Michelle Trachtenberg, beloved for her roles in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39 due to complications from diabetes. Her untimely death was confirmed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, which stated the cause as natural.
In February 2020, Trachtenberg candidly shared on Instagram the challenges she faced with bullying during her childhood, revealing the emotional scars left by those experiences. Despite these early hardships, she transformed her narrative, emerging as a style icon celebrated for her bold fashion choices and distinctive footwear.
From portraying the enigmatic Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl—where she wore edgy designer ensembles paired with standout heels—to dazzling fans on the red carpet in Stuart Weitzman sandals and other luxury brands, Michelle Trachtenberg consistently showcased a flair for fashion that resonated with shoe lovers and style enthusiasts alike.
Michelle Trachtenberg wears a sparkling Mark Zunino dress at the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Sponsored By IMDb, Neuro Drinks, and Walmart on February 9, 2020, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN / Instar)
Overcoming Cruelty: How Michelle Trachtenberg Turned Pain Into Power Through Style
Her inspiring journey from a bullied child to a celebrated actress and fashion muse highlights not only her resilience but also the empowering role that personal style and statement footwear play.
“Back in my day, all the kids had to write a bulls**t Valentine’s Day card to everyone in the class. I never got one on purpose, everyone got a valentine’s card. No one ever gave me one and they thought I didn’t need the attention. The kids and staff all laughed and thought everyone else should get one, being an actress since I was 3, apparently I didn’t need one,” she wrote.
“The kids were cruel. There is no need to harp on the past. But I still have scars from being thrown down stairs and slammed into lockers head first,” the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum added.
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“So actually my valentines goes to three teachers who protected me and I think about to this day. Mrs. Vollman (she let me eat lunch in her classroom so the kids wouldn’t throw out my food or throw their food at me), Mrs. Lighter (who helped me love learning and let me read books in her classroom), Mr. Beckman (he saw I was a writer and challenged me, as a former college professor and wanted to see my writing succeed),” she wrote.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Most Memorable Fashion Moments
Michelle Trachtenberg has consistently impressed with her fashion choices, seamlessly blending classic elegance with modern trends. Here are some of her standout style moments:
Chic Street Style in Beverly Hills
- Event: Casual outing in Beverly Hills, July 2013
- Outfit: She wore a flowing gray Lanston hi-low maxi dress paired with a matching blazer and gold-tone accessories.
- Footwear: Michelle opted for Coach ‘Steffi’ sandals featuring woven straps and metallic silver accents, elevating her daytime look.
- See more: Michelle Trachtenberg’s chic Beverly Hills look
Edgy Elegance on ‘Gossip Girl’
- Event: Filming ‘Gossip Girl’ Season 6, July 2012
- Outfit: As Georgina Sparks, Michelle donned patterned leggings, a sequined tank top, and bold accessories.
- Footwear: She stood out in bright yellow platform slingback pumps, adding an edgy flair to her character’s style.
- Discover more: Gossip Girl’s 6 most unforgettable shoe moments
Timeless Accessories in West Hollywood
- Event: Spotted in West Hollywood, November 2012
- Outfit: Michelle kept it simple with dark denim, a navy top, and cat-eye sunglasses.
- Footwear & Accessories: She carried a Coach Legacy Leather Medium Candace Carryall in cognac, showcasing her preference for classic pieces.
- Explore her style: Michelle Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl legacy: Iconic fashion & timeless handbags
From whimsical elegance to dark, dramatic looks, these moments highlight Michelle Trachtenberg’s versatility and keen fashion sense, setting the stage for one of her most unforgettable style statements at the Art of Elysium Gala.
Michelle Trachtenberg Stuns in Gothic Glamour and Stuart Weitzman Sandals at the Art of Elysium Gala
In January 2016, Michelle Trachtenberg exuded dark glamour and showcased her petite size 7 (US) feet on the red carpet of The Art of Elysium 2016 Heaven Gala, held at 3LABS in Culver City.
Michelle Trachtenberg wears her hair back at The Art of Elysium 2016 HEAVEN Gala presented by Vivienne Westwood & Andreas Kronthaler at 3LABS on January 9, 2016, in Culver City, California
The “Gossip Girl” villain posed for photos alongside her pal Ashley Madekwe, who looked lovely in a pink lace dress.
Ashley Madekwe stuns in a coral lace dress with silver sandals, while Michelle Trachtenberg channels gothic glamour in a black ombré coat dress paired with crystal-embellished Stuart Weitzman heels
Michelle channeled her inner Georgina Sparks in a black frock and a black Alice + Olivia coat dress.
The stylish outerwear featured an ombre splatter print, a notched collar, long sleeves with puffed shoulders, and a flared high-low hem.
Michelle Trachtenberg, standing 5ft 6in tall, elevated her Gothic-glam look in a black Alice + Olivia coat dress and crystal-embellished Stuart Weitzman heels that added extra height on the red carpet
The “Ice Princess” star accessorized with a large pair of teardrop earrings, a bejeweled clutch, and a pair of embellished black sandals to add some serious dark drama to the look.
She enhanced the Gothic vibe by pulling her hair back into a ponytail with an off-center parting and wearing smoky eye makeup.
Michelle’s sandals are the updated version of the classic favorite, Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals. These 4.5-inch heels feature all-over crystal embellishments and adjustable ankle straps.
Michelle Trachtenberg showcases her dark pedicure in crystal-embellished Stuart Weitzman sandals on the red carpet
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals
Stuart Weitzman’s Nudist sandals have become a red carpet staple, favored by celebrities for their minimalist design and leg-lengthening effect. Here are some standout moments featuring these iconic heels:
Gabrielle Union Shines at the 2024 Oscars
- Event: 96th Academy Awards
- Outfit: Gabrielle Union dazzled in a crystal-embellished Carolina Herrera ensemble.
- Footwear: She complemented her look with black satin Nudist Hollywood Platform sandals, adding height and elegance.
- Read more: Gabrielle Union’s stunning Oscars look with Stuart Weitzman heels
Emily Ratajkowski’s Daring Vanity Fair Ensemble
- Event: 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
- Outfit: Emily Ratajkowski turned heads in a sculpted white Jacquemus gown.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with white Nudist Hollywood sandals, enhancing her statuesque appearance.
- See her look: Emily Ratajkowski’s bold fashion choice at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Jessica Biel’s Elegant Emmy Appearance
- Event: 69th Annual Emmy Awards
- Outfit: Jessica Biel wore a shimmering champagne Ralph & Russo gown with a thigh-high slit.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with platinum Nudist sandals, accentuating her toned legs.
- Discover more: Jessica Biel’s glamorous Emmy look with Stuart Weitzman sandals
Alexandra Daddario’s Sultry MTV Awards Look
- Event: 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
- Outfit: Alexandra Daddario stunned in a black and white Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini gown with lace panels and thigh-high slits.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with black Nudist sandals, highlighting her nude pedicure.
- Explore her style: Alexandra Daddario’s striking MTV Awards ensemble
Julianne Hough’s Chic Date Night Ensemble
- Event: Casual outing
- Outfit: Julianne Hough exuded sophistication in a stylish white crop top and a scallop-printed pencil skirt.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Stuart Weitzman’s ‘Nudist’ heels, showcasing the versatility of the sandals.
- See more: Julianne Hough’s elegant date night style with Stuart Weitzman sandals
You can order Michelle Trachtenberg’s iconic Stuart Weitzman shoes in different versions at Zappos and Nordstrom.
Stuart Weitzman Nudist Ankle-Strap Sandals, $179 – $1,050