Keke Palmer’s Nope Press Tour Fashion: Valentino, Prada, Louboutin & a Career Beyond Comparison

It’s never easy to be compared to someone else—especially in Hollywood—and Keke Palmer has dealt with that more than most.

A viral social media thread reignited comparisons between Palmer and Zendaya, framing their careers through the lens of colorism. But while the conversation took off online, Palmer let her body of work—and her unmistakable fashion presence—do the talking.

During the Nope press tour, the actress delivered some of her most memorable style moments to date. From jewel-toned Valentino lace to sleek Prada satin and showstopping Stuart Weitzman and Christian Louboutin heels, Palmer stepped onto every red carpet with a confidence and creativity that reflected her growth as both an artist and a fashion force.

Valentino Elegance: Green Lace Gown & Feather-Trim Details

Keke Palmer, in a green lace Valentino floor-length dress featuring a feather boa waist trim, poses with Daniel Kaluuya at the UK Premiere Of “NOPE” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 28, 2022, in London, England (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Jewel Tones & Metallics: Conner Ives Halter Dress With Louboutin Pumps

As Palmer continued her Nope press-tour streak, she delivered another standout look at the 2022 BET Awards. This appearance perfectly showcased her flair for bold colors, luxe accessories, and statement heels.

Keke Palmer stuns at the 2022 BET Awards in a vibrant upcycled-silk Conner Ives gown paired with mirrored Christian Louboutin Eklectica pumps, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, sleek hair by Ann Jones, and radiant glam by Jordana David on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages)

Sculptural Shine: David Koma Gown & Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Sandals

Her press-tour streak didn’t slow down in Berlin, where she stepped out in one of her boldest and most sculptural looks of the Nope rollout.

Keke Palmer flaunts her legs in a strapless David Koma Pre-Fall 2022 gown with mirrored plexiglass tyre-track embroidery, paired with jeweled Giuseppe Zanotti “Adele” crystal sandals at the Berlin premiere of Nope on July 26, 2022 (Credit: Nicole Kubelka / DDP / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Golden Glamour: Yellow Satin Prada Dress With Old-Hollywood Flair

Keke Palmer in a yellow satin Prada dress and long gloves on the red carpet of the Italian premiere of Nope at The Space Cinema Moderno Roma in Rome, Italy, on July 23, 2022 (Credit: Anna Maria Tinghino / DDP / INSTARim / Cover Images)

Modern Minimalism: Marc Jacobs Two-Piece Look & Sleek Black Heels

Keke Palmer in a cropped white bandeau top paired with a black maxi skirt from the Marc Jacobs Fall 2022 Collection at the world premiere of “NOPE” at TCL Chinese Theatre on July 18, 2022, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Keke Palmer & Zendaya Comparison — Colorism Context

The debate ultimately highlighted a simple truth: Palmer and Zendaya have carved out their own lanes, each successful in distinct ways. Palmer has been a star since her True Jackson, VP days, building an impressive résumé that includes Akeelah and the Bee, Hustlers, The Longshots, and now the box-office-topping Nope. And through it all, her fearless, expressive style has remained one of her most powerful signatures.

Zendaya has talked about colorism in Hollywood in the past. The Euphoria star was quoted at an event in 2018, saying she tries to use her privilege as a “light-skinned black woman” to highlight different beauty in the African-American community.

“I am Hollywood’s, I guess you could say, acceptable version of a black girl, and that has to change,” she said. “We’re vastly too beautiful and too interesting for me just to be the only representation of that.”

Keke Palmer (left) addresses comparisons to Zendaya (right) as an example of colorism in Hollywood, emphasizing that she shouldn’t be measured against anyone else (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images / Jennifer Graylock)

It’s understandable to want to call out injustices when you notice them, but it’s clear that Palmer and Zendaya have equal levels of success regardless of when you believe they both became household names. If nothing else, their IMDb pages speak for themselves.

Keke Palmer is being praised for her performance as Emerald “Em” Haywood in the 2022 American science fiction horror film Nope (Credit: Universal Pictures)

Long before the social media debate resurfaced, Palmer was delivering fearless red-carpet style. Take her 2016 Billboard Music Awards appearance—a perfect early snapshot of the confidence and glamour she continues to bring to every event.

Billboard Music Awards Boldness: Latex Dress & Stuart Weitzman Nudist Heels

Keke Palmer slays the pink carpet of the 2016 Billboard Music Awards held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 22, 2016 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

In May 2016, Keke Palmer demanded attention in a skintight latex dress as she took the stage at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards to introduce DNCE, an American dance-rock band.

Keke Palmer turns heads in a maroon latex House of Harlow dress paired with zebra-striped Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

She is known for her bold ensembles, and this House of Harlow pencil dress was no exception.

Made of shiny maroon latex, Keke’s dress hugged her curves in all the right places. Spaghetti straps and a cutout chest detail drew attention to her upper half, while a classy and sexy knee-skimming hemline put her legs on display.

Keke Palmer radiates confidence in a curve-hugging latex dress paired with sparkling Atelier Swarovski drop earrings before hitting the 2016 Billboard Music Awards pink carpet (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

Keke wore her hair in a sassy topknot with choppy fringe, adding some sultry matte makeup to her flawless face to play up her fierce ensemble.

Keke Palmer’s zebra-striped Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals reveal a sleek nude pedicure that complements the neutral tones of the print (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

She kept her accessories simple, opting for some St. John statement rings and sapphire Atelier Swarovski earrings, letting her wild zebra print sandals steal the show!

The “Scream Queens” star showed off her feet in Stuart Weitzman’s strappy, printed Nudist sandals. These shoes added several inches to her 5ft 5 in (165.1 cm) frame and created the illusion of longer legs.

These heels are made of a textured material with beige and black zebra stripes. They feature a thin toe strap and an adjustable ankle strap. You can check out all the available color hues at Zappos and Nordstrom.

Keke Palmer boosts her height and elongates her legs in zebra-striped Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals, featuring sky-high stiletto heels and barely-there straps (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)

Stepping Into the Spotlight: Keke Palmer’s Iconic Fashion and Footwear Moments

Keke Palmer consistently captivates with her bold fashion choices and impeccable footwear. Explore some of her most memorable style moments:

These fashion moments highlight Keke Palmer’s fearless approach to style and her ability to make a statement with every step.