From Lace Minis to Platform Creepers: Charli XCX’s Style Evolution Through Her Most Daring Shoe Moments

Charli XCX has never played it safe with fashion—and looking back at her style across different eras proves just how boldly she evolves.

From lace-laden red-carpet drama to asymmetrical sparkle and her early love of platform creepers, these three standout moments show how her fashion instincts have always matched her fearless pop persona.

1. 2021 MTV VMAs: Sheer Lace Drama & Christian Louboutin Pumps

While not nominated for any awards, Charli XCX was asked to present an award at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards in New York.

Charli XCX commands the 2021 MTV VMAs red carpet in a sheer black lace mini dress styled with sleek black Christian Louboutin pumps at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center in New York City on September 12, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

The British superstar did not leave much to the imagination in a sheer black lace look and black pointy Christian Louboutin pumps.

Charli XCX reveals the intricate lace-up detailing of her daring dress as she steps into her car, highlighting the signature red soles of her Christian Louboutin heels (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Made from handmade wilt textile with hand-sewn upcycled lace, her custom dress is from Taiwanese knitwear designer Shawna Wu.

Charli XCX turns heads at the 2021 MTV VMAs in a daring sheer black lace mini dress that perfectly channels her boundary-pushing pop persona (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

2. 2021 Fashion Media Awards: Sparkling Stella McCartney Cut-Out Dress & Sleek Black Pumps

A few days before the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, Charli’s Stella McCartney look leaned into asymmetry and sparkle, offering a reminder that few artists embrace directional silhouettes with as much confidence as she does.

Charli XCX pairs her sparkling Stella McCartney cut-out mini dress with sleek black pointed-toe pumps at The Daily Front Row’s 2021 Fashion Media Awards on September 9, 2021, in New York City (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Jumping back a few years, Charli embraced a quirkier, more relaxed silhouette during her 2017 SESAC appearance.

3. 2017 SESAC Pop Awards: Pinstriped Pajama Set & Stella McCartney “Elyse” Star Creepers

Charli XCX holding her Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year awards that she won at the 2017 SESAC Pop Awards at Cipriani in New York City on April 13, 2017 (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

In April 2017, Charli XCX marked a major career milestone, taking home “Songwriter of the Year” at the SESAC Pop Awards along with “Song of the Year” for “Same Old Love,” the Selena Gomez–recorded hit she co-wrote.

Charli XCX made her commercial breakthrough in early 2014 when she featured on Iggy Azalea’s single “Fancy” (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

We know Charli XCX has a penchant for outrageous red carpet fashion, so her pinstriped pajama set, comprised of a portrait-collared wrap top and cuffed wide-leg bottoms, was a good fit for her colorful persona.

Charli XCX was honored with the Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year wins at the 2017 SESAC Pop Music Awards (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

The “Boom Clap” singer picked a pair of silver-and-white “Elyse” platform oxford creepers from British designer Stella McCartney.

Her shoes are decorated with star cut-outs. She completed her look with a pair of burnt orange sunglasses, mismatched dangling earrings, and bright red lips.

Charli XCX wore a pinstriped pajama set with burnt orange sunglasses and mismatched dangling earrings (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

The only noticeable detail was that the lightweight fabric had developed a few natural wrinkles by the time she posed with her awards.

Charli XCX shows off her playful edge in a pinstriped pajama-inspired set and Stella McCartney platform creepers while posing with her SESAC Pop Awards medals

It was in 2014 when we first spotted the Stella McCartney platform creepers on Jessie J, and nearly three years later, they were still going strong.

After numerous reiterations, these shoes have been spotted on celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Kourtney Kardashian, Lily Collins, and Oscar-winning Viola Davis.

Charli XCX’s Stella McCartney “Elyse” star-cutout platform oxford creepers peeking out from the cuffed hem of her pinstriped wide-leg pants

You can shop the exact Stella McCartney “Elyse” platform oxford creepers with star cutouts at Farfetch.

Stella McCartney “Elyse” Star-Cutout Platform Oxford Creepers in Indium/ White, $770 to $1,100

Charli XCX’s Most Iconic Footwear Moments: A Curated Style Capsule

Before we wrap, it’s worth remembering that Charli’s bold shoe game didn’t start—or end—with these three looks. Her style archive is packed with even more fearless footwear moments that showcase just how adventurous she’s always been.