Zendaya’s Style Evolution: Tracking Her Most Iconic Movie Roles and Designer Shoes

Since her screen debut in 2009, Zendaya has evolved from a Disney star into a definitive cinematic voice and a fixture in the fashion world.

Her transition into mature roles was marked by a series of high-stakes projects, from the sprawling deserts of Dune to the grounded, emotional intensity of her work in independent drama.

Zendaya delivers a lesson in modern tailoring in a sleek, monochrome Fear of God ensemble—pairing an oversized charcoal blazer with high-waisted, pleated trousers and glossy grey Christian Louboutin pumps—styled by Law Roach, who complements her look in tonal neutrals at the HBO Max Euphoria FYC event at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 20, 2022, in Los Angeles (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

While she gained global recognition through the Spider-Man franchise, her influence extends beyond the box office. She has consistently used the red carpet as a storytelling platform, often in collaboration with stylist Law Roach.

Whether she pays homage to archival couture or embraces contemporary designers, her footwear choices—from classic Louboutins to custom-themed heels—are as much a part of her narrative as her performances.

Looking back at her early filmography provides a snapshot of this growth. Below, we track Zendaya’s age and style evolution through seven of her most significant roles, leading into her acclaimed work in Dune 2 and Challengers.

Minimalist Monochrome: Zendaya’s Stripped-Back Glam for Malcolm Marie

The story progresses, but the actors’ performances truly elevate the film, compensating for the less-than-stellar writing. In particular, critics and audiences alike widely praised Zendaya and John David Washington’s performances.

Released in January 2021, the project arrived during the pandemic, with Zendaya at 24, just months after her September birthday.

Zendaya and John David Washington served as producers and starred in the 2021 American black-and-white romantic drama film Malcolm Marie (Credit: Netflix)

Interesting Fact: The film was one of the first Hollywood features conceived, written, and produced entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press-Tour Power Dressing: Tailored Suits Statement Pumps During The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman premiered in December 2017, with Zendaya at 21. While critics were divided on its spectacle-over-substance approach, the film cemented her crossover appeal.

Zendaya hardly used stunt doubles as trapeze artist Anne Wheeler in the 2017 American biographical musical drama film The Greatest Showman (Credit: 20th Century Fox)

Off-screen, the press tour delivered some of her most versatile style moments. In London, she changed into three distinct outfits in a single day, including a sharply tailored Ronald van der Kemp suit finished with bold red Casadei pumps.

Zendaya keeps warm in a black puffer jacket and UGG Classic Mini II boots while heading to the set of The Greatest Showman in New York City on December 15, 2016

After making the rounds through the London media circuit, Zendaya continued the press tour for “The Greatest Showman” in New York City in December 2017.

She joined Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and the rest of the cast at the film’s premiere and at a lighting ceremony atop the Empire State Building.

Of course, Zendaya’s style game was on point, and her styling was impeccable as she effortlessly switched between two different looks. The cast of “The Greatest Showman” was aboard the Queen Mary 2 at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal for the film’s world premiere.

Zendaya had her own princess moment as she stepped out in a beautiful Spring 2018 Viktor Rolf ball gown featuring a draped strapless bodice and dramatic asymmetrical cuts.

Zendaya channels modern princess style in a dramatic black-and-red Viktor Rolf Spring 2018 tulle ball gown at the world premiere of The Greatest Showman aboard the Queen Mary 2 in New York City on December 8, 2017 (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

She shared an Instagram post showing her descending the stairs in her romantic two-tone tulle number. An edgy bob and jewelry from Tiffany Co. finished off her red carpet look.

(L-R) Michael Gracey, Rebecca Ferguson, Keala Settle, Zendaya, Zac Efron, and Hugh Jackman

Zendaya braved the cold for her lighting ceremony atop the Empire State Building in a stylish ensemble as she posed with her co-stars for photographs during the event.

The cast of “The Greatest Showman” during a lighting ceremony atop the Empire State Building in New York City on December 9, 2017 (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

The then-21-year-old star looked utterly chic in a black Ralph Lauren Fall 2017 double-breasted coat over a crisp white button-down shirt and a green Martin Grant Spring 2018 skirt.

Zendaya and Zac Efron performed many of their own trapeze stunts in The Greatest Showman

Zendaya appears taller than Zac Efron as the The Greatest Showman co-stars pose together during the Empire State Building lighting ceremony

She finished off her look with a sleek updo, Vita Fede earrings, and Giuseppe Zanotti “Yvette” over-the-knee boots.

Zendaya pairs a black Ralph Lauren Brendan tuxedo coat with a green Martin Grant Spring 2018 silk skirt and Giuseppe Zanotti Yvette over-the-knee boots

Interesting Fact: The film took nearly a decade to bring to life, with Zendaya’s performance of “Rewrite the Stars” alongside Zac Efron becoming one of its defining highlights.

Playful Color Blocking: White Louboutin ‘So Kate’ Pumps Michael Kors Mini Dress

Smallfoot received positive reviews from critics. They said it keeps youngsters entertained with its colorful distractions and has a story whose message might even resonate with older audiences, suggesting that the film is a good watch for viewers of any age.

Smallfoot was released in late September 2018, so Zendaya was 22. At the Los Angeles premiere of Smallfoot, Zendaya captivated onlookers in a vibrant pink-and-orange V-neck mini dress by Michael Kors, featuring puffed sleeves and a ruffled hemline.

She completed the look with white Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps and statement jewelry, while her long braided ponytail paid tribute to her character Meechee. The outfit perfectly exemplifies how Zendaya combines playful color with sophisticated styling on the red carpet.

Zendaya brightens the Smallfoot premiere in a vibrant floral Michael Kors mini dress, pairing the playful silhouette with crisp white Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps that elongate her legs and add a sleek, polished contrast to the bold print on September 22, 2018, at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

What sharpens the look further is her consistent reliance on the ‘So Kate’ as a styling anchor. Defined by its elongated toe, low-cut vamp, and towering stiletto, the silhouette creates a clean, uninterrupted line that subtly lengthens the leg and refines proportions. As seen in her Vivienne Westwood moment paired with white “So Kate” pumps, the minimalist design doesn’t compete with statement garments—it elevates them and reinforces the overall silhouette.

That same approach carries across her red-carpet evolution. Zendaya and stylist Law Roach have repeatedly returned to the ‘So Kate’ as a foundation piece, using it to ground everything from sculptural couture to sharply tailored suiting. At the 2019 People’s Choice Awards, for example, the sleek pump anchored a Christopher Esber gown—cementing it as one of her defining footwear signatures.

Even when hidden beneath gowns, the shoe remains structural. In moments like her Armani Privé appearance in Rome, the sharply cut vamp and high stiletto ensure the garment falls cleanly, maintaining that precise, elongated silhouette she’s known for.

Interesting Fact: This animated flick employed over 100 character animators, and the makers rendered millions of strands of hair for the principal actors.

Sculpted Leather Nude Pumps: Balmain’s Wet-Look Moment at the Dune Premiere

Dune (2021) was widely praised for its scope and cinematic ambition, with Zendaya appearing at 25 in Denis Villeneuve’s sweeping sci-fi epic. While some noted its deliberate, slow-burning pacing, the film ultimately builds into a compelling setup for its sequel.

Zendaya disappointed her fans by appearing for only seven minutes as the mysterious young Fremen woman Chani in the 2021 American epic science fiction film Dune (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

At the 2021 Venice Film Festival premiere of Dune, Zendaya captivated audiences in a custom Balmain gown crafted from sculpted caramel-colored leather. The gown was designed to create a wet-look effect that clung to her silhouette. She paired the ensemble with nude Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps and a striking 93.83-carat emerald Bulgari necklace.

Interesting Fact: The internet buzzed with assumptions and clarifications about Zendaya’s role as Chani in Dune. The film is based on the first half of a novel by Frank Herbert, published in 1965.

Character Dressing Done Right: Sequined Armani Privé Classic Black Louboutin Pumps

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) saw Zendaya return as MJ at 23, blending teen romance with high-stakes superhero action. While it didn’t quite match the acclaim of Homecoming, critics praised its offbeat charm and emotional edge.

Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man and Zendaya as Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson in the 2019 American superhero film Spider-Man: Far From Home (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

At the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Far From Home in June 2019, Zendaya paid tribute to her character, MJ, in a custom red-and-black sequined gown by Armani Privé. The sleek, backless look was a subtle nod to Spider-Man’s iconic suit, complete with black Christian Louboutin pumps and vibrant red hair.

Interesting Fact: Zendaya was constantly worried about Tom Holland’s safety during the shoot. She feared that he would not be able to breathe or that he might choke inside the suit because he was wearing a one-piece costume.

Head-to-Toe Pink Impact: Casadei ‘Blade’ Pumps Ralph Russo Couture Drama

It is the first in the three-part Spider-Man series in the MCU. Though Zendaya was introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming, she did not have a significant role in the first part. Her name is revealed as MJ only towards the end of the film.

Zendaya made her debut as Michelle Jones, or “MJ” for short, in the 2017 American superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Interesting Fact: Zendaya’s MJ isn’t Mary Jane Watson—the iconic role once played by Kirsten Dunst—but Michelle Jones, a reimagined character who brings a sharper, more understated edge to Peter Parker’s world.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming in June 2017, Zendaya turned heads in a vibrant pink Ralph Russo Spring 2017 Couture gown featuring a plunging, asymmetrical neckline, a thigh-high slit, and a dramatic train. She paired the look with matching hot pink Casadei ‘Blade’ satin pumps, adding a sleek finish to her ensemble.

Zendaya played Michelle, but the makers decided to call her MJ in homage to the character. Zendaya was 21 years old when Spider-Man: Homecoming was released.

Spiderweb Couture So Kate Pumps: Valentino Haute Couture Meets Iconic Heels

The critics praised the third and possibly last of the Spider-Man series as a bigger, bolder sequel. They appreciated that it expanded the franchise’s scope and stakes without losing sight of its humor and heart.

Interesting Fact: Tom Holland asked Zendaya and Batalon (Ned Leeds) to visit the set even when they were not shooting to provide emotional support.

Zendaya’s third Spider-Man film, the 2021 American superhero film Spider-Man: No Way Home, was a box office success (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Zendaya was 25 when Spider-Man: No Way Home was released in December 2021, three months after her 25th birthday.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home in December 2021, Zendaya captivated audiences in a custom Valentino Haute Couture gown adorned with intricate spiderweb embroidery. The plunging neckline, thigh-high slit, and shimmering details paid homage to her character, MJ, and the film’s theme. She completed the look with black Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps, Bulgari diamond jewelry, and a delicate black lace mask, embodying a blend of superhero allure and high-fashion elegance.

Before Zendaya’s blockbuster film run, she was already making waves in the fashion world. One standout early appearance came when she was just 19.

Early Style Signature: Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ Sandals Metallic Mini Skirt Energy

Zendaya wears her hair in braids at Glamour Magazine’s Game Changers lunch held on April 20, 2016, at Au Fudge in West Hollywood (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

In April 2016, Zendaya was just 19 but had already established herself as a true style icon. She turned 20 on September 1, 2016.

She’s one of our favorite faces to watch when it comes to fashion, and it was no exception when she attended Glamour Magazine’s event in West Hollywood.

The “K.C. Undercover” star made quite the entrance as she showed off her mile-long legs in a Manning Cartell ensemble at Jessica Biel’s restaurant Au Fudge.

Zendaya was at the restaurant to co-host Glamour’s Game Changers lunch, which honored some of today’s most influential women.

Zendaya flaunts her long legs in a metallic silver miniskirt and strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals, effortlessly blending futuristic glam with minimalist chic (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Zendaya paired a white long-sleeved button-down shirt from Manning Cartell with a silver button-front mini skirt that showcased her endless legs.

She finished the look with minimal silver jewelry by John Hardy and silver sandals by Stuart Weitzman.

Zendaya pairs an iridescent silver miniskirt with a white button-down shirt (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Ever the hair chameleon, the Disney star switched up her hairstyle and went for sleek cornrows tied into a knot at the nape of her neck.

She rounded out her look with heavy smoky eye makeup, signature bold brows, and subtle pink lipstick.

Zendaya’s Manning Cartell button-down shirt peeks out from beneath her silver skirt (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Zendaya picked the silver version of the iconic Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals to match her skirt. These glittery sandals have keyhole cutouts at the rear, adjustable ankle straps, open toes, and about 4.5-inch heels.

Zendaya spotlights her pedicure in shimmering silver Stuart Weitzman sandals, the minimalist ankle-strap silhouette adding a sleek, high-shine finish to her look (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

More of Zendaya’s Best Shoe and Fashion Moments

From metallic Stuart Weitzman sandals to themed red-carpet pumps and fashion-week statement heels, Zendaya’s style evolution goes far beyond a single premiere or press tour. If you want to keep tracing how she uses footwear to sharpen each look, these standout YNS features are the best next reads.