Standing at a petite 5 feet 1 inch (154.9 cm), Nicole Richie is three inches shorter than the average American woman, who is 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm). She wears a shoe size 7 (US).
Nicole Richie boosts her height in studded platform Christian Louboutin heels with signature red soles (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
On Your Next Shoes, she has been featured wearing heels by footwear brands such as Balenciaga, Stuart Weitzman, Saint Laurent, Emporio Armani, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, and her own label, Harlow 1960.
Nicole Richie’s Signature Designer Heel Moments
Nicole Richie has consistently showcased her impeccable fashion sense, often elevating her ensembles with standout designer heels:
- Christian Louboutin: For the NBC Universal mid-season press junket, she wore 50s-inspired Christian Louboutin mesh pumps with a La Perla lace bodysuit and wide-legged floral pants by Etro. In addition, Nicole styled a black textured dress with black patent “So Kate” pumps.
- Vivienne Westwood: During the 10th Annual Style Awards in 2013, she donned an embellished black Antonio Berardi crop top and matching trousers, paired with edgy Vivienne Westwood triple-strap platform Mary Janes, making a bold fashion statement.
- Saint Laurent: While promoting the second season of “Candidly Nicole” in 2015, Nicole opted for a floral long-sleeved mini dress, elevated by classic Saint Laurent “Jane” sandals, showcasing her flair for blending timeless pieces with contemporary styles.
- Casadei: At the 2013 American Music Awards, she exuded modern glamour in a white Emilio Pucci cutout gown, accessorized with gray Casadei “Rodio Steelix” pumps, highlighting her ability to incorporate architectural footwear into red carpet ensembles.
- Manolo Blahnik: Attending the Stella McCartney Fall/Winter 2013 fashion show in Paris, Nicole Richie embraced effortless Parisian chic in a striped Stella McCartney mini dress, pairing it with the timeless Manolo Blahnik BB pumps, proving that classic pointed-toe heels remain a wardrobe staple.
Nicole Richie shows off her rosary beads tattoo on her left ankle and foot while wearing chic black sandals (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Dressing for Confidence: Nicole Richie’s Approach to Personal Style
From bodysuits to cozy sweats, Richie prioritizes confidence and comfort, proving that great style isn’t about height or size—it’s about feeling like yourself.
“I’m 5-ft-1-in., so I can’t just go and wear some miniskirt,” she told People about her short height.
“That would look a lot better on someone 5-ft-9-in. I have to work with my body, and I like to be comfortable. My go-to look is loose pants and a tank top. I’m really into bodysuits. If I am at home, it’s sweats. I like to be supercozy.”
“My approach is you have to feel like yourself,” she added. “There’s no point in dressing like somebody else or chasing some trend that doesn’t look good on you. It just doesn’t serve you.”
Nicole Richie exudes winter elegance in New York City, pairing a speckled Rochas Fall 2024 coat with Larroude x Altuzarra patent leather pumps and House of Harlow 1960 gold-diamond earrings as she arrives at NBC’s ‘Today’ Show on December 9, 2024 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Style Over Stature: Nicole Richie’s Take on Wearing Heels
Nicole Richie told People in December 2020 that while she enjoys wearing heels, she prioritizes comfort over height. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch, she acknowledges that heels don’t significantly change her height, but she wears them because she genuinely likes the style.
I wear heels if I like them,” she said. “I’m lucky in the sense that I’m really good at walking in heels, but I definitely don’t wear them for height. I’m 5-ft., 1-in., so the tallest I’m ever getting is 5-ft., 5-in., so who cares about that? So if I’m wearing a heel it’s because I actually like the heel — I don’t sacrifice comfort for heels.
Richie feels fortunate to be good at walking in heels, and she clarifies that her footwear choice is based on personal preference rather than a desire to appear taller.
Nicole Richie wears a black strapless Etro Couture dress and Ana Khouri jewelry at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)
Her biological father, Peter Michael Escovedo, is the brother of Sheila Cecelia Escovedo (better known under the stage name Sheila E.), and her biological mother is Karen Moss.
She married singer Joel Madden of the rock group Good Charlotte on December 11, 2010. Nicole Richie and Joel Madden share two children: Harlow Winter Kate Madden, born January 11, 2008, and Sparrow James Midnight Madden, born September 9, 2009.
Nicole Richie stuns in a strapless black embellished gown paired with long black gloves at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, sharing a lighthearted moment with her husband, Joel Madden (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)
While Nicole Richie often gravitates toward heels, her vacation style leans more toward effortless comfort. During a getaway to Portofino, she embraced a relaxed yet chic look, swapping her usual stilettos for stylish gladiator flats—a rare footwear choice for the fashion icon.
Nicole Richie Escapes to Portofino for a Glam Family Getaway
In July 2013, Nicole Richie took a much-needed break from her busy schedule for a quick Italian getaway with her family. We spotted her sans makeup but still looking like a chic tourist in Portofino, Italy.
Nicole Richie keeps it casual in a flowy black dress paired with studded gladiator sandals in Portofino, Italy, on July 16, 2013 (Credit: KIKA / WENN / Alessandro Masini)
The mom of two wore a beach cover-up over her striped bikini, carried a huge shopping bag, and wore a fabulous pair of Balenciaga gladiator flats.
A closer look at Nicole’s studded Balenciaga flats (Credit: KIKA / WENN / Alessandro Masini)
Gladiator flats returned during the summer of 2013, as we observed several well-known individuals embracing this trend.
Nicole Richie isn’t the only petite fashion icon who masterfully uses heels to enhance her style. Many other celebrities standing at 5 feet 1 inch have embraced high-fashion footwear to create show-stopping looks on the red carpet and beyond.
More Petite Celebrities Who Elevate Their Look with Heels
From elegant pumps to statement platforms, here’s how other petite stars use heels to elevate their outfits:
Sarah Hyland’s Glamorous Red Carpet Appearances
- Event: 2015 People’s Choice Awards
- Outfit: Sarah Hyland dazzled in a silver strapless gown.
- Footwear: She paired her gown with Stuart Weitzman’s ‘Nudist’ sandals, adding elegance to her look.
- More Details: Sarah Hyland’s stunning red carpet look
Rachel Bilson’s Chic Street Style
- Event: Casual Outing in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Rachel Bilson rocked a floral-printed turquoise ensemble by Milly.
- Footwear: She completed her look with white perforated leather sandals from Givenchy, showcasing her trendy style.
- More Details: Rachel Bilson’s chic street style
Kristen Bell’s Elegant Award Show Ensemble
- Event: 2023 ‘Party Down’ Premiere
- Outfit: Kristen Bell stunned in a sophisticated gown.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with nude Christian Louboutin pumps featuring metallic gold pointed toes.
- More Details: Kristen Bell’s elegant award show ensemble
Anna Kendrick’s Stylish Film Festival Appearance
- Event: Hollywood Film Festival
- Outfit: Anna Kendrick looked chic in a classic black dress.
- Footwear: She added a pop of color with bold yellow Jimmy Choo heels adorned with fringe and studded details.
- More Details: Anna Kendrick’s stylish film festival appearance
Jenna Ortega’s Red Carpet Hack
- Event: Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special
- Outfit: Jenna Ortega wore a chocolate brown satin Monse gown.
- Footwear: She cleverly concealed exceptionally high platform heels beneath her floor-length gown, creating the illusion of added height.
- More Details: Jenna Ortega’s hidden red carpet hack:
Jenna Ortega looked stunning in a chocolate brown satin Monse gown, pairing the fluid silhouette with towering platform heels that subtly elongated her petite frame, creating a statuesque red carpet presence at the SNL50: The Anniversary Special at 30 Rockefeller Center on February 16, 2025 in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
If you want to see Jenna Ortega’s secret weapon, you can check out her heels in the video below:
These celebrities demonstrate that petite individuals can confidently showcase their style and presence on any occasion with the right pair of heels.
