Shailene Woodley's stylist defends controversial Emmys outfit amid online backlash

Shailene Woodley's stylist, Karla Welch, has defended the actress's polarizing ensemble at the 2026 Emmys, responding to a wave of critical online commentary. Woodley appeared on the red carpet in a striking Balenciaga outfit that included a low-cut top, bedazzled pants, maroon leather gloves, and a multicolored stone necklace. The look quickly drew attention, with many social media users suggesting Woodley should dismiss her stylist.

Welch addressed the backlash on Threads, stating, "Love or hate something fine but it's an opinion. It can even be a conversation but being super rude and mean and taking glee from it, well that says a lot more about the mouths it's coming from." While some users supported Welch's stance, praising Woodley for embracing adventurous fashion and appearing happy, others urged the stylist to acknowledge the outfit's shortcomings.

One user commented, "You need to own you made her look bad. She trusted YOU and you fell short." Another critic wrote, "I am so sad her stylist led her astray. What a terrible outfit."

The public reaction to Woodley's fashion choice was amplified by recent controversial comments made by her ex-fiancé, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers claimed on a podcast that Woodley had asked to "go f*** another man" before their planned marriage. This statement led some fans to connect Woodley's red carpet look to the personal drama, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing, "fit so bad you completely vindicate Aaron Rodgers."

Welch, who has styled numerous celebrities including Karlie Kloss, Olivia Wilde, and Justin and Hailey Bieber, also styled "Hacks" star Hannah Einbinder for the Emmys. Einbinder wore a contrasting custom Calvin Klein two-piece set.

Woodley's look raised a number of eyebrows, including those of red carpet expert Melissa Rivers, who put the actress on her worst dressed list

Red carpet analyst Melissa Rivers included Woodley on her worst-dressed list for the event. Following the ceremony, Woodley was seen changing into a T-shirt for a Disney after-party.

Woodley later covered up her 'bizarre' red carpet outfit with a t-shirt, as she attended an after party for the event on Monday night

Rodgers's account of his relationship with Woodley, which ended in March 2022, shortly after their December 2021 engagement, has reportedly alarmed Woodley's friends. Sources told TMZ that Rodgers's remarks were "completely out of character" and noted that he had not spoken to Woodley in over two years. Woodley had previously described the relationship's dissolution as a "traumatic thing."