Hailee Steinfeld’s Shoe Evolution: From Gothic Mesh Booties to Architectural Stilettos

From her early days as a breakout star to her current status as a front-row fixture, Hailee Steinfeld has mastered the art of the “high-low” silhouette.

Whether she is leaning into avant-garde proportions or classic Hollywood glamour, her sartorial evolution is consistently anchored by a sharp eye for footwear that bridges the gap between edgy experimentation and timeless elegance.

Footwear as Counterbalance: Jimmy Choo Anouk Pumps Ground an Oversized Lanvin Look (2020)

During a February 2020 visit to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, the actress showcased a masterclass in proportions, pairing an oversized Lanvin sleeve jacket with asymmetric wide-leg jeans and a structured cotton twill bib top.

Following her performance of “Wrong Direction” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Steinfeld demonstrated how the right pair of shoes can ground an avant-garde silhouette. She completed the ensemble with jewelry from Nouvel Heritage and classic Jimmy Choo Anouk pumps—a stiletto known for its sharp, clean lines, providing a necessary contrast to oversized denim.

Hailee Steinfeld wearing Lanvin oversized asymmetric wide-leg jeans after her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City on February 24, 2020 (Credit: Tom Jaeger / Future Image / Patrick Hoffmann / WENN / Sheri Determan / Instar)

She had just finished taping her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where the actress/singer hit the stage to perform her ballad “Wrong Direction.”

“I performed ‘Wrong Direction‘ for the first time tonight on @colbertlateshow,” Hailee wrote on Twitter after the performance. “I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it was…the second I started singing, I felt like my heart stopped. Hurt so good.”

Red-Carpet Fluidity: Jimmy Choo Dochas Sandals at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Earlier that month, Hailee rocked a sparkling Prada slip dress, Dochas sandals, and a Ciggy clutch from Jimmy Choo, along with Anita Ko jewelry, at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd Oscars.

Hailee Steinfeld attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in a shimmering Prada slip dress, pairing the fluid silhouette with delicate Jimmy Choo Dochas sandals for an ethereal, red-carpet finish on February 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California

Hailee isn’t the only star obsessed with the Dochas. Dua Lipa also wore Jimmy Choo Dochas sandals with a Christopher Kane dress from the Fall 2019 collection at the 2019 BRIT Awards.

A close-up highlights Hailee Steinfeld’s silver Jimmy Choo Dochas sandals, whose slim straps and subtle sparkle complement the beaded fringe hem of her Prada gown

While Steinfeld’s recent choices lean toward architectural Lanvin and sleek Jimmy Choo, her penchant for daring footwear was evident much earlier in her career.

Looking back at her 2013 press tour for Ender’s Game, it’s clear she has always used statement boots to define her look.

Early Gothic Edge: Bionda Castana “Belen” Booties at the Ender’s Game Berlin Photocall (2013)

In October 2013, Hailee Steinfeld flaunted her legs at the photocall for her latest movie, “Ender’s Game,” held at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. The young actress once again showcased her impeccable red carpet style.

Hailee Steinfeld attends a photocall for her new movie “Ender’s Game” held at Hotel Adlon in Berlin, Germany, on October 6, 2013

She looked both gothic and edgy in an Erdem Pre-Fall 2014 sheer dress featuring black-and-white floral appliques, a lace collar, and a velvet waistband.

She added more gothic vibes to her outfit with kohl-rimmed eyes, a nude lip, and black mesh boots.

Hailee Steinfeld attends an early red carpet appearance in a black-and-white lace dress, grounding the youthful silhouette with sleek black ankle booties for a subtly gothic finish

At the time, just 16 years old, Hailee already knew how to put together incredibly stylish looks even when dressing maturely.

A close-up spotlights Hailee Steinfeld’s black suede-and-mesh platform ankle booties, featuring sculptural panels and a high heel that add edge to her otherwise classic look

For the photocall, she opted for her Bionda Castana “Belen” booties featuring dramatic black mesh with black suede panels. They have a back zipper, 4.5-inch heels, and about a half-inch platform as well.

A dramatic black suede and mesh Bionda Castana “Belen” ankle bootie featuring graphic cutout panels, a concealed platform, and a sky-high stiletto heel for a bold, architectural finish

From Statement Boots to Sleek Stilettos: Hailee Steinfeld’s Footwear-Driven Style Evolution

From sharp stilettos that ground oversized silhouettes to statement boots that signal confidence beyond her years, Hailee Steinfeld’s style evolution has always been driven by footwear. These moments trace how her shoe choices continue to shape her fashion identity across red carpets, press tours, and front-row appearances.