Shailene Woodley made a striking return to the Emmy Awards red carpet in 2026, sparking a flurry of discussion among fans with her distinctive Balenciaga outfit. This appearance marked her first at the television industry's premier event in nearly ten years.
The "Big Little Lies" actress chose a vibrant ensemble featuring a plunging periwinkle top, paired with beaded gold pants and burgundy opera gloves. She accessorized the look with a gemstone necklace from Howl Jewelry. This styling diverged from the Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2026 runway presentation, which had featured the outfit with a black cloak.
Woodley's fashion choice elicited varied responses online. Some viewers praised her bold style, with one comment noting, "Omg I think this outfit is fun!" However, many expressed a mix of confusion and amusement. "I have questions. A lot of them," one user wrote on X, while another commented, "Shailene Woodley arrives to the 2026 Emmy Awards wearing … truly unsure but hey you’re there, I’m not. Go off."
Other reactions were more critical. One commenter in the Vanity Fair section questioned, "What in the kitchen gloves arts & crafts is going on here?" Another user offered a humorous take, suggesting, "girl your stylist is a mole paid by aaron rodgers."
The actress's appearance comes shortly after she secured her first Creative Arts Emmy win for her role in Hulu's "Paradise," where she portrayed former Graceland tour guide Annie. This win adds a new accolade to her career, following her previous Emmy nomination in 2017 for "Big Little Lies" in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series category.
Woodley's last Emmy nomination was in 2017 for her performance in "Big Little Lies." She attended the 2026 ceremony as a nominee and award recipient, making her return to the event a notable one, not only for her win but also for her memorable fashion statement.