Sophia Bush Dazzles in Purple Emilia Wickstead Gown at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

At the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Sophia Bush stole the spotlight in a regal purple Emilia Wickstead gown, paired with a Tyler Ellis satin clutch and chic heels.

Known for her sophisticated, personality-driven style, the actress has delivered standout fashion moments on red carpets, daytime talk shows, and TV press tours.

From high-neck silhouettes to Bionda Castana lace booties, we’re taking a closer look at some of Sophia Bush’s most stylish appearances—and the designers behind her most iconic footwear choices.

The actress exuded refined glamour in a high-neck purple gown by Emilia Wickstead, paired with a satin Tyler Ellis clutch that echoed the evening’s elegant, high-profile tone.

Refined Glamour at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

With her signature poise and a look that balanced political polish with fashion-forward sophistication, Bush once again proved she knows how to dress for the moment, whether she’s championing a cause or simply stealing the spotlight.

Sophia Bush in a purple Emilia Wickstead high-neck gown at the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 30, 2022, in Washington, DC. (Credit: Rod Lamkey / CNP / Startraksphoto)

The prestigious event was held at the Washington Hilton and featured a star-studded guest list, with celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Miranda Kerr in attendance.

Sophia’s glamorous, purple dress on the red carpet featured a backless, elegant design, a high neck, and long sleeves.

Sophia Bush totes an envelope-shaped Lee clutch from Tyler Ellis, designed with a triangular front flap and a magnetic snap closure

The gown was styled with a Boysenberry Tyler Ellis satin Lee envelope-shaped clutch, which complemented the sheer elegance of her red carpet look. She attended the event with her Good Sam co-star Jason Isaacs.

A Return to TV: Leading Lady in Good Sam

After taking nearly a five-year break from network TV, Bush returned to television work, starring as Sam Griffiths in the new medical drama Good Sam, which was canceled in 2022 after just one season.

Bush left her last regular role on television in 2017 due to abusive behavior and assault on set. In the same year, Bush and her female co-stars from One Tree Hill wrote a letter accusing showrunner Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment. He has since been suspended and fired from E!’s The Royals.

Sophia Bush portrays heart surgeon Dr. Samantha Griffith in the American medical drama television series Good Sam (Credit: CBS)

Daytime Sophistication in Monique Lhuillier

Two months earlier, Sophia Bush was also spotted outside CBS Studios in New York City wearing a polished ensemble by Monique Lhuillier.

For her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she paired a high-neck long-sleeve blouse with navy corduroy flared trousers, completing the look with elegant ankle-strap high heels that added height and sophistication to her streamlined silhouette.

Grant Hughes and Sophia Bush, who announced their engagement in August 2021, leave their hotel on February 23, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Years earlier, Sophia Bush showcased a more youthful yet equally stylish side during a 2014 appearance on Extra at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Ladylike Lace & Leather for an Extra Interview

Almost a year after we featured Sophia Bush at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, she showed up in stunning suede-and-lace platform booties for an interview on ‘Extra’ at Universal Studios.

Sophia Bush looks radiant with soft waves and natural makeup, wearing a multicolored lace dress with black and red embroidery from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2012 collection, accented with leather details, during an interview on ‘Extra’ at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 23, 2014 (Credit: WENN / RHS)

The American actress, director, and spokesperson wore a multicolored lace dress with red and black embroidery from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2012 collection—a signature design by the Filipino-American fashion designer, known for her romantic, feminine aesthetic and luxurious red-carpet creations.

Sophia Bush flaunts her legs in a Monique Lhuillier dress and Bionda Castana shoes (Credit: WENN / RHS)

Sophia styled it with a Charlotte Olympia “Book of Spells” midnight blue clutch, Jack Vartanian earrings, and K. Brunini rings from Roseark.

Sophia Bush looks stunning in a multicolored lace dress with black and red embroidery from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2012 collection, paired with leather accents (Credit: RHS / WENN)

The dress is a mixture of two materials: lace and leather. It strikes the right balance of leather and lace, lending it an edgy appeal that suits Sophia’s panache. Unfortunately, the dress is already sold out.

Monique Lhuillier balances the ladylike lace of Sophia Bush’s dress with an edgy leather bodice

The then-31-year-old, who starred as Detective Erin Lindsay in the NBC drama series Chicago PD, completed the outfit with a pair of “Karlie” booties by Bionda Castana—a luxury women’s footwear brand founded in 2007 by London-based duo Natalia Barbieri and Jennifer Portman.

Known for fusing “London cool” with Italian craftsmanship, the brand’s designs are handmade near Lake Como and often feature playful yet refined touches like lace, velvet, and signature studding.

Sophia Bush flaunts her black lace Bionda Castana Karlie booties, featuring a delicate pattern and a sleek high heel

Just a day earlier, she served another standout look—this time with a sharper, more structured vibe that showcased her ability to transition seamlessly from romantic to power dressing with ease.

Power Dressing at the NBC/Universal TCA Winter Press Tour

The actress wore another pair of Bionda Castana shoes one day earlier at the NBC/Universal 2014 TCA Winter Press Tour.

Jesse Lee Soffer and Sophia Bush at the NBC/Universal 2014 TCA Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California, on January 19, 2014 (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

She styled the silicone-detailed “Daphne Bis” lace pumps with a Dolce & Gabbana suit, a For Love and Lemons bodysuit, and Roseark earrings.

Sophia Bush exuded chic sophistication in a Dolce & Gabbana suit perfectly complemented by a delicate For Love and Lemons bodysuit

Which of the two outfits do you like better?

Sophia Bush shows off her feet in Bionda Castana silicone-detailed “Daphne Bis” lace pumps

More of Sophia Bush’s Iconic Footwear Moments

From red carpet glamour to off-duty cool, Sophia Bush continues to impress with her versatile fashion sense and covetable footwear. Below, explore some of her most memorable style highlights featured on Your Next Shoes: