Lucy Liu’s Charlie’s Angels Fashion Evolution — From Y2K Leather Power Looks to Saint Laurent Sandals

In 2000, Charlie’s Angels exploded onto screens as a high-octane showcase of early-2000s fashion — a time capsule of glossy textures, fearless silhouettes, and unforgettable shoes.

Behind the scenes, costume designer Joseph Aulisi curated thousands of looks, dressing each Angel in around 50 outfits that balanced combat-ready function with unapologetic glamour.

Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore strike a fierce pose as Alex Munday, Natalie Cook, and Dylan Sanders, dazzling in shimmering heels and bold early-2000s outfits that perfectly capture their Charlie’s Angels personas (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Lucy Liu’s Y2K Power Dressing: Leather, Boots & Action Glamour

The result was a visual parade of low-rise bootcut jeans, cropped tees, velour tracksuits, sleek catsuits, knee-high boots, and tinted sunglasses — pure Y2K attitude rendered in motion.

As Alex Munday, Lucy Liu embodied the team’s most polished, high-fashion energy. Her wardrobe revolved around glossy leather — bustiers, pencil skirts, and sharp trousers — projecting power and precision. Her undercover leather suit became instantly iconic: equal parts dominatrix chic and early-Balenciaga authority.

Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore gear up in sleek black scuba suits for an undercover ocean mission in Charlie’s Angels, blending action-ready functionality with fierce, form-fitting style (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Power Suits & Bold Boots: Redefining the Action-Heroine Look

For the Angels’ press appearances, designer John David Ridge created custom black suits that perfectly mirrored the trio’s signature blend of strength and style.

From combat boots to curve-hugging leather, Liu’s looks redefined the action-heroine wardrobe — stylish, strategic, and unforgettably bold.

Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore, and Cameron Diaz portray three women working in a private detective agency, and Bill Murray stars as their boss, John Bosley (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Lucy Liu Returns in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle as a Sleek Style Icon

She reprised the role in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003), continuing to turn heads with her fashion-forward edge.

While Angelina Jolie and Jada Pinkett Smith were reportedly offered the part before her, and Thandiwe Newton had to exit due to scheduling, Liu ultimately made Alex Munday her own — cementing her place as one of the era’s most sophisticated style icons.

Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore, and Cameron Diaz showcased their distinct early-2000s style at the Charlie’s Angels New York City premiere—Liu in sheer black with a studded suede coat, Barrymore in satin pants and layered pearls, and Diaz rocking a bold denim-on-denim look with a statement belt on October 24, 2000, at Ziegfeld Theater in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto)

Height & Heels: Cameron Diaz Towers Over Her Co-Stars

Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm), Cameron Diaz often towered over her Charlie’s Angels co-stars—Lucy Liu, who stands at just 5 feet 1 ½ inches (156.2 cm), and Drew Barrymore, who is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm).

Their contrasting statures added visual flair to red carpet appearances, especially when paired with bold footwear choices and playful styling. At the New York premiere of Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, the trio’s fashion sensibilities were on full display—from Diaz’s sky-high heels to Barrymore’s edgy leather pants and cheeky tee.

At the 2003 New York premiere of Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Lucy Liu dazzled in a black beaded cocktail dress and pointed pumps, Cameron Diaz stunned in a one-shoulder mini dress paired with silver chain-embellished heels, and Drew Barrymore kept it casual in leather pants and a cheeky graphic tee (Credit: Dave Allocca / Startraksphoto)

Years after her success in Charlie’s Angels, Lucy Liu continued to command attention, not just on screen but also on red carpets.

Lucy Liu Dazzles in Carolina Herrera & Saint Laurent “Jane” Sandals

Lucy Liu dazzles in a sparkling navy blue Carolina Herrera dress at the 2014 Couture Council Awards Annual Benefit Luncheon in New York City on September 3, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

In September 2014, Lucy Liu joined Renée Zellweger at the 2014 Couture Council Award Luncheon Benefit at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Lucy Liu in a sparkling chiffon layered short-sleeved dress from Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2015 collection featuring silver embellishments (Credit: WENN)

The then-45-year-old actress, model, and artist donned a sparkling chiffon, short-sleeved, layered dress with silver embellishments from Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2015 collection.

She styled the navy dress with the black Saint Laurent “Jane” ankle-strap sandals we spotted on Jessie J earlier that week at the 2014 GQ Men of the Year Awards. The minimalist stilettos boosted her petite 5-foot-1½ frame, complementing her sleek silhouette—Liu wears a US shoe size 6.

Lucy Liu highlights her flawless feet in sleek black Saint Laurent “Jane” ankle-strap sandals, a minimalist stiletto style favored by countless A-listers for its timeless sophistication (Credit: WENN)

Lucy Liu’s Iconic Fashion Moments: From Vivienne Westwood to Bruno Magli

Lucy Liu consistently delivers unforgettable fashion statements from bold red lace to sleek tuxedo-inspired gowns. Explore some of her most memorable style moments:

Vivienne Westwood Elegance at the 2014 Tony Awards

• Event: 68th Annual Tony Awards, New York City
• Outfit: Lucy Liu dazzled in a black-and-ivory strapless tuxedo-inspired gown by Vivienne Westwood, exuding elegance and red carpet glamour.
• Footwear: She paired the gown with Nicholas Kirkwood sandals embellished with Swarovski crystals, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.
• Read more: Lucy Liu’s stunning look at the 2014 Tony Awards

Chic in Self-Portrait at the ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Premiere

• Event: ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Premiere, Hollywood
• Outfit: Lucy Liu wore a long-sleeved, high-neck lace dress from Self-Portrait, featuring a tiered lace skirt that showcased her sophisticated style.
• Footwear: She completed the look with black T-bar pumps and a bold red clutch, adding a pop of color to her ensemble.
• Discover more: Lucy Liu’s Self-Portrait dress at the ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ premiere

Lucy Liu Makes a Bold Statement in Bruno Magli Heels and Red Embellishments

Known for her sophisticated style, Lucy Liu added a dramatic twist to classic glamour with this striking red-and-black ensemble.

Lucy Liu turned heads in a black tulle cocktail dress with bold red appliqué, paired with pointed-toe Bruno Magli pumps and sparkling Harry Kotlar bangles at the 43rd Student Academy Awards at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on September 22, 2016, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

Red Lace Radiance at PaleyFest

• Event: PaleyFest New York 2016 – ‘Elementary’ Screening
• Outfit: Lucy Liu radiated elegance in a stunning strapless red lace dress by Monique Lhuillier, highlighting her petite frame.
• Footwear: She styled the dress with Stuart Weitzman shoes and a Jimmy Choo bag, adding classic touches to her look.
• See more: Lucy Liu’s red lace dress at PaleyFest

Floral Sophistication at the ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Premiere

• Event: ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Premiere, New York City
• Outfit: Lucy Liu wore a complete Monique Lhuillier Resort 2016 look, featuring a white lace dress paired with a long, floral-print blazer.
• Footwear: She showcased her sexy feet in Stuart Weitzman’s Bebare stilettos, adding height and elegance to her ensemble.
• Explore her style: Lucy Liu’s floral look at the ‘Hamilton’ premiere

These moments highlight Lucy Liu’s impeccable fashion sense, blending classic elegance with modern flair. For more on her style evolution, visit Your Next Shoes.