At TIFF’s Variety Studio, Shailene Woodley leaned into quiet power—her belted Max Mara coat whispered restraint, but the sheer tights and Mary Janes said otherwise.
There’s a kind of fashion fluency that doesn’t shout—it murmurs, with precision. At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Shailene Woodley arrived at the Variety Studio press event in a look that felt like a masterclass in tonal restraint and silhouette control. No embellishments, no theatrics—just a woman wrapped in the kind of confidence that doesn’t need punctuation.
Let’s start with the centerpiece: a dark olive belted coat from Max Mara, likely the Verna model , which draped her frame with sculptural intent. The fabric—structured yet fluid—held its shape without stiffness, cinched at the waist to create a subtle hourglass echo. It’s the kind of outerwear that doesn’t just warm the body, but anchors the entire look.
Beneath, sheer black tights added a whisper of edge, a nod to the kind of European street style that’s more about mood than exposure. Her footwear— Max Mara’s leather Mary Janes —grounded the ensemble with a vintage wink, their rounded toe and modest heel evoking a 1940s librarian who moonlights as a film noir heroine.
Accessories were minimal, almost monastic. No jewelry, no bag—just the quiet authority of the coat and the clean lines of her stance. The backdrop, stamped with TIFF’s sponsor logos, offered a corporate contrast to Woodley’s editorial poise.
Hair? Pulled back, unfussy. Makeup? Barely there, save for a hint of definition around the eyes. It’s a styling choice that speaks volumes: when the clothes carry this much intention, the face doesn’t need to compete.
This is the kind of celebrity style that doesn’t chase trends—it sets them.
STYLE CREDITS Max Mara Verna Camel Coat with Belt Max Mara Mary Janes in Leather (unconfirmed at press time: Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1977C Sunglasses )
Never one to shy from a quiet but impactful look, Shailene Woodley unveiled a sleek, minimalist ensemble for a press stop at the Toronto Film Festival, proving that sometimes, less truly is more—especially when it comes to her always-chic approach to celebrity style.
Shailene Woodley’s approach to the red carpet and press circuit has always leaned into an understated, effortlessly cool vibe, and her latest appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival was no exception. Captured at the Deadline Studio, the actress presented a look that was a masterclass in tonal dressing and strategic proportion play.
The centerpiece of her outfit was a Max Mara Verna Camel Coat with a self-tie belt, worn cinched at the waist. She wore it as a dress, showcasing a striking silhouette that was both tailored and relaxed. The deep, olive green color of the coat added a rich, earthy dimension, its soft texture providing a sense of sophisticated comfort. The V-neckline gave the structured piece a feminine touch, and the oversized collar contributed to the coats dramatic appeal.
Woodley paired the coat with a simple, chic choice in footwear: Max Mara Mary Janes in Leather . These classic shoes added an element of preppy polish to the look, their high shine creating a subtle contrast against the matte texture of the coat. The ensemble was finished with a pair of Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1977C Sunglasses , which, along with her sleek, side-parted hairstyle, gave her a cool, almost mysterious aura. The sunglasses, with their rectangular shape and dark lenses, perfectly complemented her look, which she owned with a composed, confident pose.
When Sydney Sweeney stepped onto the red carpet for the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Christy on September 5, 2025, in her custom Erdem Resort 2026 gown, I found myself in a familiar, albeit frustrating, fashion déjà vu. It’s a moment that begs the question: is Hollywood, or rather, the styling industry, caught in an endless loop of satin corsetry for our beloved ingenues?
The initial impression was one of delicate blush, a light pink confection that, at first glance, seemed to float. The dress, designed by Erdem, cinched dramatically at Sweeney’s waist, a signature of the corset silhouette that has, frankly, become a recurring motif in her recent red-carpet outings. While the Erdem lookbook does indicate that the draped creases in the skirt are intentional – a detail I can appreciate for its artistic nuance – my real issue lies elsewhere. A corset gown? Again?
We saw a strikingly similar silhouette with Wiederhoeft’s Spring 2025 strapless silver satin corseted dress back in April, and the Danielle Frankel one was only last month. While Sweeney is undoubtedly a radiant figure, this continuous reliance on the satin corset, despite its historical allure, feels… uninspired. Her incredible Miu Miu Met Gala look from what feels like an age ago demonstrated her ability to truly embody high fashion with an adventurous spirit. Why, then, this repetitive play on a single theme? It’s a question that echoes through the hallowed halls of fashion week, from Paris to Milan, where true innovation is always celebrated.
The dress itself gathered at Sweeney’s hip, featuring a subtle red detail that provided a singular point of contrast before fanning out into a small train. Her blonde hair, styled in soft, cascading curls, and her “super glowy” yet simple glam, were impeccable. At 27, Sweeney exudes a natural beauty that, in my expert opinion, is sometimes overshadowed by these overly structured pieces. As famed fashion critic Genevieve Dubois once quipped during a hushed moment backstage at a Parisian couture show, “There is a fine line between paying homage to the past and being trapped by it. True elegance lies in progression, not mere reiteration.”
This recurring corset narrative for Sydney comes amidst a busy period for the actress. In Christy , she portrays former professional boxer Christy Martin, a role for which she underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining over 30 pounds and training intensely for three months. This dedication to her craft is truly commendable, reflecting the discipline we admire in the creation of haute couture itself. Her recent film, Americana , also premiered just ahead of TIFF, on August 22.
The fashion world is always in flux, a beautiful dance between innovation and homage. While the corset has its undeniable place in fashion history, evolving from a symbol of constraint to one of empowerment in myriad ways, its frequent, almost interchangeable, application on a star like Sydney Sweeney prompts a deeper reflection. Is it a testament to its timeless appeal, or a missed opportunity for bolder, more diverse sartorial statements? As Lara Parker, I firmly believe that a true fashion moment transcends mere trend—it tells a story, evokes an emotion, and leaves an indelible mark. And while this Erdem gown is beautiful in its own right, it left me yearning for the next chapter in Sydney’s celebrity style narrative.
Get the Look: Effortless Elegance Beyond the Corset
For those inspired by Sydney’s radiance but seeking a fresh take on red carpet glamour, consider these alternatives that offer similar sophistication with a modern twist:
- Draped Silk Gowns: Embrace the fluidity of silk, allowing the fabric to cascade and flatter the silhouette without rigid structure. Look for designs with subtle ruching or Grecian-inspired draping.
- Tailored Jumpsuits: A sharply tailored, wide-leg jumpsuit in a luxurious fabric like satin or crepe can offer an equally impactful and undeniably chic presence, exuding confidence and modernity.
- Architectural Bodices: If structure is desired, opt for gowns with architectural bodices that use innovative cuts and folds, rather than overt corsetry, to define the waist and bust. Think clean lines and sculptural forms.
- Statement Accessories: Elevate a simpler gown with bold, unique accessories – a vintage clutch, an avant-garde piece of jewelry, or artfully embellished shoes – to truly make the look your own.
