There's no dress code for visiting the Empire State Building. But should the powers that be want to instate one, might I suggest Barbie Ferreira's T-shirt and jeans outfit on April 1? It had all the elements of a New Yorker's everyday look, plus a '90s-inspired shoe trend that took it to cool-girl heights. (Skyscraper pun intended.)
Before joining her Mile End Kicks co-stars on the 102th floor, paparazzi captured Ferreira's laidback outfit on solid ground. Her sparkly silver chainmail tee, low-rise, bootcut jeans, and slim belt cemented the set as a noughties tribute. But it's her pointy slingback pumps that were the most decisive nod to every fashion girl's favorite reference right now.
The Euphoria alum's burgundy Jimmy Choo slingbacks were as sleek as the toe boxes were sharp. The tips seemed to extend an inch further than typical pointed-toe pumps, which promised they weren't hidden by her jeans. Every inch was dyed borderline-black, including the super-skinny, 3.15-inch stilettos, which swelled like teardrops at the end of each sole. Ferreira's already getting her money's worth on the $1,050 Jimmy Choos: She wore them again on April 2 with a striped tank and leather, zip-up maxi skirt.
Slingback pumps have stood the test of time among VIPs, and yet, the shoe trend is still evolving. Recent runway shows from Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Prada have stretched the toes further than ever before. Celebrities were quick to pick up on the elongated look, like Teyana Taylor's patent black pair for a Grammys after-party.
A week later, Kate Hudson gave the extra-long slingbacks a proper Hollywood close-up at a pre-Oscars luncheon. Similar to Ferreira's, her two-tone Lanvin heels thickened closer to the carpet.
The trend even crossed the ocean to Marisa Abela's all-black BAFTAs look, courtesy of Jacquemus. Simon Jacquemus was one of the first designers to lengthen slingback toes two years ago, and now, his bow-topped takes are beloved by stars from Hollywood to London and beyond.
Despite being a celebrity staple, the sheer effortlessness of Ferreira's extra-pointy slingbacks stand out. Few A-listers have thought to pair them with pants as relaxed as wide-leg jeans, let alone a slouchy T-shirt. Thanks to her, the trend reached a whole new audience: fashion girls who wear stilettos as often as sneakers. If that's you, shop the curated edit below.
