Kristen Wiig vs. Olivia Palermo: How Nude Heels Anchored Two Very Different Red-Carpet Looks

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On July 15, 2013, at a New York City screening of Girl Most Likely, Kristen Wiig and Olivia Palermo delivered two distinct style statements—both grounded by the same strategic footwear choice: nude heels.

Long favored for their leg-lengthening effect and visual versatility, skin-toned shoes remain a red-carpet staple precisely because they let the rest of a look speak without distraction.

While the palette unified their appearances, the styling told two very different stories. Wiig leaned into playful eccentricity with architectural polish, while Palermo embraced a softer, sensual boho mood. The contrast underscores a timeless truth of great dressing: even when the shoes match, the outcome depends entirely on how the look is built from the ground up.

1. Kristen Wiig in Nicholas Kirkwood Patent Leather Nude Pumps

The Saturday Night Live star wore a Viktor and Rolf Resort 2014 dress, a Roger Vivier metallic clutch, and Nicholas Kirkwood Spring 2013 nude pumps.

Kristen Wiig pairs her minimalist white Viktor & Rolf mini dress with blush-toned Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, using the leg-lengthening power of nude heels to elevate her red carpet look Kristen Wiig pairs her minimalist white Viktor & Rolf mini dress with blush-toned Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, using the leg-lengthening power of nude heels to elevate her red carpet look at The Cinema Society & Brooks Brothers Host A Screening Of Lionsgate And Roadside Attractions’ Girl Most Likely at Landmark Sunshine Cinema on July 15, 2013, in New York City (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

The American comedienne consistently surprises fans with her fashion-forward choices, and this playful look may be one of her best.

Kristen Wiig highlights her slender feet in blush-toned Nicholas Kirkwood pointy-toe patent pumps with a sleek, leg-lengthening silhouetteKristen Wiig highlights her slender feet in blush-toned Nicholas Kirkwood pointy-toe patent pumps with a sleek, leg-lengthening silhouette

Though you can’t tell from the photo, Kristen’s Nicholas Kirkwood pumps aren’t your average. They feature low, multicolored block heels. This off-beat style comes in many variations, each more interesting than the last.

Nicholas Kirkwood block-heel pumps in nude patent leather, distinguished by a pointed toe and a sculptural multicolored heel that contrasts softly with the blush-toned upper—an architectural take on a classic, leg-lengthening silhouetteNicholas Kirkwood block-heel pumps in nude patent leather, distinguished by a pointed toe and a sculptural multicolored heel that contrasts softly with the blush-toned upper—an architectural take on a classic, leg-lengthening silhouette

2. Olivia Palermo in Aquazzura “Sexy Thing” Nude Booties

Olivia posed with her boyfriend, Johannes Huebl, in a white chiffon dress, which she layered beneath a Borne by Elise Berger top.

Olivia Palermo, radiating effortless summer elegance in a sheer lace top and pleated mini dress, poses with longtime partner Johannes Huebl at the New York screening of Girl Most LikelyOlivia Palermo, radiating effortless summer elegance in a sheer lace top and pleated mini dress, poses with longtime partner Johannes Huebl at the New York screening of Girl Most Likely (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

She completed her outfit with a sequined clutch from Zara and Aquazzura’s “Sexy Thing” nude booties. The former reality star looked flawless, as always.

Olivia Palermo shows off her perfectly pedicured feet in Aquazzura’s “Sexy Thing” nude suede booties, featuring flirty cutouts and leg-lengthening lace-up detailsOlivia Palermo shows off her perfectly pedicured feet in Aquazzura’s “Sexy Thing” nude suede booties, featuring flirty cutouts and leg-lengthening lace-up details

Aquazzura’s instantly recognizable “Sexy Thing” heels have earned a loyal celebrity following, regularly appearing on Your Next Shoes as a go-to choice for cutout, lace-up elegance.

Olivia Palermo has worn the sultry style on multiple occasions, pairing the nude suede sandals with everything from boho-chic dresses to fashion-week tailoring, while Gigi Hadid famously stepped onto the Cannes red carpet in Aquazzura “Sexy Thing” booties, proving the design works just as well for high-profile glamour.

The style’s versatility extends to off-duty looks, too—Kendall Jenner grounded a casual Beverly Hills outfit with the same lace-up heels, while Kim Kardashian has repeatedly turned to Aquazzura’s signature cutout sandals to elevate sleek, body-conscious ensembles.

Aquazzura “Sexy Thing” booties in nude suede, defined by signature cutouts, an open toe, and delicate lace-up ties at the back—an instantly recognizable silhouette that combines sensual design with leg-lengthening eleganceAquazzura “Sexy Thing” booties in nude suede, defined by signature cutouts, an open toe, and delicate lace-up ties at the back—an instantly recognizable silhouette that combines sensual design with leg-lengthening elegance

Stepping Out in Style: Shoe Highlights from Kristen Wiig and Olivia Palermo

Kristen Wiig and Olivia Palermo have consistently impressed with their footwear choices, showcasing a range of styles from classic pumps to edgy boots. Here are some of their most notable shoe moments:

Kristen Wiig’s Elegant Look at the Venice Film Festival

  • Event: 74th Venice Film Festival Photocall for “Downsizing”
  • Outfit: Kristen Wiig wore a pearl-embellished Prabal Gurung dress.
  • Footwear: She completed her look with Sophia Webster’s “Lilico” sandals, featuring floral appliqués that added a whimsical touch.
  • Read more: Kristen Wiig’s chic ensemble at the Venice Film Festival

Olivia Palermo’s Bold Statement at Paris Fashion Week

  • Event: Elie Saab Runway Presentation during Paris Fashion Week
  • Outfit: Olivia Palermo donned a $4,955 crystal-embroidered crepe jacket from Elie Saab’s Pre-Fall 2022 collection, paired with black culottes.
  • Footwear: She added an edgy touch with Gianvito Rossi knee-high combat boots, showcasing her ability to blend elegance with boldness.
  • See her look: Olivia Palermo’s standout outfit at Paris Fashion Week

Kristen Wiig’s Classic Choice at the “Downsizing” Premiere

  • Event: “Downsizing” Special Screening in Los Angeles
  • Outfit: Kristen Wiig opted for a black-and-white floor-length dress from Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2018 collection.
  • Footwear: She paired her dress with black Christian Louboutin ankle-strap sandals, featuring embellished toe bands for sparkle.
  • Discover more: Kristen Wiig’s elegant appearance at the “Downsizing” premiere

Olivia Palermo’s Chic Ensemble at the Empire State Building

  • Event: Dress for Success’ Women Who Inspire Campaign
  • Outfit: Olivia Palermo wore a red Adeam cardigan with white cuffs and collar, layered over a red St. John top and paired with an ox-blood leather Khaite maxi skirt.
  • Footwear: She completed her look with ivory-white AGL loafers, which added a modern twist to her monochromatic ensemble.
  • Explore her style: Olivia Palermo’s sophisticated look at the Empire State Building

These moments highlight Kristen Wiig’s and Olivia Palermo’s diverse and stylish footwear choices, reflecting their unique fashion sensibilities and ability to make a statement with every step.