On July 31, 2016, the stars gathered at The Forum in Inglewood, California, for a Teen Choice Awards red carpet defined by high-contrast patterns and experimental textures.
Eschewing the traditional formal gowns of award season, the evening’s attendees embraced a more playful, summery aesthetic that prioritized bold color palettes and intricate footwear.
💫 Jump to a Look:
- 1. Kat Graham: Cavalli Print & Sophia Webster Sandals
- 2. Shelley Hennig: Marchesa Floral Embroidery
- 3. Lucy Hale: Azzaro Couture & Stuart Weitzman
- 4. Sarah Hyland: J. Mendel Color Play & Red Sandals
- 5. Lana Parrilla: Georges Hobeika Glamour
- 6. Shay Mitchell: Cavalli Sequins & Zanotti Heels
- 7. Ashley Benson: Michael Kors Metallic Shine
- 8. Victoria Justice: Versace Mini & Platform Sandals
- 9. Kelsea Ballerini: Cynthia Rowley & Lace-Up Sandals
While the event captured its usual share of social media chatter, the fashion remained the primary focus. From geometric prints to unexpected metallic finishes, these were the most memorable looks from the 2016 ceremony.
1. Kat Graham Brightens the Carpet in a Geometric Cavalli Dress and Silver Sophia Webster Sandals
Standing at just 5’1¾” (156.8 cm), Kat Graham used the striking geometric-printed Cavalli dress to her advantage, with its bold pattern and body-skimming silhouette enhancing her curves while subtly elongating her petite frame.

She accessorized the colorful dress with a pair of silver Sophia Webster sandals and a matching silver Lena Erziak bag. Her rings were from David Yurman, and her earrings were from designers Rebecca Minkoff and Lana.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate that intricate summer braid?

2. Shelley Hennig Stuns in a Floral-Embroidered Marchesa Midi Dress

Standing at 5’7½” (171.5 cm), Shelley Hennig brought statuesque elegance to the carpet in her Marchesa Resort 2017 midi dress, with its floral appliqués and sheer bodice enhancing her natural proportions and giving the look a true show-stopping, red-carpet presence.

3. Lucy Hale Turns Heads in Azzaro Couture With Stuart Weitzman Sandals

The “Pretty Little Liars” actress looked stunning in her geometric-style mini dress, which she teamed with Stuart Weitzman sandals and a Jimmy Choo bag.

4. Sarah Hyland Makes a Bold Entrance in J. Mendel and Red Stuart Weitzman Sandals
The petite American actress also got the memo to dress colorfully. Sarah went with this J. Mendel creation paired with strappy red sandals by Stuart Weitzman. She sported the asymmetric dress with a Rodo clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

5. Lana Parrilla Brings Embellished Drama in Georges Hobeika

Standing at 5’4¾” (164.5 cm), Lana Parrilla commanded attention at the Teen Choice Awards in a breathtaking Georges Hobeika Fall 2016 embroidered dress, with the intricate sparkle and tailored silhouette enhancing her proportions and giving her a polished, red-carpet–ready presence.

6. Shay Mitchell Shines in a Gold Cavalli Dress and Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals
The tall actress celebrated another Teen Choice Awards fashion win in this glittery Cavalli dress, which she paired with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals and an Edie Parker clutch.

Celebrity hairstylist Christopher Appleton, drawing inspiration from the dress, created a one-of-a-kind updo for Shay. The goal was to incorporate the gold theme into her hair without overpowering the striking dress.
A middle section of Shay’s hair was braided to achieve this, resembling a spine-like detail. Then, the pièce de résistance was added: a line of hoops that appeared to pierce the back of her head. This innovative and youthful touch elevated the topknot to a whole new level, adding an element of surprise and unique flair.

7. Ashley Benson Leans Into Metallic Glamour in Michael Kors

Standing at 5’3½” (161.3 cm), Ashley Benson leans into sleek coordination in a silver Michael Kors Fall 2016 metallic brocade mini dress, pairing the 3D floral embellishments and bold ring-linked cutout detail with matching Jacqueline sandals that streamline her petite frame while delivering a distinctly mod, high-shine finish.

8. Victoria Justice Commands Attention in Versace and Matching Platform Sandals
In recognition of her exceptional style, the organizers selected Victoria Justice to host the event. Demonstrating her impeccable fashion sense, she made a striking entrance wearing a sensational Versace dress adorned with elegant knots.

The intricacies of the design accentuated her natural beauty, while her choice of Versace platform sandals further elevated her ensemble in terms of style and stature.
Her fashion-forward approach captivated the audience and set the tone for an unforgettable evening filled with glamour and excitement.

9. Kelsea Ballerini Finishes Her Strapless Cynthia Rowley Look With Statement Lace-Up Sandals

Standing at 5’7¼” (170.8 cm), Kelsea Ballerini used her statuesque frame to full effect in a tulip-style, strapless Cynthia Rowley dress, finishing the look with dramatic lace-up sandals that climb the leg and amplify the outfit’s bold, stage-ready edge.

From Teen Choice Sparkle to Timeless Shoe Trends: Where to Go Next
If this Teen Choice Awards roundup proved anything, it’s that playful red-carpet dressing—bold prints, metallic finishes, and statement heels—often sets the tone for wider fashion trends.
Whether you were drawn to geometric minis, barely-there sandals, or high-shine embellishment, these follow-up reads expand on the silhouettes, designers, and styling tricks that keep resurfacing season after season.
👠 Explore More Red-Carpet Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 💫 The best shoes from the 2013 Teen Choice Awards is a natural next read for anyone who loved the playful energy of this roundup, with bold minis, bright color, and standout heels that capture the same youthful red-carpet spirit.
- ✨ The 2022 AMAs footwear and fashion roundup offers a more modern awards-show companion piece, balancing statement gowns with shoe-first analysis for readers who want another multi-look red-carpet package.
- 🔷 This geometric-dress trend feature is especially relevant if Kat Graham and Lucy Hale’s graphic looks were among your favorites, tracing how bold pattern play keeps resurfacing in celebrity fashion.
- 👡 Stuart Weitzman’s iconic “Nudist” sandals makes an excellent follow-up for readers drawn to the barely-there sandal moments in the roundup, showing why this sleek silhouette became such a red-carpet constant.
- ✨ Shay Mitchell’s gold Giuseppe Zanotti “Darcie” sandals works beautifully as a deeper dive, turning one of the roundup’s strongest looks into a dedicated shoe story with more detail on the metallic, leg-lengthening heel.
- 👠 9 versatile shoes that go with everything gives the roundup a more evergreen finish, translating red-carpet shoe appeal into a broader style guide for readers interested in the silhouettes behind the glamour.