Shailene Woodley Doesn’t Attend the Blake Lively School of Fashion
Shailene Woodley speaking with Matt Lauer. (Photo: Getty Images)
It’s undeniable that fashion has picked up its pace (there’s a reason why the likes of Zara, H&M, and Forever21 are so successful). In addition to a speedier production process, consumption has also increased. But shoppers aren’t just starved for new items; they’re also looking for constant inspiration from their favorite influencers. This feedback loop means that stars — and their stylists — feel pressure from brands, designers, and fans to serve up new looks whenever they step out. During press tours, this market force only increases, which is why Blake Lively, Selena Gomez, Chloë Grace Moretz, and more change their outfits multiple times in a day. But the fashion Olympics hasn’t drafted every PYT in the industry. In fact, there’s one woman who should take gold for completely rejecting the trend: Shailene Woodley.
While promoting her new film, The Divergent Series: Allegiant, the final installment of the series, the 24-year-old made the rounds. First, she spoke with Matt Lauer on the Today show, then headed downtown for AOL Build, BuzzFeed’s offices, and more media outlets throughout New York. For the different obligations, the actress didn’t call on her stylist, Ilaria Urbinati, for various eye-catching ensembles; instead she showed up wearing her own clothes (which could possibly be more captivating for that very reason). In skinny jeans, crew neck sweater (she wore a navy blue knit for her first appearance and a light brown braided piece for the others), black booties, minimal makeup, and messy bun, she shirked expectations and instead wore a relatable, normal outfit.
Shailene Woodley and Theo James at BuzzFeed’s offices, and they were “cute AF.” (Photo: @buzzfeedceleb/Instagram)
“She’s very down-to-earth, very normal,” Donna Freydkin, who works with AOLBuild (watch the interview here) said of her experience with Woodley. “She greeted me with a hug, and she’s extremely straightforward and direct. She owns who she is.” Freydikin added that despite her celebrity status, Woodley is authentic, smart, and thoughtful. “She’s very inclusive. But don’t let the hugs fool you — she’s very professional, very punctual, and very focused on doing a good job, as opposed to a lot of people in the business who are focused on the exterior.”
Other famous women might use fashion as paparazzi bait for extra attention, yet the fact that Woodley rejects this often-employed practice is in keeping with her brand. Every article of clothing Woodley wears can also be seen on the thousands of women who admire her. It’s a uniform for most girls and women, from the halls of high schools to business casual office environments. “There’s a lot of pressure from the media and from society to look a certain way or act a certain way,” Woodley told Freydkin during their chat. “To be frank, it’s much easier to just be yourself, because you’re not trying to appease any social standard.”
Despite having started her career in the spotlight at a young age, Woodley has never conformed to the celebrity lifestyle. She doesn’t own a cellphone, and when she has time off from shooting or promoting, she goes off the grid, foraging for food, couch-hopping, camping, and traveling. “I struggle in real life trying to balance my natural connection to the earth and the somewhat materialistic side of the industry I am in,” she admitted.
Woodley in Elie Saab at the premiere of The Divergent Series: Allegiant. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sure, that night she walked the red carpet at the premiere for the movie in a fancy Elie Saab jumpsuit, but she did so as part of the job. “If I was to show up wearing my five-toe shoes, my Melodia organic leggings and some hippie top, no one is going to take me seriously,” she once said. “When I go on a red carpet, I’m Shailene, but I’m also Shailene representing a movie. I’m there for my boss, for my employer, so part of that comes with wearing the uniform.” She may get glam for an important event, but she draws the line at wearing fur and diamonds.
Lesson learned? Slow it down, fashion. Sometimes a simple pair of skinny jeans can make more of a statement than multiple designer looks.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
