Before the Gothic Minimalism: Rooney Mara’s Early Red-Carpet Style During Tanner Hall

Before Rooney Mara became synonymous with sharp tailoring, monochrome palettes, and her signature gothic minimalism, her red-carpet style leaned softer and more experimental—an era defined by feminine silhouettes, subtle prints, and classic heels.

Tanner Hall offers a rare glimpse into that early phase, when Mara was still refining her fashion identity and quietly laying the groundwork for the striking, deliberate style that would later set her apart.

Early Red-Carpet Style: Rooney Mara’s Tanner Hall Era

In 2009, Rooney Mara starred with Georgia King, Brie Larson, Amy Ferguson, Tom Everett Scott, and Amy Sedaris in the coming-of-age drama Tanner Hall.

Brie Larson beams in a blush pink dress with gold accents, showcasing her effortless charm at the Tanner Hall screening at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14, 2009 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

Following the film’s world premiere as an Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2009, the movie stars also attended the New York “Tanner Hall” screening at the School of Visual Arts Theater in April 2010.

Rooney Mara stuns in a teal ruffled dress, exuding elegance at the Tanner Hall screening at the School of Visual Arts Theater on April 12, 2010, in New York City (Credit: Brian To / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

At the Tanner Hall Los Angeles premiere on September 6, 2011, Rooney Mara stepped out in a rare printed Diane von Fürstenberg dress-and-jacket set, balancing prim polish with the darker, more experimental edge that was beginning to define her red-carpet style.

Rooney Mara finished the black-and-white Diane von Fürstenberg look with nude patent leather Brian Atwood “Drama” pumps, letting the sleek heels subtly soften the outfit’s graphic, monochrome impact (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

Rooney Mara’s Breakthrough Role in Tanner Hall

Originally auditioning for a supporting role, Rooney Mara ultimately landed her first leading part in Tanner Hall after impressing directors Tatiana von Fürstenberg and Francesca Gregorini—a turning point that marked the beginning of her emergence both on screen and on the red carpet. In an interview with IndieWire, von Fürstenberg described Mara as quietly confident and fearless in her approach, qualities that would soon shape her public image.

When the film premiered in September 2009, Mara was 24, and her performance earned early industry recognition with a Stargazer Award at the 2010 Gen Art Film Festival.

As her career gained momentum in the years that followed, that same sense of restraint and intention began to surface in her fashion choices—signaling a shift away from softer, early looks toward the minimalist silhouettes and considered footwear that would later define her awards-season style.

From Tanner Hall to the Red Carpet: Rooney Mara’s Style Evolution

In February 2016, Rooney Mara was among many stars present at the exclusive Oscars Nominees Luncheon in the Grand Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Rooney Mara keeps it minimalistic and chic in a white ensemble at the Oscars Nominees Luncheon on February 8, 2016, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles (Credit: Brian To / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

The American actress was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2016 Academy Awards for her performance in “Carol.”

Rooney Mara exudes elegance in a white floral-embellished mini dress paired with black ankle-strap sandals at the Oscars Nominees Luncheon (Credit: Brian To / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

A Feminine Touch: Rooney Mara’s Giambattista Valli Ensemble

Rooney is known for her edgy and Gothic style, but the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo star kept it feminine in a white mini dress for the event.

She donned a long-sleeved mini dress from Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2016 collection, which featured multi-colored floral embroidery and a thigh-skimming A-line skirt that showed off her legs.

Rooney Mara wears a long-sleeved embroidered Giambattista Valli dress on the red carpet with a pair of black ankle-strap sandals (Credit: Brian To / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

The Finishing Touch: Rooney Mara’s Accessories and Style

Rooney kept things simple, accessorizing the ladylike look with only a pair of black ankle-strap sandals.

She pulled her dark hair back into a neat bun with her signature razor-sharp center parting and kept her makeup light with eyeshadow, pink lipstick, pinkish blush, and defined brows.

Rooney Mara kept the look crisp and feminine, grounding her embroidered white Giambattista Valli mini dress with classic black ankle-strap sandals that added quiet structure to the soft floral detailing

Rooney picked a classic pair of black suede ankle-strap sandals by Balenciaga. These sandals featured buckled ankle straps, open toes, and about four-inch heels. Unfortunately, these sandals are no longer available for purchase.

Rooney Mara’s feet in classic black suede ankle-strap sandals by Balenciaga (Credit: Brian To / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

Rooney Mara’s Signature Shoe Style: Minimalism, Edge, and Intent

From her early red-carpet experiments to the sharply defined, minimalist aesthetic she’s known for today, Rooney Mara’s style evolution has always been anchored by thoughtful footwear choices—proof that shoes often tell the most revealing story of all.