When Dakota Johnson gives dating advice, people listen. The "Materialists" star recently revealed a red flag that’s as specific as it is hilarious, and it involves a questionable fashion choice. During Vogue’s Questions From Everywhere digital series on October 21, the actress didn’t hold back when asked about her biggest dating turn-off.
Her answer was: “Men who wear flip-flops,” she said, before adding a blunt one-word warning: “Run.” The internet, of course, loved every second of it.
Not a Fan of Scents (Or Flip-Flops)
Johnson didn’t stop there. She also confessed she’s not big on strong colognes or perfumes of any kind. “No, I don’t love it,” she explained. “I have a really specific olfactory situation happening for me with men and women and everyone.” So, if you’re planning a date with Dakota, maybe skip the designer fragrance and stick to smelling like yourself.
The "Madame Web" and "Social Network" actress has never been shy about calling out what she wants (and doesn’t want) in a relationship. Earlier this year, she shared a different kind of red flag, and it was far simpler.
“Just like, not an a--hole,” she said during a July 9 interview on Today alongside her "Materialists" co-star Chris Evans. Evans jumped in with a grin, “That’s concise. There it is. Nail on the head.”
The comment came just days after multiple outlets reported that Johnson had split from longtime partner Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman she began dating in 2017. Despite a rep denying breakup rumors in 2024, reports in July 2025 confirmed their eight-year relationship had officially ended.
Martin, who shares two children — Apple, 21, and Moses, 19 — with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, has remained on amicable terms with Johnson post-split, according to sources close to the couple.
Dakota on Love in the Modern Age
For someone who’s been in high-profile relationships, Johnson keeps a surprisingly old-school approach to love. She once told Elle in May that she’s “never dated anybody” in the conventional sense, so no dating apps, no swiping. “I’ve had boyfriends, but I have never been on a dating app,” she said. “I just don’t know that world. It’s the most beautiful side of humanity, but it can also be the most ugly. Loving someone is the most scary and beautiful thing you can do.”
While she may be off the market for now, her wit and grounded perspective on relationships are what make her a standout voice in a celebrity culture that often tries too hard.