Scarlett Johansson is a powerhouse. You’ve seen her as a lethal Russian spy, a confused philosophy grad in Tokyo, and a literal AI voice. But for fashion enthusiasts, it’s her red carpet "misses" that are often more interesting than the safe wins. Specifically, people still talk about the time we saw Scarlett Johansson in pantyhose during a 2007 Louis Vuitton show. It was a choice. Some critics hated it.
Honestly, it’s one of the most humanizing style moments for a global superstar.
Most celebrities at that level are styled to within an inch of their lives. Every seam is checked. Every accessory is vetted by a committee of six. Back in the mid-2000s, Scarlett was in her "experimental" phase. She was trying things out. She wasn't just a face for brands; she was a young woman finding her legs—literally—in an industry that demands perfection.
That One Louis Vuitton Look
Let's get into the weeds of that March 2007 appearance. She showed up in Paris wearing a grey-beige mini-skirt and blouse. It was very "office chic" meets "French schoolgirl." But the kicker? The black opaque hosiery paired with gold heels.
It broke the rules.
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Stylists today would tell you the tonal clash was a bit much. The warm gold of the shoes against the cool grey of the top felt "off." But that’s the beauty of it. It wasn't a curated, sterile look. It was a 22-year-old actress leaning into a trend that was everywhere at the time.
The Fishnet Phase and Beyond
It wasn't just a one-off thing, either. For The Other Boleyn Girl premiere, Scarlett went for a much bolder vibe. She wore a vibrant Valentino gown and paired it with fishnets. It gave the whole look a sort of punk-rock-meets-Old-Hollywood energy.
You don't see that much anymore.
Today's red carpets are dominated by the "naked dress" or hyper-tailored suits. Hosiery has become a "functional" item hidden under gowns rather than a statement piece. But Scarlett used it to add texture. She used it to bridge the gap between "indie darling" and "Hollywood bombshell."
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Why We Still Search For These Looks
Why are we even talking about this years later? Basically, it’s about the shift in celebrity culture.
- Relatability: We've all had those "what was I thinking?" fashion moments. Seeing a billionaire Marvel star in a slightly clunky outfit makes her feel like a real person.
- The Vintage Revival: Y2K and mid-2000s fashion is back with a vengeance. Gen Z is currently obsessed with the "tights and minis" aesthetic that Scarlett pioneered.
- The Lost in Translation Effect: You can't talk about Scarlett and legwear without mentioning the opening shot of Lost in Translation. That shot of her in sheer pink Araks underwear is cinematic history. It set a precedent for her being a symbol of both vulnerability and style.
The story goes that Sofia Coppola actually had to model the underwear herself to convince a shy, teenage Scarlett to film it. It wasn't about being "sexy." It was about the "stillness of the scene," as costume designer Nancy Steiner put it.
How to Pull Off the Look Now
If you’re looking to channel that 2000s ScarJo energy without looking like you’re in a costume, you’ve gotta be careful. Tonal dressing is the secret.
Last year, Scarlett was spotted in New York wearing a head-to-toe copper brown outfit by Max Mara. It was sophisticated. It was "adult." If she had added hosiery to that, it would have been a matching burgundy or brown, not a high-contrast black.
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Pro tips for modern hosiery:
- Go Sheer: Opaque black tights can look a bit "heavy" for 2026. A sheer 10-denier look is much more current.
- Match the Shoe: If you want your legs to look miles long, match the color of your hosiery to your footwear.
- Texture over Color: Instead of bright colors, try a subtle pattern like a Swiss dot or a very fine fishnet.
Scarlett’s journey from wearing "anything to fit in" to becoming a Dior and Prada muse is a wild ride. She admits she felt more like she was "playing a character" in her early campaigns. Now, in her late 30s and into her 40s, she’s much more comfortable in her own skin.
Whether she's in a custom Versace gown or a pair of casual leggings, the confidence is what sells it. The 2007 "pantyhose mishap" wasn't a failure; it was a stepping stone.
To recreate a polished version of this classic celebrity aesthetic, start by investing in high-quality denier tights that match your skin tone or your favorite pair of boots. This creates a seamless line that works for both office environments and evening events. Stick to monochromatic layers to keep the silhouette clean and avoid the "cluttered" look of the mid-2000s.