenia” sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Her nude Jimmy Choo “Xenia” sandals showcased slim crisscross straps, a gold-tone buckle, and a sleek stiletto heel

The Xenia sandals feature crisscross straps, gold-tone buckle closures, stiletto heels, and nude suede. You can check out the black version below:

Jimmy Choo “Xenia” Sandals in Black, $695

Explore More Anna Kendrick, Louboutin & Jimmy Choo Moments

As we look back on Anna Kendrick’s contrasting 2014 style moments, it’s clear how much her footwear choices helped define each look—both on and off the red carpet.