They eventually became a familiar sight on red carpets again, but back in mid-2021, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s appearance marked a true comeback moment.
The Hollywood power couple made a dazzling return after the COVID-19 pandemic had forced film festivals, awards shows, and movie premieres to postpone, go virtual, or disappear entirely. Their reunion with the step-and-repeat felt like an early sign that red-carpet glamour was on its way back.
When they arrived for the premiere of Ryan’s sci-fi action-comedy Free Guy—which was released in theaters on August 13, 2021—the internet’s favorite couple looked as effortlessly smitten as ever, posing side-by-side in coordinating looks that reminded everyone exactly why they remain A-list fashion fixtures.
Earlier that month, during a special SiriusXM Town Hall with Jess Cagle, Ryan Reynolds reflected on their marriage and was asked to share something unexpected about life with Blake. His answer offered a rare, candid glimpse into their dynamic—and reminded fans of Blake’s behind-the-scenes creative influence.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds at the Free Guy premiere held at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City on August 3, 2021 (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
Ryan also reflected on Blake’s behind-the-scenes creative influence, noting that she has contributed to some of his strongest onscreen work.
He explained that she often offers sharp rewrites or ideas—efforts that, he admitted, don’t always receive the credit they deserve in an industry still shaped by bias.
He praised her as a “multi-hyphenate” talent who has strengthened everything from Deadpool to his other major films, even joking that her home-baked treats—and their undeniable chemistry—don’t hurt either.
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)
Directed by Shawn Levy, Free Guy follows Guy (Ryan Reynolds), a bank teller who discovers he’s actually a background character in an open-world video game — and decides to rewrite his role before the developers shut the game down.
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.
Stealing his 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, revealing 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 edges of the bodice to add more 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)
Celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle highlighted the actress’s beautiful features with neutral makeup, including his Exposure bronzer and Bite Beauty’s Power Move soft matte lipstick in 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 a pair of 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.
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.
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)
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.
✨ Blake Lively’s Shoe & Fashion Editorial Highlights from YourNextShoes:
- 👠 The ‘Age of Adaline’ Red-Carpet Masterclass, where she traded Louboutins for crystal-heeled Sophia Webster “Rosalind” sandals and a crimson Monique Lhuillier gown.
- 📏 Her Height, Shoe Size, and Signature Love of Sky-High Heels, detailing her 5’8½” frame and US size 9 feet, often elevated by designer stilettos.
- 👗 Showing Legs for Days in Carolina Herrera and Spiked Louboutins, pairing a tweed mini suit with metallic Christian Louboutin “Estepic” pumps.
- 📸 Showcasing Her Impressive Shoe Collection in Cannes, including a lineup of her favorite Christian Louboutin styles like “Hot Chick” and “Follies Strass” pumps.
- 🎬 Inside Her Eclectic ‘It Ends With Us’ Wardrobe, featuring Grenson Chelsea boots and viral red Tod’s platform boots from the movie set.
- 💎 Promoting ‘The Shallows’ in a Navy Monse Dress, anchored by striking, gold-spiked Christian Louboutin “Miziggoo” sandals.