Heels or Flip-Flops? Why Jennifer Lawrence’s Cannes Fashion Choice Still Matters

During the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, the Cannes red carpet served as its usual showcase for high-octane glamour.

While icons like Elle Fanning, Naomi Campbell, and Helen Mirren delivered traditional elegance, Jennifer Lawrence sparked a viral fashion conversation by prioritizing comfort over rigid protocol.

Arriving at the Palais des Festivals for the premiere of Anatomy of a Fall, the Oscar-winning actress made a striking entrance in a cardinal red Christian Dior Couture gown. The custom ensemble featured a classic A-line silhouette and a structured bodice, but it was what lay beneath the voluminous silk skirt that captured the world’s attention.

Jennifer Lawrence made a stunning appearance at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21 for the premiere of “Anatomie D’une Chute (Anatomy Of A Fall)” in a Dior A-line gown complemented by a matching wrap and exquisite Tiffany & Co. jewelry (Credit: Aurore Marechal / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

The X-Men star’s custom couture ensemble exuded elegance with its sweeping train, gracefully flowing flared skirt, and beautifully rounded bodice, evoking memories of her iconic red Calvin Klein gown from the 2011 Oscars.

To add extra glitz, stylist Jamie Mizrahi adorned Jennifer’s outfit with a matching draped shrug, a white gold and diamond-encrusted swirling Dior collar necklace, and exquisite Dior Joaillerie rings.

From Glamour to Relatability: Lawrence’s Dior Gown and Flip-Flops

While the rest of her ensemble exuded glamour and elegance, the mom-of-one decided to break away from formality regarding her footwear.

Arriving with Justine Ciarrocchi, Jennifer Lawrence made a striking fashion statement in a custom cardinal red Christian Dior Couture ball gown boasting a wrap-around shawl, a scalloped neckline, and a voluminous pleated skirt (Credit: Aurore Marechal / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Instead of stiletto-heeled pumps or sandals, Jennifer surprised everyone by wearing black rubber The Row flip-flops.

These thin-soled, thong-style slip-on shoes starkly contrasted the hot red gown, emphasizing the Passengers star’s legendary relatability and sense of humor.

Her unexpected choice of footwear sent a message that comfort should take priority when necessary, even on the glamorous Cannes red carpet.

As she later explained, the moment wasn’t intended as a statement of any kind but stemmed from a practical concern: her heels were a size too big, and swapping them for flip-flops was simply the safest way to navigate the Cannes steps—an unplanned choice that ultimately reinforced her long-standing reputation for relatability.

Lifting her hemline, Jennifer Lawrence revealed a pair of black The Row flip-flop sandals underneath her red Christian Dior Couture ball gown (Credit: Aurore Marechal / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

We might recall her memorable tripping incidents at the 2013 Academy Awards to receive her Best Actress trophy, on the Oscars red carpet the following year, and even while leaving a dinner party in London for her movie, Silver Linings Playbook.

These mishaps have only further endeared her to fans, and the flip-flops seem to embrace her lighthearted nature.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Day at Cannes: Two Striking Looks

The red dress and flip-flops marked Jennifer’s second appearance at the Cannes Film Festival that day.

She had graced the red carpet to promote her upcoming movie, Bread and Roses, a documentary about the lives of three Afghan women under Taliban rule, which she produced.

Jennifer stunned in a draped light gray Dior gown with a long skirt and sleeveless bodice, part of the brand’s Spring 2023 Couture collection.

Jennifer Lawrence opted for a captivating ensemble from the Christian Dior Spring 2023 Haute Couture collection for the “Bread And Roses” photocall at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2023, in Cannes, France (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

The dress featured sheer base layers and interlocking rows of delicate crochet, which, combined with The Hunger Games star’s carefree updo and minimal makeup, gave her a naturally luminous and ethereal look.

Her ensemble boasted a plunging low-cut back, revealing a silk bra with twisted straps and a matching bodice cinched with a small bow, adding a bohemian romance to the overall appearance.

Jennifer’s stylist added elegant accessories to complete the outfit, including Alison Lou’s pear cocktail drop earrings set with white topaz, black enamel, and a silver watch-chain bracelet.

With her hair elegantly swept up into a regal updo, Jennifer Lawrence styled her semi-translucent sheath dress with drop earrings (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Her footwear choice for this ensemble was a pair of Dior gem-heeled sandals. These sleek, shiny gold shoes featured thin mirrored soles and towering 4-inch stiletto heels. The layered gold ankle and toe straps, adorned with crystal linings, added splendor to the look.

Jennifer Lawrence’s choices on the Cannes red carpet made a lasting impression, reminding us all that comfort and self-expression can go hand in hand, even in the most glamorous settings.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Shoe Evolution: From Red Carpet Heels to Comfort-First Statements

Jennifer Lawrence’s red carpet style has long been anchored not just by couture gowns, but by the footwear choices that ground each look in personality and intent. Whether she’s embracing classic designer heels, experimenting with flats, or quietly pushing against fashion expectations, her shoes consistently shape the narrative as much as the dress itself. Below, explore more standout Jennifer Lawrence moments where footwear plays a defining role—on the red carpet and beyond.