At premieres, awards shows, and fashion week appearances, Sarah Paulson has developed a red carpet style that feels both theatrical and controlled.
Standing 5 feet 6 inches (167.6 cm) tall and wearing US shoe size 8.5, she often wears sharply pointed pumps, platform heels, and sculptural designer footwear to accentuate the dramatic silhouettes she gravitates toward on the carpet.
Her height places her alongside stars like Emma Stone, Carey Mulligan, and Priyanka Chopra, though Paulson’s fashion choices tend to lean more experimental, frequently pairing classic gowns with unexpected shoe styling.
At the 91st Academy Awards, Sarah Paulson turned heads in a bold fuchsia Brandon Maxwell gown with dramatic cut-outs, while Holland Taylor exuded classic elegance in a black sheath dress with shimmering sleeve accents on February 24, 2019 (Credit: Troy Harvey / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
From towering heels to understated flats, Sarah Paulson proves that true style isn’t about height but presence.
At the 2024 Academy Women’s Luncheon, she embraced quiet luxury in a refined Chanel ensemble highlighting her signature mix of modern polish and timeless elegance.
Sarah Paulson pairs classic black ballet flats with a white waffle-knit Chanel ensemble, blending elegance and ease at the 2024 Academy Women’s Luncheon on December 10, 2024 (Credit: Al Seib / The Academy)
“I like to go into an audition room, particularly when they think I’m not right for a part, and really fight for it,” Sarah once said. That same fearless spirit translates to her fashion choices, often mixing vintage inspiration with daring modern designs.
Never one to shy away from bold yet sophisticated fashion, Sarah Paulson made a striking appearance at Paris Fashion Week, further cementing her status as a red-carpet risk-taker with refined taste.
Arriving in style, 49-year-old Sarah Paulson captivates at the Louis Vuitton Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 5, 2024, in Paris, France, donning a stunning white and blue pinstripe gown complemented by a pink skirt (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Nude heels are a well-known red carpet styling trick among celebrities. They often create the illusion of longer legs, and Sarah Paulson is no exception. Frequently opting for skin-toned footwear, she cleverly uses this elongating effect to enhance her 5’6″ frame without overpowering her outfit.
Sarah Paulson shows off her legs in a flirty floral mini dress paired with nude ankle-strap sandals at the Non-Stop premiere held at Regency Village Theatre on February 24, 2014, in Westwood, California (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
A Modern Love Story: Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor Redefine Relationship Goals
Despite a 32-year age gap, Sarah has dated Holland Taylor (born January 14, 1943), an American actress and playwright, since 2015.
‘If anyone wants to spend any time thinking I’m strange for loving the most spectacular person on the planet, then that’s their problem,’ Sarah told Modern Luxury in an interview. ‘I’m doing just fine.’
Sarah Paulson and her girlfriend Holland Taylor attend the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Sheri Determan/WENN)
Glamour and Elegance: Sarah Paulson Shines at the ‘Glass’ Premiere with Custom Prada Gown
Sarah Paulson started 2019 by looking stunning for the premiere of ‘Glass’ at the Curzon Mayfair in London, England.
Manoj Nelliyattu “M. Night” Shyamalan, Sarah Paulson, and James McAvoy attend the UK Premiere of “Glass” at The Curzon Mayfair on January 9, 2019, in London, England (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Her co-stars James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, and director M. Night Shyamalan were also present.
Sarah Paulson donned a custom strapless Prada embellished gown for the premiere of Glass held at the Curzon Mayfair in London, England, on January 9, 2019 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
The actress donned a custom strapless Prada embellished gown, styled with a green Edie Parker ‘Mini Lara’ clutch, Brian Atwood ‘Karin’ platform pumps, and Irene Neuwirth emerald-and-chrysoprase earrings.
Sarah Paulson’s Irene Neuwirth emerald and chrysoprase earrings (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Sarah Paulson’s Standout Fashion Moments
Sarah Paulson has consistently impressed with her bold and elegant fashion choices. Here are some of her most memorable style moments:
Retro Glam at the ‘Feud: Bette and Joan’ Premiere
- Event: FX’s ‘Feud’ Premiere
- Outfit: Sarah dazzled in a vintage Valentino gingham dress, exuding classic Hollywood charm.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with Nicholas Kirkwood’s ‘Leda’ pumps, adding a modern twist to her retro look.
- Read more: Sarah Paulson’s Retro Glam: Stunning Valentino Dress & Luxe Nicholas Kirkwood Pumps
Sparkling in Silver at the Emmy Awards
- Event: 69th Annual Emmy Awards
- Outfit: Sarah Paulson shone in a sequined Carolina Herrera dress that captured the spotlight.
- Footwear: She completed the ensemble with silver Stuart Weitzman ‘Curvia’ pumps.
- See more: Sarah Paulson Sparkles at Emmys in Silver ‘Curvia’ Pumps
Gothic Glamour at the Governors Awards
Never one to shy away from dramatic fashion statements, Sarah Paulson brought a moody sophistication to the red carpet with a dark, embellished look that stood out amidst a sea of classic gowns. The ensemble captured her fearless approach to red carpet style, where unexpected details meet refined elegance.
Attending the 9th Annual Governors Awards on November 11, 2017, Sarah Paulson embraced gothic glamour in a bold-shouldered, jewel-embellished Miu Miu gown, styled with a deep oxblood lip and a black Tyler Ellis clutch (Credit: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Edgy Elegance at the Elle Women in Hollywood Event
- Event: Elle Women in Hollywood Celebration
- Outfit: Donned a green nylon skirt with a white tank top featuring Andy Warhol’s Stephen Sprouse portrait.
- Footwear: Completed the look with Calvin Klein’s contrast ankle strap ‘Kadence’ pumps.
- Discover more: Sarah Paulson Rocks Contrast Ankle Strap Pumps by Calvin Klein
Bold Statement at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party
- Event: Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party
- Outfit: Made a bold statement in a red balloon dress from Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2025 collection.
- Footwear: Paired with Aquazzura mesh pumps adorned with sparkling crystals.
- See her look: Sarah Paulson’s Aquazzura Mesh Pumps & Bold Red Dress
Radiant in Embellished Elie Saab at the 2014 Oscars
Known for her love of dramatic detailing, Sarah Paulson opted for a more delicate aesthetic at the 86th Academy Awards. She looked perfectly balanced, red carpet glamour and romantic refinement, showing her ability to shine in softer tones.
At the 86th Academy Awards on March 2, 2014, Sarah Paulson dazzled in a peach-toned, fully embellished Elie Saab gown with sheer sleeves and a floral-embroidered hem, styled with rose-gold Christian Louboutin heels and a Ferragamo clutch (Credit: Bryan Crowe / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
These moments highlight Sarah Paulson’s versatility and fearless approach to fashion, solidifying her status as a style icon.