Liv Tyler’s Lord of the Rings Looks: From Elven Elegance to Red Carpet Heels

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From red carpet glamour to fantasy elegance and edgy street style, Liv Tyler has proven a quiet but enduring fashion force.

Whether channeling elven royalty in Lord of the Rings or stepping out in statement boots, her style choices are as timeless as they are trend-forward. Let’s look at some of her most iconic outfits and memorable shoe moments through the years.

1. Marvel Comeback: Liv Tyler in Stella McCartney at the Captain America Premiere

Liv Tyler made a striking return to the red carpet for the premiere of Captain America: Brave New World on February 11, 2025, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Reprising her role as Betty Ross—now the daughter of President Thaddeus Ross and an expert in genetic research—Tyler exuded elegance in a form-fitting black dress by Stella McCartney.

Liv Tyler brings understated glamour to the Captain America: Brave New World premiere in a sleek black Stella McCartney dress and classic pointed-toe pumps at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 11, 2025, in Hollywood, CaliforniaLiv Tyler brings understated glamour to the Captain America: Brave New World premiere in a sleek black Stella McCartney dress and classic pointed-toe pumps at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 11, 2025, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

The design, from the brand’s Fall 2011 collection, featured a sheer polka-dot panel across one shoulder and sleeve, creating a sleek illusion effect that elongated her 5ft 9½ (176.5 cm) frame. She completed the look with classic black pointed-toe pumps, a polished choice that enhanced the dress’s streamlined silhouette.

The ensemble echoed a popular trend from the early 2010s and subtly nodded to her timeless style. It’s been 24 years since Tyler first captivated audiences as the ethereal Elf maiden Arwen Undómiel in Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring. This role forever linked her to fantasy fashion and cinematic grace.

Co-starring with Cate Blanchett, she reprised her role in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the second installment of the series, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the last installment.

Liv Rundgren Tyler brought timeless elegance to her role as the Elf maiden Arwen Undómie in the Lord of the Rings trilogyLiv Rundgren Tyler brought timeless elegance to her role as the Elf maiden Arwen Undómie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy (Credit: New Line Cinema)

2. Timeless Fantasy: Arwen’s Elven Elegance and Costume Design Legacy

Ngila Dickson, the film’s costume designer, designed Arwen’s outfits. Dickson and her team crafted the iconic Elvish wardrobe, including Arwen’s ethereal dresses, which were heavily influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien’s descriptions and Peter Jackson’s vision for Middle-earth.

Arwen’s dreamy lavender gown, designed by Ngila Dickson, flows ethereally over bare feet—capturing the timeless, grounded elegance of Elven royaltyArwen’s dreamy lavender gown, designed by Ngila Dickson, flows ethereally over bare feet, capturing the timeless, grounded elegance of Elven royalty (Credit: New Line Cinema)

The designs often featured flowing fabrics, intricate detailing, and a palette that reflected the grace and timelessness of the Elves.

The filmmakers reportedly approached Tyler after seeing her performance as Lady Rebecca Gibson in the 1999 British historical action comedy film Plunkett & Macleane.

A youthful Liv Tyler stuns with glossy waves and a minimalist black top, radiating classic '90s elegance and effortless red carpet poiseA youthful Liv Tyler stuns with glossy waves and a minimalist black top, radiating classic ’90s elegance and effortless red carpet poise (Credit: WENN)

Learning Elvish, a language invented by JRR Tolkien, for her role as the Elf maiden who rescues the Hobbit Frodo from the Black Riders at the Fords of Bruinen, she was 24 years old when the first Lord of the Rings film premiered on December 10, 2001, at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.

She was born on July 1, 1977, at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and celebrated her 24th birthday on July 1, 2001.

A youthful Liv Tyler, 24, exudes edgy elegance in sheer-paneled trousers and pointed black heels at the 2001 Los Angeles premiere of The Fellowship of the RingA youthful Liv Tyler, 24, exudes edgy elegance in sheer-paneled trousers and pointed black heels at the 2001 Los Angeles premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring (Credit: WENN)

Filming for The Lord of the Rings trilogy began in October 1999, so she was 22 years old when it started. Filming wrapped at the end of 2000, and she was 23 by the time it was completed.

Liv Tyler, age 22 at the start of filming, brings the timeless grace of Arwen to life in the 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogyLiv Tyler, age 22 at the start of filming, brings the timeless grace of Arwen to life in the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy (Credit: New Line Cinema)

Mastering Elvish and Embracing Arwen’s Essence

Liv Tyler discussed adjusting her voice to a lower register for her role as Arwen, aiming to emulate the commanding and powerful tone naturally possessed by Kate.

“I had definitely tried to speak in a low voice throughout the whole thing, just because Kate’s voice is naturally quite like that; it’s really commanding, and powerful. And I think we realized when we were doing all of the ADR and stuff because, I am a lot younger than she is – or, I’m not a lot younger than she is – that suddenly when I brought my voice down to that register, it gave Arwen a kind of timelessness,” Tyler told IGN about bringing down her voice to a lower register for her role as Arwen.

“She could be of any age. In a way, it kind of just adds some depth to Arwen. It was like the icing on the cake. When I read a line kind of with that voice, it was like, wow! That really made a big difference,” she added.

At the New York premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on December 5, 2002, Liv Tyler turned heads in a bold black-and-white polka dot gown paired with unexpected red peep-toe heels for a playful pop of colorAt the New York premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on December 5, 2002, Liv Tyler turned heads in a bold black-and-white polka dot gown paired with unexpected red peep-toe heels for a playful pop of color (Credit: Roger Wong / INFGoff)

Beyond her ethereal on-screen presence as Arwen, Liv Tyler has long captivated fans with her effortlessly cool, off-duty style. From red carpet glamour to edgy streetwear, her fashion choices often reflect the same grounded elegance she brought to Middle-earth.

3. Quirky & Cool: Liv Tyler’s Biker Chic Look in Platform Boots

Liv Tyler wears her hair down at the GO International Designer Collective LaunchLiv Tyler wears her hair down at the GO International Designer Collective Launch held on March 10, 2011, at the Ace Hotel in New York City (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Lord of the Rings actress Liv Tyler likes her platform boots. In March 2011, the daughter of Steven Tyler and Bebe Buell wore the “Mary Ann” clog boots from Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony while posing for photos with the designer herself, Chloë Sevigny.

Liv Tyler, standing taller than 5ft 7in Chloe Sevigny, pairs towering platform boots with a pleated dress and leather jacket for an edgy twist on biker-chicLiv Tyler, standing taller than 5ft 7in Chloe Sevigny, pairs towering platform boots with a pleated dress and leather jacket for an edgy twist on biker-chic (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Liv Tyler wore the “Mary Ann” clog boots while attending Target’s GO International Designer Collective Launch. She paired them with a pleated dress by Opening Ceremony and a leather jacket.

The popular Dr. T & the Women actress braided her hair down one side of her head and kept her makeup light.

Liv Tyler shows off her side-braided hairstyleLiv Tyler shows off her side-braided hairstyle (Credit: Flashpoint / WENN)

Liv’s quirky biker-chic ensemble, complete with platform boots and a pleated dress, is a bold blend of edgy and feminine. Does the daring footwear elevate the look, or clash with it? Let us know what you think!

Liv Tyler wears a pair of Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony heels with black tights and a pleated skirtLiv Tyler wears a pair of Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony heels with black tights and a pleated skirt (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Regardless of your feelings as to how Liv styled these boots, they’re now sold out. They feature seam detailing and an asymmetrical topline.

Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony 'Mary Anne' Clog BootsChloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony ‘Mary Anne’ Clog Boots, $495

Comparing Platform Boot Styles: Liv vs. Chloë

Let’s compare and contrast: Chloë’s take on platform heels came a year earlier, when she paired towering Christian Louboutin “Madame Butterfly” booties with a bold Lanvin leopard-print mini.

The ultra-high heels and short hemline elongated her legs and dramatically enhanced her statuesque silhouette.

Chloë Sevigny turns heads at HBO’s 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards afterparty in a fierce leopard-print Lanvin mini dress paired with bold black Christian Louboutin platform heels and a chunky gold chain necklaceChloë Sevigny turns heads at HBO’s 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards afterparty in a fierce leopard-print Lanvin mini dress paired with bold black Christian Louboutin platform heels and a chunky gold chain necklace on August 29, 2010, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Who do you think looked best in platform heels?

Chloë Sevigny's feet in black leather Christian Louboutin bootiesChloë Sevigny’s feet in black leather Christian Louboutin booties (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

From her ethereal elegance in The Lord of the Rings to her fearless red carpet fashion and standout shoe choices, Liv Tyler continues to inspire with timeless grace and modern edge, both on and off screen.

4. Stepping Out in Style: Liv Tyler’s Most Memorable Footwear Moments

Liv Tyler has consistently showcased her impeccable fashion sense, often accentuated by stunning footwear choices. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:

Gentlewoman of the Year: Liv Tyler in Jimmy Choo ‘Anouk’ Pumps

Lost in Space: Liv Tyler’s Vibrant Look with Jimmy Choo ‘Romy’ Pumps

British Fashion Awards: Liv Tyler in Christian Louboutin ‘J String’ Heels

Cannes Film Festival: Liv Tyler’s Floral Elegance