Charlize Theron’s Dior Architectural Sandals: A Masterclass in Red Carpet Contrast

Charlize Theron has long mastered the art of the monochromatic red carpet, but her reliance on black is rarely synonymous with “basic.” Known for balancing high-fashion risks with classic silhouettes, the Oscar winner has built a style legacy on making avant-garde textures feel wearable.

A prime example of this sartorial daring occurred at the 31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 2, 2020. Arriving at the Palm Springs Convention Center in California, the longtime Dior ambassador used her first appearance of the decade to showcase how unexpected layering—and the right pair of architectural sandals—can transform a traditional tweed ensemble.

Her Pre-Fall 2020 outfit looks kind of odd yet interesting, with raw-cut fishnet long sleeves and a turtleneck layered under the strapless, belted peplum top. The herringbone-patterned tweed dress also features a 1940’s silhouette with a fitted pencil skirt.

Charlize managed to pull off this look effortlessly. Without the fishnet detail, the dress would look too formal and boring.

Charlize Theron arrives at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in a Dior herringbone tweed pencil dress layered over sheer fishnet, finished with minimalist black ankle-strap heels that ground the textured look at the 2020 Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala on January 2, 2020, in Palm Springs, California (Credit: Instar / WENN)

To elevate the look, Charlize had her trusted glam squad work their magic.

Makeup artist Kate Lee accentuated her features with darkened eyebrows, mascara, light pink eyeshadow, and pink lipstick. Hairstylist Adir Abergel swept Charlize’s platinum blonde pixie on one side with a sleek finish.

Like Jennifer Lopez, who received the Spotlight award at the event, Charlize also asked nail artist Tom Bachik to do her nails.

A close-up highlights Charlize Theron’s sleek platinum pixie and vivid pink lip, perfectly offsetting the dress’s unexpected fishnet neckline

Her stylist, Leslie Fremar, further glammed up her look with jewelry from Delfina Delettrez and Fernando Jorge.

To complete the ensemble, she slipped into a pair of black satin sandals by Dior. The footwear choice anchored the dress’s busy textures with clean, sophisticated lines, featuring slender double ankle straps, thick straps across the toes, and a four-inch heel.

The focus shifts to her black satin sandals, where slim double ankle straps and a slender stiletto add clean architectural balance to the busy tweed ensemble

Following her red-carpet appearance, Charlize received the International Star Award presented by her Bombshell director Jay Roach.

At the time, the appearance served as a precursor to the 77th Golden Globe Awards, where she was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture.

Charlize Theron’s Enduring Shoe Style: From Red Carpets to Off-Duty Cool

From sculptural Dior sandals on the awards circuit to relaxed sneakers and statement slides off duty, Charlize Theron’s footwear choices consistently reinforce her reputation for fearless yet wearable style.

Whether anchoring complex textures with minimalist heels or embracing bold proportions that complement her statuesque frame, her shoe wardrobe offers a masterclass in modern elegance—one that continues to evolve with every appearance.