Shailene Woodley’s Emmys Red Carpet Look Sparks Mixed Reactions Online

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
Shailene Woodley
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Red carpets often feature outfits that ignite online discussions, sometimes overshadowing the ceremony itself. With bold designer choices and unique styling, awards season transforms fashion into a competitive spectacle, inviting instant public opinions.

This year’s Emmy Awards provided such a moment, particularly from an actress making her first appearance at the event in nearly a decade. The significance of her outfit choice was amplified by her return to a spotlight she had not occupied for years.

Shailene Woodley made her Emmys red carpet comeback for the first time since 2017, when she was nominated for ‘Big Little Lies.’ Her outfit choice quickly divided viewers, as she donned a look from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture collection, featuring a plunging periwinkle halter top paired with gold sequin-beaded wide-leg trousers.

Instead of replicating the runway version, which included an oversized black hooded cloak, Woodley opted for burgundy leather opera gloves and a colorful gemstone necklace made from Venetian glass by HOWL Jewelry. Her slicked-back low ponytail completed the ensemble styled by Karla Welch, making it one of the evening’s most discussed looks.

Online reactions ranged from confusion to outright criticism as soon as the photos circulated. One commenter on Vanity Fair’s coverage remarked, “What in the kitchen gloves arts & crafts is going on here?” while another user on X bluntly stated that the outfit’s fit and color combination lacked shape and featured “such a confusing choice of accessories.”

However, not everyone was critical. Some fans embraced the outfit’s boldness, with one commenter exclaiming, “Omg I think this outfit is fun!” Others offered more nuanced opinions, with a Page Six commenter stating, “I have very mixed feelings about this outfit. All nice pieces, odd together.”

The divide extended into formal fashion critiques, with outlets noting that while the individual pieces were of high quality, the overall execution didn’t quite match the designer’s original runway vision. Woodley appeared unfazed by the mixed reactions, later throwing on a t-shirt over her look while attending a post-Emmys after party.

Amidst the fashion discourse, it’s important to note that Woodley’s appearance coincided with significant career news. She won her first Emmy, taking home Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Annie, a former Graceland tour guide, in Hulu’s ‘Paradise,’ with the award presented at the Creative Arts Emmys the week prior to the main ceremony.

This win made her return to the red carpet particularly meaningful, even if the post-event conversation focused more on her outfit than her achievement. For an actress making a long-awaited return to the Emmys, both the win and her wardrobe choice ensured she left with plenty to discuss.

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