We were totally enchanted with Emma Watson in that Oscar de la Renta gown, but now we’re just kind of “eh” with her in Balmain.
Emma Watson stepped out in a dazzling one-sleeve silver Balmain dress for The Late Show with David Letterman, but did the look truly shine? While the dress itself made a bold statement, her choice of footwear—a pair of Christian Louboutin wedges noticeably too big—left us wondering if the styling was an afterthought.
Emma Watson pulls her hair back as she arrives at the Ed Sullivan Theater for an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” held July 11, 2011, in New York City (Credit: HRC / WENN)
Standing at 5 feet 4 and 3/4 inches (Emma Watson’s official height), the actress has showcased numerous stunning looks throughout the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 premieres.
Okay, so Emma Watson herself is still as cute as a button. How adorable is it that she modeled both her dress’s sleeved and un-sleeved sides?
Emma Watson dazzles in a Balmain one-sleeved sparkly silver dress during her appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman
But Emma’s cuteness still isn’t enough to save that dress. The way she modeled it emphasizes its one-sleeve design, which is often confused with one-shoulder dresses.
A one-shoulder dress can be sleeveless or have a single sleeve, whereas a one-sleeve dress has only one sleeve covering one arm, leaving the other completely bare. While one-sleeve dresses can be chic, this Balmain Fall 2011 dress appears somewhat unfinished, as if the left sleeve were accidentally torn off.
Emma Watson styled her sparkly silver one-sleeve Balmain dress with black patent Christian Louboutin Coroclic wedge pumps, a sleek pulled-back hairstyle, and minimal accessories for a modern, edgy look
However, while we did love Emma’s Christian Louboutin Coroclic wedges, they didn’t match the rest of the ensemble.
A case of last-minute styling, perhaps? Perhaps Emma’s stylist intended a different shoe choice but had to settle for the oversized Louboutins at the last minute. We’re really hoping this pairing wasn’t intentional. What’s your opinion?
Emma Watson’s black patent Christian Louboutin Coroclic wedge pumps appear noticeably too large, with a visible gap at the heel and excess space around her feet
Emma Watson’s Love for Christian Louboutin Shoes
Emma Watson has consistently showcased her affinity for Christian Louboutin footwear, complementing her elegant ensembles with the brand’s iconic designs. At the Berlin premiere of Noah, she graced the red carpet in a navy Wes Gordon gown paired with classic black Louboutin heels, exuding timeless sophistication.
Similarly, during an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, Emma donned a chic Saint Laurent suit, accentuated by the sleek ‘Apostrophy Sling’ pumps from Louboutin, highlighting her penchant for blending modernity with classic elegance. These instances underscore her impeccable taste and the seamless integration of Louboutin’s designs into her wardrobe.
Emma Watson boosts her height by wearing black patent “Coroclic” cork wedge pumps
While Emma Watson’s take on the one-sleeve dress may be divisive, she isn’t the only celebrity to embrace this trend—Kim Kardashian, for example, has championed this style for years.
Kim Kardashian’s One-Sleeve Dress Trend: Style Evolution Through the Years
Maybe we’ve just gotten so used to seeing Brian Lichtenberg’s one-sleeved dresses that this Balmain dress suddenly looks odd in comparison. Do you agree?
While we’re discussing one-sleeve dresses, let’s take a short trip down memory lane and count the number of times Kim Kardashian wore a one-sleeve dress in 2009:
#1: Kim Kardashian, showcasing her unique style in a one-sleeve dress, at the Jill Stuart Spring 2010 Fashion Show, New York Public Library, September 14, 2009 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
#2: Elegant in a one-sleeve ensemble, Kim Kardashian graces the Baby Phat Fashion Show, Roseland Ballroom, September 15, 2009 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
#3: Kim Kardashian dazzles in a one-sleeve gown at the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, September 20, 2009 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
#4: Captivating in a chic one-sleeve dress, Kim Kardashian en route to ‘The Late Show with David Letterman,’ October 1, 2009 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
#5: Celebrating her 29th birthday in style, Kim Kardashian attends the ‘Lamar Odom Launches Rich Soil At Kitson’ event, donning a fashionable one-sleeve dress, October 21, 2009 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
I thought that was the end of it, but apparently, Kim Kardashian also tried to make one-sleeve dresses happen in 2010.
Here are more pictures of Kim Kardashian wearing one-sleeve dresses. And this time, she added shoulder pads:
Kim Kardashian in a trendy one-sleeve dress with shoulder pads, at the Mel B’s Sugar Factory Couture Lollipop launch, Guys and Dolls Lounge, LA, January 19, 2010 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
Sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, both in chic one-sleeve dresses, at the seventh-anniversary party of ‘Vegas Magazine,’ Surrender Nightclub, Las Vegas, June 19, 2010 (Credit: Flashpoint / Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / Apega / Judy Eddy / WENN)
The one-sleeve dress continues to be a popular choice among celebrities, as seen with Emma Watson’s Balmain ensemble. Similarly, both Kylie Minogue and Melissa Benoist have embraced this trend, each bringing their unique flair to the style.
Kylie’s blush-pink Ralph & Russo dress, paired with nude-tone heels, exuded elegance at a Paris fashion show, while Melissa’s pink Solace London midi dress, complemented by blush velvet sandals, showcased her chic aesthetic at a New York premiere. These instances highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of the one-sleeve design in contemporary fashion.