Shelton was born in Los Angeles, California, daughter of Carol (née Stromme), a teacher and former singer, and Christopher Shelton, a commercial director and producer. She has three sisters: Samantha (who is also an actress), Koren, and Erin. Shelton was raised in Eagle Rock and attended Eagle Rock High School. She was a varsity cheerleader and was voted "Prom Queen".
Shelton's most recent role is as Dr. Dakota Block in the Robert Rodriguez/Quentin Tarantino-directed film Grindhouse, appearing in both of the film's segments as the same character.