Olivia Wilde Reimagines the Director Uniform in Yellow Adidas x Gucci Gazelles

When Olivia Wilde arrived at the 70th San Sebastián International Film Festival in September 2022, she delivered a masterclass in high-low styling that remains a reference point for “off-duty” festival fashion.

Promoting her thriller Don’t Worry Darling, Wilde opted for a relatable yet high-fashion ensemble that centered on one of the year’s most coveted footwear collaborations.

Olivia Wilde greeted fans outside the Maria Cristina Hotel at the 70th San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 17, 2022, pairing a sharp black blazer and slouchy denim with vibrant yellow Adidas x Gucci Gazelle sneakers for an effortlessly cool high-low look (Credit: Sean Thornton / Cover Images)

How Olivia Wilde Styles Yellow Adidas x Gucci Gazelles for a “High-Low” Festival Look

The director greeted fans in vibrant yellow Adidas x Gucci Gazelle sneakers, a standout piece featuring the iconic Trefoil print and stripes. She balanced the sporty footwear with baggy blue Khaite ‘Preen’ jeans and a structured Balenciaga Shrunk Tuxedo jacket, available at Farfetch.

Rounded out with LAPIMA sunglasses and a classic Hanes T-shirt, the look echoed the “luxe-grunge” aesthetic popularized by other A-list fans of the silhouette, leading many to wonder whether she borrowed her shoe inspiration from Brad Pitt.

The Staying Power of the Adidas Gazelle: A Celebrity Street Style Staple

From film-festival arrivals to airport terminals and off-duty city looks, the Adidas Gazelle has become a go-to sneaker for celebrities who favor timeless silhouettes with modern edge—making it a natural choice for Olivia Wilde’s high-low San Sebastián ensemble.

Effortlessly chic: Olivia Wilde connects with fans, showcasing her yellow Adidas x Gucci Gazelle sneakers, baggy jeans, and a sharp tuxedo jacket (Credit: Sean Thornton / Cover Images)

Fashion vs. Film: Olivia Wilde Navigates ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Press in Signature Style

The American actress addressed the public’s concerns in an interview with Variety. She discussed the scandals plaguing her film, from her affair with Harry Styles to her being “blown the fuck away” by Florence Pugh.

Olivia also addressed her claim that she dismissed Shia LaBeouf, countering his assertion that he left because of limited rehearsal time.

She explained that his behavior raised concerns about maintaining a supportive on-set environment, particularly as she prioritized creating a safe and respectful space for Florence Pugh during emotionally demanding scenes.

Costume Design & The “Style Over Substance” Critique of Don’t Worry Darling

While Olivia Wilde’s direction and the film’s “Stepford Wives” aesthetic earned praise for their visual brilliance, the movie itself faced a polarized reception.

Critics often described Don’t Worry Darling as a case of “style over substance,” with the impeccable 1950s production design sometimes overshadowing the narrative.

The sex scenes in the film have become somewhat of a major talking point with all the buzz surrounding them (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Tomris Laffly of The A.V. Club noted a “discernible lack of new ideas,” while others pointed out that the film’s mid-century fashion—led by three-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips—was its most consistent strength.

Olivia Wilde wearing a long-sleeved floral dress from Kwaidan Editions at the Don’t Worry Darling photocall during the 70th San Sebastian International Film Festival (Credit: Sean Thornton / Cover Images)

On-Screen Chemistry & Style: The Casting Dynamics of Don’t Worry Darling

The film’s casting also became a major talking point. Florence Pugh received near-universal acclaim for her “commanding and centered” performance, according to Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair.

In contrast, leading man Harry Styles faced tougher critiques. Bilge Ebiri of Vulture and Steph Green of the BBC both suggested Styles felt “out of his depth” opposite Pugh.

Despite the mixed reviews of the script, the film’s status as a “candy-colored feminist gothic” ensured its place in the 2022 cultural conversation—and solidified Olivia Wilde’s reputation for having a sharp eye for editorial-level styling.

The “Director Uniform”: Decoding Olivia Wilde’s Shift to Functional High-Fashion

While the press cycle for Don’t Worry Darling was dominated by headlines, the film marked a definitive milestone in Olivia Wilde’s transition from actor to A-list director. For Wilde, the project was less about the “buzz” and more about establishing a seat at the table in a field where female directors often face steeper climbs to their sophomore efforts.

“It’s harder for women to get a second chance at directing,” Wilde noted in a 2022 interview with Variety. “Fewer people will invest in the second film of a woman than a man.”

Olivia Wilde wearing a teal sequined dress from Valentino Fall 2022 Haute Couture at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere held during the 70th San Sebastian International Film Festival (Credit: Sean Thornton / Cover Images)

Wilde’s success in striking a chord with the cultural zeitgeist secured her a second opportunity, and her confidence in that role was reflected in her “working director” aesthetic. By pairing high-fashion staples like a Balenciaga tuxedo jacket with functional Adidas sneakers, she signaled a shift toward a professional identity built on both style and utility.

As she proudly told Variety, “I really feel, at this point, that I have earned the right to say I’m a director.” This sense of ownership, paired with her sharp eye for visual storytelling, ensures that her influence—on screen and in footwear trends—will endure long after initial film reviews fade.

Critics say Harry Styles as Jack Chambers falls flat in scenes with Florence Pugh as Alice Chambers in Don’t Worry Darling (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Olivia Wilde’s Footwear Choices Reveal Her Modern Style Formula

Whether she’s stepping out in luxury sneakers at an international film festival or elevating red-carpet gowns with sculptural heels, Olivia Wilde’s footwear choices consistently balance confidence, comfort, and fashion-forward intent.

From off-duty street style to major award-season moments, her shoes often serve as the quiet anchor that defines the entire look—proving that even the most effortless outfits are built from thoughtful foundations.