Michelle Monaghan has that rare kind of beauty that’s both approachable and magnetic — an infectious smile that lights up her whole face and an innate sense of style that never misses the mark. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170.2 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 9, the actress knows exactly how to use proportion and footwear to elevate her red-carpet presence.
Flash back to September 2011: At the Machine Gun Preacher premiere in Beverly Hills, Monaghan delivered a masterclass in enduring elegance. More than a decade later, her look still reads as fresh — a perfect study in how the right silhouette, color, and accessories can create a moment that transcends trends. It’s living proof that great style truly has no expiration date.
Michelle Monaghan showcases her exquisite taste in jewelry, complementing her radiant smile and elegant style
The actress exuded timeless elegance in a Valentino emerald-green gown paired with dazzling Neil Lane jewelry while attending the Machine Gun Preacher premiere in Beverly Hills. The combination of couture craftsmanship and statement gems created a red-carpet moment that still feels relevant more than a decade later.
Earlier that month, at a Machine Gun Preacher film screening during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, Madeline Carroll turned heads in a metallic blue dress styled with sparkling Christian Louboutin “Ziggy” peep-toe booties, proving that bold color and standout footwear can make a lasting impression on the red carpet.
Captured at the ‘Machine Gun Preacher’ premiere, Michelle Monaghan stuns in a Valentino ensemble, exuding Hollywood glamour at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills on September 21, 2011 (Credit: Brian To / WENN)
The dress was a beautiful green number with a sheer neckline that was beaded to perfection. Green can be tricky to match—check out our guide on shoe colors that go best with green dresses.
Michelle in a breathtaking green dress with a sheer, beaded neckline – a perfect blend of elegance and allure
Brian Atwood: The Designer Behind Michelle Monaghan’s Emerald-Heeled Moment
Matching green platform pumps by Brian Atwood, a grey clutch, and an easy updo capped off her look with understated sophistication. Atwood, an American shoe designer of Mexican descent born on August 4, 1967, in Chicago, has been a fixture on the red carpet since launching his namesake brand in 2001.
Known for his glamorous, sky-high stilettos, bold color palettes, and luxurious materials like suede and snakeskin, he’s a go-to for style powerhouses such as Teresa Palmer, Karlie Kloss, and Halle Berry.
👠 Explore Brian Atwood’s Most Stylish Celebrity Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Teresa Palmer in Peter Pilotto Dress and Brian Atwood “Clizia” Platform Sandals — a colorful statement pairing bold prints with vibrant heels.
- 🌟 Karlie Kloss in Brian Atwood “Patty” Pumps — towering stilettos that turned heads, even if they proved challenging on the red carpet.
- 💃 See the Best Brian Atwood Shoes from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show — from fringed boots to two-tone runway stunners.
- 🎤 Halle Berry in Brian Atwood “Melly” Ankle-Wrap Sandals and “Uma” Strappy Heels — chic styles for both on-screen and premiere appearances.
It’s no surprise that his confident, sexy aesthetic was the perfect match for Michelle’s jewel-toned Valentino moment.
A close-up of Michelle Monaghan’s stylish green platform pumps by Brian Atwood, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look
Michelle Monaghan’s look is a masterclass in effortless elegance — meticulously styled yet never overworked. The Valentino gown achieves a rare balance between refinement and modernity, with a sheer, beaded neckline adding delicate texture, intricate embellishments providing visual depth, and a fluid A-line silhouette creating graceful movement from every angle.
The deep emerald green is a strategic choice, as jewel tones photograph beautifully under event lighting and flatter a wide range of skin tones. Against Monaghan’s creamy complexion, the shade delivers high-impact glamour without overpowering her natural features. It remains a timeless example of how the right silhouette, color, and detailing can create an unforgettable red-carpet moment.
The Valentino Beaded Dress in Emerald – a masterpiece of design, flaunting intricate beadwork and a flowy A-line silhouette, priced at $3,890
Michelle Monaghan’s radiant green Valentino ensemble is just one example of how effortlessly elegant this color can be on the red carpet.
She’s not alone—many other celebrities have embraced green dresses and stylish pumps to make unforgettable fashion statements.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Embracing Green Dresses and Chic Pumps
Green dresses paired with stylish pumps have become a favorite ensemble among celebrities, showcasing elegance and trendsetting fashion. Here are some standout moments:
Victoria Beckham’s Neon Green Dress and Red Alaïa Heels
- Event: Vogue Conference in New York City
- Outfit: Victoria Beckham embraced the neon green trend, wearing a lime green dress that stood out for its vibrant hue.
- Footwear: She contrasted her dress with striking red Alaïa ‘Decolette’ pumps, adding a bold touch to her ensemble.
- More Details: Victoria Beckham’s bold neon green dress and red Alaïa heels
Ariana Grande’s Pale Green Louis Vuitton Gown and Jimmy Choo Pumps
- Event: 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards
- Outfit: Ariana Grande graced the event in a custom pale green Louis Vuitton gown with a bubble skirt design, reflecting her unique style.
- Footwear: She completed her look with white silk satin ‘Romy’ pumps by Jimmy Choo, adding a touch of classic elegance.
- More Details: Ariana Grande’s pale green Louis Vuitton gown and Jimmy Choo pumps
Elizabeth Olsen’s Mint Green Lace Dress and Nude Le Silla Heels
- Event: Spirit Awards Red Carpet
- Outfit: Elizabeth Olsen welcomed spring in a mint green lace midi dress by Erdem, exuding femininity and sophistication.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with nude ‘Eva’ pumps by Le Silla, offering a seamless and elegant finish to her ensemble.
- More Details: Elizabeth Olsen’s mint green lace dress and nude Le Silla heels
Scout Willis’s Green Tweed Jacket Dress and Two-Tone Pumps
- Event: Pre-BAFTA Party
- Outfit: Scout Willis showcased a youthful look in a green tweed jacket dress from Chanel’s Cruise 2024/2025 collection, featuring intricate sequined pockets and gemstone buttons.
- Footwear: She complemented her dress with two-tone pumps, adding a classic yet modern touch to her outfit.
- More Details: Scout Willis’s green tweed jacket dress and two-tone pumps
Mandy Moore’s Emerald Dress and Silver Aquazzura Sandals
- Event: Garnier Girls’ Night In Party
- Outfit: Mandy Moore stepped out in an emerald-green dress with side-skirt flares, embodying a fun and casual vibe.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with metallic silver ‘Casablanca’ ankle-cuff sandals by Aquazzura, adding a sleek, metallic edge to her outfit.
- More Details: Mandy Moore’s emerald dress and Aquazzura sandals
These ensembles highlight the versatility and timeless appeal of green dresses paired with stylish pumps, inspiring fashion enthusiasts to embrace this elegant combination.