Jennifer Garner’s Shoe Evolution: From 2026 Golden Globes to Iconic Oscar Platforms

Jennifer Garner has long mastered the art of “understated glamour,” a reputation she reaffirmed with her shimmering appearance at the 2026 Golden Globes.

While her 2026 appearance set a new standard for modern minimalism, it was built on a decade of carefully curated style choices.

To understand the evolution of her ‘understated glamour,’ we’re looking back at three memorable fashion moments from previous years: two iconic Oscar appearances and a standout example of her sophisticated Sunday-church style.

2022 Oscars: Red Brandon Maxwell Gown & Sophia Webster Crystal Platform Heels

On March 27, 2022, the actress arrived at the Dolby Theatre in a custom Brandon Maxwell floor-length gown, proving that a classic silhouette in a bold primary red remains a timeless sartorial choice.

Jennifer Garner, in a custom red Brandon Maxwell dress and Sophia Webster heels, attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Abby Grant / Cover Images / InstarImages)

While the off-the-shoulder neckline drew the eye upward, her choice of footwear—stately Sophia Webster platform shoes—provided the necessary height to balance the gown’s sweeping train.

This appearance marked a significant return to the spotlight for Garner, whose public style consistently bridges the gap between high-fashion galas and sophisticated street wear.

Paired with matching open-toe platform heels, diamond earrings and rings, and a diamond-and-ruby bracelet by Nikos Koulis, she brought back memories of those bygone eras of understated elegance.

Sophia Webster’s red platform sandals add dramatic height and sparkle, their crystal-embellished heels perfectly echoing the bold glamour of the flowing scarlet gown on the Oscars red carpet (Credit: Mark Von Holden / A.M.P.A.S.)

Her look was finished off with her long, flowing brown hair with its natural waves and highlights, parted to the right.

Garner’s natural beauty is only surpassed by her trademark smile and sparkling personality, which made her the perfect choice as one of the presenters for the Best Original Screenplay award.

Jennifer Garner styled her dress with a Nikos Koulis ruby and white diamond bracelet and Nikos Koulis Oui Collection white diamond earrings (Credit: Abby Grant / Cover Images / InstarImages)

2018 Oscars: Royal-Blue Atelier Versace Gown & Matching Platform Sandals

Looking back at her footwear trajectory, the 2022 Oscar look was a refined evolution of her 2018 Academy Awards look. There, Garner delivered a lesson in monochromatic drama in a custom royal-blue Atelier Versace gown.

Just as she did in 2022, she opted for Versace platform sandals to balance the gown’s volume and flowing cape. This “platform-plus-gown” formula has become her go-to red carpet strategy, allowing her to maintain her trademark radiant smile without the distraction of foot fatigue during long ceremonies.

Jennifer Garner in a blue Atelier Versace gown and Piaget jewelry at the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

Off the Red Carpet: Gianvito Rossi “Carla” Pumps Elevate Jennifer Garner’s Sunday Style

Garner’s ability to elevate “practical” shoes extends far beyond Hollywood galas. Her Sunday style is a consistent source of inspiration for fans seeking a polished, everyday aesthetic.

Jennifer Garner attends Sunday service at Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, on October 15, 2017, in Gianvito Rossi’s “Carla” pumps (Credit: WENN)

In a standout 2017 appearance, Garner was spotted in Pacific Palisades wearing the high-heeled iteration of Gianvito Rossi’s “Carla” design, styled with a pleated floral skirt and a sleeveless black blouse.

Jennifer Garner keeps her church look effortlessly polished, pairing Oliver Peoples Roella sunglasses with a sleeveless black top, floral skirt, and elegant black ankle-tie pumps that add a refined, feminine finish (Credit: WENN)

She carried a floral-printed clutch that echoed her feminine skirt and grounded the look with a high-heel take on Gianvito Rossi’s signature “Carla” design—now best known as a chic Mary Jane–inspired ballerina, but previously released in other variations, including elevated heel styles that retain the label’s refined Italian craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

Jennifer Garner paired a floral skirt with a sleeveless black blouse (Credit: WENN)

We’ve spotted the red version of these pumps on Chloë Grace Moretz, who wore them with a black Wolford bodysuit and matching Rag & Bone jeans.

Black suede ankle-tie pumps with slim stiletto heels add a graceful, leg-lengthening finish, their wraparound ribbons lending a delicate, ballet-inspired touch to the classic pointed-toe silhouette (Credit: WENN)

Jennifer Garner adds height in Gianvito Rossi Carla high heel pumps (Credit: WENN)

Jennifer Garner’s Shoe Formula: Platforms for the Red Carpet, Walkable Heels for Real Life

Whether she’s stepping onto the Oscars stage in statement platforms or opting for walkable pumps and booties off duty, Jennifer Garner’s fashion choices consistently highlight how the right shoes anchor every look.

Her style philosophy favors timeless silhouettes, thoughtful heel heights, and luxury footwear that balances elegance with practicality—making her a lasting reference point for both red-carpet glamour and everyday polish.