21 Risky Celebrity Fashion Moments and Wardrobe Malfunctions (And the Shoes They Wore)

The red carpet is a high-stakes environment where the world’s most ambitious couture meets the unpredictability of physics. While these events are designed to showcase seamless elegance, the reality of wearing intricate garments and gravity-defying footwear often leads to moments of unexpected vulnerability.

Whether it is a seam failing under the pressure of camera flashes or a pair of sandals that simply wasn’t built for a long walk, these incidents serve as a humanizing reminder that even the most curated looks have their breaking points.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the choices made for footwear. We’ve seen Julianne Moore navigate the uncomfortable reality of ill-fitting straps at Cannes, and Britney Spears manage distracting toe overhang in Giuseppe Zanotti heels. In some cases, the engineering is so complex that it requires a team to maintain, such as Kendall Jenner’s intricate DSquared2 sandals, which demanded constant adjustments.

By looking back at these notable wardrobe and shoe malfunctions, we can better understand the technical challenges of modern fashion and the poise required to handle a public malfunction with grace.

1. Nicky Hilton’s Sheer Versace Dress and Christian Louboutin Pumps at Paris Fashion Week

This Versace shift dress featured holes and see-through cutouts throughout.

Nicky Hilton turns heads at Paris Fashion Week in a daring white Versace cut-out dress with metallic grommet accents, styled with classic white Christian Louboutin pumps for a bold yet chic statement (Credit: WENN)

At 5ft 7in (170.2 cm), Nicky Hilton elongated her already statuesque frame with white Christian Louboutin “Top Vague” pumps—but despite the leg-lengthening effect, her daring Versace mini left little to the imagination for the discerning Paris Fashion Week crowd.

A bold design choice leads to an unintended reveal as Nicky Hilton’s cut-out Versace mini dress exposes more than expected during Paris Fashion Week (Credit: WENN)

2. Hayley Atwell’s BAFTA Seam Split and Strappy Black Sandals

The British-American actress, best known for her portrayal of Peggy Carter in films and television series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ripped the side seam of her dress and didn’t notice.

Hayley Atwell exudes confidence in a curve-hugging navy dress with mesh paneling and strappy black sandals, brushing off a subtle seam mishap as she stuns on the red carpet at the EE British Academy Film Awards (Credit: WENN)

It’s too bad because we think she otherwise looked great.

Hayley Atwell experienced a subtle wardrobe malfunction when the side seam of her navy dress split open—though ever the professional, she appeared completely unfazed on the BAFTA red carpet (Credit: WENN)

3. Rita Ora’s Live Dress Tear on The Xtra Factor

If Hayley appeared to brush off her wardrobe mishap, Rita Ora barely skipped a beat—handling hers live on-air with the kind of composure only a seasoned performer can pull off.

Rita Ora gracefully handles an unexpected dress tear during a live broadcast of ‘The Xtra Factor’ (Credit: WENN)

She tore the front of her gauzy dress right in the middle of the broadcast of her show.

Rita Ora suffers a wardrobe mishap as her sheer embellished gown tears mid-broadcast on The Xtra Factor, but she handles the fashion emergency with poise and a quick recovery (Credit: WENN)

4. Behati Prinsloo’s Calvin Klein Gown Slip and Strappy Heels

The Victoria’s Secret model was busy smiling at the photographers when she noticed something amiss – her flimsy dress inching its way down and slowly exposing a boob.

Behati Prinsloo radiates elegance in a slinky nude Calvin Klein gown at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, gracefully averting a potential wardrobe malfunction with a quick adjustment and a confident smile (Credit: WENN)

Luckily, Behati caught the slip just in time, saving the red carpet from turning into a full-blown nipple debut.

Model Behati Prinsloo shares a laugh with husband Adam Levine after narrowly dodging a nip slip in her slinky Calvin Klein gown at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills (Credit: WENN)

The wife of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo, wore an archival pale pink silk gown from Calvin Klein Collection, designed by Women’s Creative Director Francisco Costa, pairing it with Norman Silverman Diamonds and strappy heels that further elongated her 5 feet 10½ inches (179.1 cm) frame.

Behati Prinsloo was busy smiling at the photographers when she noticed something amiss (Credit: WENN)

5. Diane Kruger’s Dolce & Gabbana Mini and Jimmy Choo “Minny” Sandals at Cannes

The Troy actress learned that you shouldn’t sit on a high ledge with a tight minidress, especially when rocking a thigh gap.

Diane Kruger looked picture-perfect in her embroidered Dolce & Gabbana mini at Cannes—until the photo call turned into a balancing act, thanks to a skirt that clearly wasn’t made for sitting pretty (Credit: WENN)

Diane Kruger boosted her 5ft 5½ inches (166.4 cm) height in a Dolce & Gabbana Double Crepe Rose Sequin Embroidered A-line short dress, paired with leg-lengthening Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals. This effortlessly elegant look still made her a red carpet winner.

Diane Kruger stuns in a powder blue Dolce & Gabbana mini dress adorned with floral sequin embroidery, pairing it with nude Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals that lengthen her 5ft 5½ (166.4 cm) frame as she strikes a playful pose at the Cannes Film Festival (Credit: WENN)

6. Kim Kardashian’s Sheer Givenchy Look and Matilda Sandals at the LACMA Gala

Wearing this sheer lace ensemble without a slip underneath, Kim Kardashian made a daring style choice in Givenchy’s Spring 2016 collection. The pregnant star paired the look with a beige La Perla Underwire Triangle Bra, Givenchy Matilda Lizard Sandals, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry—heels that added extra height to her 5ft 2in (157.5 cm) frame.

While undeniably attention-grabbing, the see-through design divided critics, with some calling it fearless and others finding it more cringe than couture.

Kim Kardashian turns heads at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in a sheer black lace ensemble layered over a bodysuit, making one of her boldest maternity fashion statements to date (Credit: WENN)

7. Lady Victoria Hervey’s Windblown Cannes Gown and High-Slit Risk

When you have not one but two pelvis-high slits on your dress, you’re bound to experience the same mishap Lady Victoria Hervey experienced at the 68th Cannes Film Festival.

The model and member of the British nobility fought against the wind to stop indecent exposure, to no avail.

Lady Victoria Hervey bravely battles the breeze in a daring double-slit gown at the Cannes Film Festival, turning heads and narrowly avoiding a full-on fashion fiasco on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)

8. Cara Delevingne’s Burberry Mini and Cage-Heel Sandals at the Pan Premiere

It should be a basic rule for minidress wearers not to bend over. Some butt cheeks might be having a paparazzi moment. Or at the very least, Cara should have worn a different pair of underwear.

Cara Delevingne turns heads at the Pan premiere in a feathered mini dress with sheer panels—though one gust of wind nearly turned the red carpet into a cheeky catwalk surprise (Credit: WENN)

The British supermodel wore a black fringe Burberry mini dress and matching cage-heel sandals.

Cara Delevingne gave fans a little more than an autograph when she bent over in her feathered mini dress—proving that even supermodels aren’t immune to red carpet slip-ups (Credit: WENN)

9. Jennifer Lawrence’s Dior Gown Adjustment and Red Carpet Movement Challenges

The Mockingjay actress is no stranger to wardrobe malfunctions and mishaps. This year, she was spotted at the world premiere of her latest film, bending over and fixing the hem of her dress.

Jennifer Lawrence stuns in a deep-plunge custom Dior gown at the world premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 at Cinestar in Berlin, Germany, on November 4, 2015—though all eyes weren’t necessarily on her dress (Credit: WENN)

It looked like it was either constantly getting stuck in her shoes or her co-stars used it like a carpet.

Jennifer Lawrence proves once again she’s the queen of keeping it real—swiftly wrangling her Dior gown’s hem (and neckline!) like a red carpet pro at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 premiere (Credit: WENN)

10. Katie Holmes’s Tight Denim Dress and Flat Thong Sandals on Set

Thankfully, the popular actress wore this dreadful, tight-fitting, acid-washed denim dress for a movie.

She wore a Topshop Archive Debbie Zip Front Denim Dress, but let’s hope this bold throwback moment stays on set—because between the snug fit and the flash risk, sitting down turns it into a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.

Katie Holmes turns heads on the set of All We Had in a strapless zip-up acid-wash denim mini dress, styled with a bright orange shoulder bag and laid-back tan thong sandals for an edgy, offbeat street look (Credit: WENN)

11. Bella Hadid’s Alexandre Vauthier Gown and Giuseppe Zanotti Heels at Cannes

As a model, Bella Hadid has no qualms about baring it all, so seeing her in revealing clothes is no longer surprising.

Bella Hadid commands the Cannes red carpet in a sultry scarlet gown from Alexandre Vauthier’s Spring 2016 Couture collection, accessorized with De Grisogono Gocce earrings and strappy Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals—masterfully balancing glamour and risk with every step (Credit: WENN)

However, at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, Bella showed a little more than she bargained for. The model struggled to keep her silky red Alexandre Vauthier gown in place to avoid a nip slip.

Standing at 5ft 8in (172.7 cm), the supermodel elongated her statuesque frame even further with sleek black Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

Bella Hadid keeps her cool while subtly adjusting her daring Alexandre Vauthier gown at Cannes—narrowly avoiding a red carpet nip slip with the poise of a runway pro (Credit: WENN)

Although she was able to save herself from exposing her nips, she seemed to have forgotten about her underwear. As she ascended the Palais des Festivals, Bella accidentally exposed her undergarment and gave onlookers a peek at her pubic hair.

Bella Hadid’s daring red Alexandre Vauthier gown revealed more than expected as she ascended the Cannes stairs, resulting in an unintentional flash that left little to the imagination (Credit: WENN)

12. Margot Robbie’s Unzipped Miu Miu Gown and Bally Metallic Sandals at The Legend of Tarzan Premiere

Thanks to her The Legend of Tarzan co-star Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie quickly recovered from a minor wardrobe malfunction.

Margot Robbie stuns in a sheer panel embroidered gown at The Legend of Tarzan premiere, gracefully recovering from a subtle wardrobe malfunction with help, never letting it distract from her red carpet poise (Credit: WENN)

At the red carpet premiere of their 2016 adventure movie, Margot bent over to fix her shoes when her sheer embroidered Miu Miu gown came unzipped.

Margot Robbie bends down to adjust her Bally metallic “Eren” ankle-strap sandals at The Legend of Tarzan premiere, accidentally causing her intricately embroidered gown to unzip (Credit: WENN)

Luckily, her new wardrobe assistant, Alexander Skarsgård, came to the rescue and helped her fix her dress. She completed the look with Messika Legend Collection Maya earrings and ring, plus a Jen Atkin x Chloe + Isabel Smooth Crescent hair comb—effortlessly mixing high fashion with a touch of real-girl relatability.

Alexander Skarsgård comes to the rescue as Margot Robbie adjusts her embroidered gown on the red carpet at The Legend of Tarzan premiere—proving that even Hollywood royalty can use a little backup when fashion drama strikes (Credit: WENN)

13. Stella Maxwell’s Wrap Dress Slip and Black Ankle Boots at the LOVE Party

The Victoria’s Secret Angel must have had a busy fashion week, so she forgot to secure her revealing wrap dress with fashion tape.

Stella Maxwell turns heads at the LOVE Magazine party in a boldly printed wrap dress with daring slits and a plunging neckline, pairing the revealing look with sleek black ankle boots—though a sudden nip slip nearly stole the spotlight(Credit: WENN)

While heading to the LOVE Magazine party in celebration of London Fashion Week, Stella suffered from an embarrassing nip slip in a colorful wrap dress with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit.

Despite accidentally exposing her breast, just like a professional model, she remained unfazed by the nip slip incident.

Stella Maxwell suffers a wardrobe malfunction at the LOVE Magazine party, accidentally revealing a bit more than intended after skipping fashion tape on her ultra-plunging wrap dress (Credit: WENN)

14. Christina Milian’s Sheer Pedram Couture Gown and Flash-Revealing Fabric Risk

The singer attended the Live by Night premiere in London wearing a glittery sheer gown by Pedram Couture. While the dress showcased her figure, the bright camera flashes made the gown more revealing than intended, subtly exposing her chest.

Christina Milian dazzles in a shimmering sheer gown at the Live by Night premiere, though the camera flashes revealed a bit more than planned, proving that even head-turning glamour comes with its fashion risks (Credit: WENN)

But what made the scene more embarrassing was her shapewear. Instead of skin-toned Spanx panties, she wore white ones, visible beneath her flimsy dress.

Christina, seemingly unaware of the fashion mishap, smiled confidently for the cameras, reminding us that poise can outshine any wardrobe slip.

Christina Milian beams on the red carpet at the Live by Night premiere, seemingly unaware that her glittering gown turned see-through under the flashbulbs (Credit: WENN)

15. Emily Ratajkowski’s Leg-Baring Reem Acra Gown and High-Slit Styling Risk

The American model loves getting attention, and she proved to be a certified scene-stealer at the 2017 Golden Globes.

While Lady Victoria Hervey tried to fight against the wind to prevent an indecent mishap, Emily, who wore a similar cleavage and leg-baring gown, looked like she purposely flashed her nude underwear.

Emily Ratajkowski turns heads in a daring Reem Acra gold halter gown with a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit at the Golden Globes After Party (Credit: WENN)

While posing on the red carpet, Emily Ratajkowski wore a bold Reem Acra Fall 2016 gown with H.Stern Stars earrings and shimmering Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals.

A dramatic flip of the flowing yellow dress revealed her toned legs—and briefly, her knickers—making for one of the evening’s most daring fashion moments.

Emily Ratajkowski dramatically lifting her mustard-yellow satin gown with a daring high slit and embellished neckline to reveal her toned legs (Credit: WENN)

16. Dianna Agron’s Plunging Johanna Ortiz Gown and Low-Cut Fit Challenges

The former Glee star attended the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Gala in London wearing a revealing Johanna Ortiz gown, paired with a sleek Hunting Season clutch, vintage-inspired Annina Vogel jewels, and classic Christian Louboutin heels, which added a refined touch to the daring ensemble.

Dianna Agron turns heads in a plunging Johanna Ortiz gown cinched with a statement bow while attending the Alexander McQueen Gala (Credit: WENN)

However, the celebration turned into a fashion disaster when the actress suffered a major wardrobe malfunction.

She surely wasn’t happy after her Johanna Ortiz gown revealed more than intended. Dianna Agron suffered a major nip slip in the elegant floor-length black dress, which featured a dangerously low plunging neckline that slipped past the line of tasteful cleavage.

This fashion mishap is a reminder that with daring cuts, it’s crucial to double-check fit and secure everything in place, especially when the flashbulbs start popping.

Dianna Agron accidentally suffered a nip slip in a navy and black Johanna Ortiz low-cut gown (Credit: WENN)

17. Ashley Tisdale’s Gel Petals Mishap and Strapless Styling Risks at the Mother’s Day Premiere

The High School Musical star ignored her stylist’s advice not to wear gel pasties under her revealing black top. The result? A slightly embarrassing fashion mishap.

Ashley Tisdale attended the premiere of the 2016 rom-com Mother’s Day in edgy monochrome style, wearing an IRO Ashville leather jacket in noir over a sheer black top, paired with sleek black trousers, a statement black choker, and an Inge Christopher Stella foldover clutch that added a touch of evening elegance to her look.

While she probably thought she looked fierce, the photographers’ flashes reflected off her nipple pasties, revealing that she went braless for the occasion.

Ashley Tisdale turns heads at the Mother’s Day premiere in a sheer black top that reveals her gel pasties, pairing the bold look with flared trousers, strappy heels, an IRO Ashville leather jacket, and an Inge Christopher Stella foldover clutch (Credit: WENN)

“I literally saw the pictures on Twitter start coming up, and I literally started laughing. I was like, ‘Of course this would happen to me!’ Like, of course. But it’s just one of those things that you have to laugh at. It’s so ridiculous,” she told Yahoo! TV.

She added, “I mean my stylist said, ‘Do not wear those. You will see them. It was an option in the bag, though. I was like, ‘Oh, it’s an option. Maybe they felt like I could.’ But no!”

Ashley Tisdale makes a bold style choice at the Mother’s Day premiere, opting for gel petal pasties under a sheer top, proving sometimes the riskiest fashion moments happen when you skip your stylist’s advice (Credit: WENN)

18. Halsey’s Sheer Jumpsuit and Illusion Fabric Challenges at the MTV Video Music Awards

Never one to shy away from skin-baring outfits, the daring singer-songwriter decided to bare it all in a bedazzled jumpsuit at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Beyoncé in a feathered Francesco Scognamiglio gown adorned with emerald Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, Nicki Minaj in a cobalt blue Bao Tranchi cutout gown complemented by Harry Kotlar diamond earrings, Britney Spears in a revealing Julien Macdonald dress paired with Christian Louboutin pumps, Hailee Steinfeld in a colorful Balmain mini dress styled with gold Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Darcie’ sandals, and Blue Ivy Carter in a Mischka Aoki ‘Grand Royalle’ dress and pink Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Dolly’ sneakers.

While Ashley Tisdale had some nipple pasties on, Halsey opted to go braless underneath her bedazzled striped see-through outfit. Her boobs were put on display in front of the photographers at Madison Square Garden.

Halsey confidently turns heads at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards in a sheer, embellished Yousef Al-Jasmi jumpsuit featuring a halter neckline and nude illusion lining, paired with bold plum lips and silver accessories (Credit: WENN)

Although she appeared to go commando, Halsey wore a barely-there nude thong beneath the sheer jumpsuit, paired with glittering Stuart Weitzman heels that subtly elongated her petite 5ft 3½ (161.3 cm) frame.

Halsey dared to bare in a sheer, crystal-embellished Yousef Al-Jasmi jumpsuit at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, pairing the bold look with a nude thong and shimmering Stuart Weitzman heels that accentuated her confident, fashion-forward presence(Credit: WENN)

19. Hailee Steinfeld’s Ripped Ralph & Russo Gown and Seam Stress at the Oscars

The Edge of Seventeen actress showed us how to gracefully handle a minor wardrobe malfunction after a seam in her custom Ralph & Russo gown ripped.

Hailee Steinfeld managed to keep her poise while posing for photographers at the 2017 Oscars red carpet. Fortunately, her hand-painted dress looked elaborate enough to divert attention from the slight mishap.

Hailee Steinfeld stuns in a hand-painted Ralph & Russo gown featuring sheer floral appliqué and scalloped detailing, gracefully handling a seam rip with poise on the Oscars red carpet (Credit: WENN)

Although the damage was barely visible from a distance, Hailee Steinfeld later admitted it was far from minor. As she told People, “The tear was getting bigger and bigger… anytime anyone stepped on the train, it would just rip more and more… I was awkwardly holding my hand to try and hide it.”

Hailee Steinfeld radiates elegance in a sheer Ralph & Russo gown with metallic floral appliqués, unfazed by a subtle seam tear on the Oscars red carpet (Credit: WENN)

20. Lily-Rose Depp’s Chanel Near-Slip and Strapless Red Carpet Balance at The King Premiere

Lily-Rose Depp narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction at the October 2019 premiere of the historical drama The King.

Lily-Rose Depp exudes refined elegance in a ruffled white halter top and flowing black skirt by Chanel, expertly dodging a wardrobe mishap with poise at The King premiere (Credit: WENN)

A sudden breeze nearly caused a wardrobe malfunction as her semi-sheer, ruffled Chanel top shifted unexpectedly. Fortunately, she reacted swiftly, using her hand to secure the look and gracefully avoid a potential nip slip.

Lily-Rose Depp quickly adjusts her ruffled Chanel top to prevent a wardrobe malfunction (Credit: WENN)

21. Charli XCX’s Dress Slip Mid-Presentation at the ARIA Awards

Suffering a wardrobe malfunction while presenting at the ARIA Awards during a virtual ceremony in November 2021, her dress straight-up fell off. It made clear that Charli XCX should have thought twice before deciding to go braless.

Charli XCX suffers a wardrobe mishap while presenting at the ARIA Awards, but handles it with humor and confidence, laughing off the slip with ease (Credit: Charli XCX’s Instagram)

“And the ARIA goes to The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber for ‘Stay.’ Well done, congratulations,” Charli said before exposing her breast as one of the spaghetti straps slid off her shoulder.

The boob-baring moment was edited out of the stream, but the British “Boom Clap” hitmaker later shared the censored version on Instagram.

Some of these fashion mishaps and wardrobe malfunctions aren’t too bad, but others just made us cringe.

More Red Carpet Fashion Fails That Put Shoes, Styling, and Split-Second Recovery to the Test

As these moments show, a wardrobe malfunction is rarely just about one dress slipping out of place. More often, it is the result of everything happening at once: precarious heels, barely-there straps, unforgiving fabrics, dramatic slits, and the pressure of moving gracefully under intense public scrutiny.

For a more shoe-focused look at how celebrities handled similar fashion mishaps, explore these Your Next Shoes stories that connect red carpet drama with the footwear choices that helped shape it.