Bye, Basic Black Pumps—This Shoe Trend Is the Key to Elevating '90s-Inspired Jeans

The unlikely duo shined alongside Barbie Ferreira at the top of the Empire State Building.

Barbie Ferreira elevated a T-shirt and jeans with slingback pumps
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Barbie Ferreira elevated a T-shirt and jeans with slingback pumps

The extra-pointy slingback pumps trend peeked out from beneath Barbie Ferreira's '90s jeans.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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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.

Teyana Taylor wore ultra-pointy pumps with her semi-sheer trench coat after the Grammys

Teyana Taylor wore equally-elongated pumps to a Grammys after party.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Kate Hudson wore ultra-pointy pumps to an Oscars luncheon

Similar slingbacks joined Kate Hudson at an Oscars soirée.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Marisa Abela wore ultra-pointy slingback pumps to a pre-Baftas party

Marisa Abela wore Jacquemus's pointy slingbacks to a BAFTA affair.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Shop Jeans and Pointy Slingback Pumps Inspired by Barbie Ferreira

Meguire Hennes
Staff Writer, Fashion

Meguire Hennes is the fashion staff writer at Marie Claire, where she breaks down the celebrity looks living rent-free in her head (and yours). Whether a star is walking the red carpet or posing on Instagram, Meguire will tell you who they're wearing and why. When she's not gushing about A-listers from J.Law to Rihanna, Meguire also covers breaking industry news.

Previously, Meguire was the fashion news writer at The Zoe Report. She received a bachelor's degree in fashion studies at Montclair State University, and has freelanced at Bustle, Women's Health, Well+Good, and more. You can find her words across the fashion, beauty, health, and wellness verticals, because her Libra moon wouldn't let her settle on one beat. Follow her on Instagram for BTS moments from her Marie Claire era.