On November 19, 2017, at the American Music Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Viola Davis delivered a masterclass in red-carpet dressing where footwear played a quiet but essential role.
Beneath a floor-length Michael Kors Collection gown, her choice of heels—designed to support height, balance, and movement—helped anchor the look, even as they remained intentionally out of sight.
Appearing during a tribute honoring Whitney Houston, Davis embodied restraint and controlled drama, allowing silhouette and construction to lead. By minimizing visible accessories and letting the gown’s proportions do the work, she demonstrated how strategic shoe choices can elevate a statement dress without ever competing for attention.
Viola Davis, who stands 5ft 6 (167.6 cm) and wears a US shoe size 8, often relies on high heels beneath floor-length statement gowns like this one to enhance posture, balance the silhouette, and give dramatic designs their full red-carpet impact
A Minimalist Turn That Redefined Red-Carpet Drama
Known for embracing rich, saturated hues, Davis opted instead for a luminous white gown from Michael Kors Collection, proving that minimalism can be just as commanding.
The crystal-embroidered design featured a sculptural cape detail, a plunging V-neckline, and a flowing train that moved with effortless grace—an example of how thoughtful tailoring and subtle embellishment can create a look that feels timeless long after the cameras stop flashing.
Viola Davis completed the look with a softly waved bob, minimal makeup, and understated jewelry—delicate bracelets and subtle earrings that complemented the gown’s crystal embroidery without distracting from its sculptural lines
When the Best Styling Choice Is What You Don’t See
She kept her styling intentionally restrained, opting for delicate jewelry, minimal makeup, and a softly waved bob that allowed the gown’s crystal embroidery and dramatic cape sleeves to remain the focal point.
While Viola Davis’s custom white Michael Kors Collection gown commanded attention at the 2017 American Music Awards, the shoes beneath it were deliberately obscured—a choice that aligns with her long-standing red-carpet philosophy. Davis is well known for prioritizing comfort and stability without sacrificing impact, frequently selecting footwear that provides height, balance, and support beneath floor-length silhouettes.
Although her heels were not visible, Davis typically relies on substantial platform designs for major ceremonies—styles that help carry the weight and movement of a gown with a train while maintaining a poised stance on the carpet. Over the years, she has consistently gravitated toward brands that combine architectural platforms with foot-friendly construction, including Stella McCartney, Stuart Weitzman, Tod’s, and Via Spiga, as well as comfort-driven labels like Sole Bliss for off-duty moments.
Beyond specific brands, Davis is refreshingly candid about the physical reality of red-carpet footwear. She has openly shared that she uses pain-relief tools to endure long appearances in heels and often switches to platform sneakers or flats once formal photos conclude—reinforcing that, for her, true style is inseparable from wearability.
Viola Davis attends the 2017 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on November 19, 2017, wearing a crystal-embellished white Michael Kors Collection gown whose floor-length hem deliberately concealed her heels, keeping the focus on silhouette and movement (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / Apega)
By contrast, she later embraced bold color on the Oscars stage, stepping out in a vivid hot pink Michael Kors gown paired with a matching Roger Vivier clutch in March 2018—a moment that reaffirmed her confidence in using both fashion and footwear to command attention when the silhouette allows.
There’s nothing else to add to this breathtaking look. It suited her perfectly and stayed true to Viola’s style.
Viola Davis complemented her elegant gown with a soft, wavy bob and a natural makeup look that highlighted her radiant smile and flawless complexion
What do you think of Viola Davis’s stunning look? We also recommend checking out the bright yellow, one-shoulder gown from Michael Kors that she wore in January 2017.
More Iconic Viola Davis Shoe & Style Moments
From red-carpet premieres to milestone career celebrations, Viola Davis’s approach to fashion consistently balances intention, elegance, and quiet power.
Whether she’s stepping out in classic pumps, modern platforms, or unexpected off-duty footwear, her looks tell a broader story about confidence and craftsmanship.
Below, revisit more standout shoe and fashion moments that highlight how Davis continues to define timeless style on her own terms.
👠 Viola Davis: Shoe & Fashion Moments You Can Explore:
- ✨ Viola Davis Rocks Halston at Tribeca & Sparks Shoe Fit Talk – At the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, Viola paired a sleek Halston dress with silver ankle-strap sandals that sparked style discussion.
- 🌸 Viola Davis Slays the Oscars in Pink Michael Kors Gown – A jaw-dropping Oscars look from March 2018, complete with fashion commentary (though the shoes stayed under wraps).
- 👟 From Oscars to Takeout: Viola Davis’ Love for These Gold Creepers – Celebrates her off-duty style with Stella McCartney ‘Elyse’ platform oxfords.
- 👠 Viola Davis Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in Via Spiga Pumps – At her 2017 Walk of Fame ceremony, she paired a simple, elegant dress with classic black pumps.
- 💚 Viola Davis’ 2023 Red Carpet in Green & Pointed-Toe Pumps – A recent premiere look featuring crisp pointed-toe heels at a The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes event.