Drew Barrymore Redefines Glamour in Sequined Lanvin as She Embraces Comfort Over Painful Heels

At just 5 ft 3 in (160 cm), Drew Barrymore has long relied on heels to elongate her petite frame—though she’s the first to admit that stilettos have never been her comfort zone. Still, the actress-turned-talk-show-host dazzled on the red carpet at the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, held at the Washington Hilton, wearing a dramatic sequined cape dress by Lanvin.

Known to wear a US shoe size 8, Drew has openly confessed she’s “out of the sexy-pump league” after years of preferring comfort over pain. “I could never walk around New York in heels,” she told Footwear News, adding that she now gravitates toward brands like Crocs, Fiorentini + Baker, and Stuart Weitzman—designers who balance ease and elegance.

Drew Barrymore in a sequined Lanvin cape dress at the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 30, 2022, in Washington, DC — her floor-grazing gown obscured the high heels she wore underneath (Credit: Rod Lamkey / CNP / Startraksphoto)

Drew Barrymore Redefines Glamour and Authenticity in Sequined Lanvin

Even so, her sequined Lanvin gown proved that glamour doesn’t depend on sky-high stilettos. The floor-length design completely concealed her footwear, allowing the spotlight to rest on her sparkling confidence and signature authenticity instead.

She swept her hair into a sleek, low style that highlighted her sculptural Belperron earrings, cinching her sequined Lanvin cape dress with a thin black belt to define the waist. A silver Roger Vivier clutch provided the perfect touch of modern polish, balancing the gown’s vintage-Hollywood shimmer.

Over the years, Barrymore has gracefully evolved from beloved actress to one of daytime television’s most authentic and relatable voices. Since launching The Drew Barrymore Show in 2020, she’s infused every interview and lifestyle segment with the same warmth, humor, and optimism that have long defined her red-carpet presence—proving that charm and confidence, not high heels, are her ultimate accessories.

Drew Barrymore exudes refined glamour in a sequined Lanvin cape dress, styled with sculptural Belperron jewelry and a sleek silver Roger Vivier clutch at the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Dinner (Credit: Rod Lamkey / CNP / Startraksphoto)

Just a few days later, Barrymore traded presidential polish for springtime romance as she stepped out in New York City for another major appearance — Variety’s annual Power of Women celebration.

Drew Barrymore Radiates in a Breezy Floral Giambattista Valli Gown at Variety’s Power of Women Event

For the 2022 Variety Power of Women celebration in New York City, Drew Barrymore embodied effortless spring elegance in a green-and-pink floral silk maxi dress by Giambattista Valli and glossy red Amina Muaddi PVC pointed-toe pumps.

The floaty silhouette, paired with bubblegum-pink pumps and her signature easy charm, captured the actress’s warm, authentic approach to red-carpet style. With loose waves and soft glam, Barrymore proved that florals—groundbreaking or not—never go out of style when worn with this much joy.

Drew Barrymore in a floral Giambattista Valli dress crafted of silk with flowy drape sleeves for Variety’s 2022 Power Of Women event held at The Glasshouse on May 5, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto / John Nacion)

A few months earlier, Barrymore had brought her signature exuberance to another New York City stage — turning heads at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards in a radiant burst of yellow.

Drew Barrymore Is the Belle of the Ball at the 2021 CFDA Awards in a Highlighter-Hued Gown

Channeling pure sunshine, Drew Barrymore brought joy to the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City in a voluminous canary-yellow tulle gown by Christian Siriano.

With its dramatic puff sleeves and cascading tiers, the look radiated whimsical glamour. Keeping her hair swept back and accessories minimal, Barrymore let the bold color and airy silhouette take center stage—a playful yet elegant nod to her free-spirited fashion legacy.

Drew Barrymore and the designer of her canary yellow tulle gown, Christian Siriano, at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards held at The Grill Room on November 10, 2021, in New York City (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Drew Barrymore’s Timeless Approach to Red-Carpet Fashion

From bold Lanvin sequins at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to her radiant Giambattista Valli florals and a sunshine-bright Christian Siriano gown, Drew Barrymore continues to prove that authenticity and joy never go out of style. Her looks consistently balance whimsy with confidence — a reflection of her creative spirit both on screen and as a talk-show host who celebrates individuality in every form.

Whether she’s embracing full glamour or playful vintage nods, Barrymore’s fashion choices remind us that true style is rooted in personality, not perfection.