by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley debuted one of her sultriest shoes yet on social media, thanks to the Olsen twins.
While out in London on Instagram, Huntington-Whiteley posed in a pair of The Row‘s nylon sock-style boots. Designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the $990 (was $1,650) style featured stretchy, sock-like uppers crafted from black nylon mesh. For a supportive base, the pair was finished with black leather soles elevated by 4-inch stiletto heels.
While defying the standard matte construction of a winter boots, Huntington-Whiteley’s footwear also embraced the current trend of sheer footwear that’s risen in the 2020’s — particularly in 2023 — for a romantic, daring look.
“It provides a very skin-baring, almost naked look to the wearer so you can see your toes through the shoe,” designer Britt Netta shared with FN earlier this month when discussing the trend. “It’s really taken off this past season because it’s elevated, it’s modern, it’s edgy, and it’s a very versatile shoe to wear.”
Huntington-Whiteley opted to pair her dynamic boots with a decidedly more conservative outfit: a black turtleneck top and midi-length skirt, paired with a white coat — also by The Row. A crocodile-embossed black top-handled bag with silver hardware, as well as a simple silver ring and black sunglasses, chicly completed her outfit.
The look was Huntington-Whiteley’s latest in her recent shift to sleek, minimalist dressing — primarily in neutral tones. Earlier in November, the “Transformers” actress stepped out in sharp black pumps and a slouchy handbag with a black leather jacket, leather trousers and a nude top while celebrating the launch of Anine Bing’s Kate tote bag at The Stables in London.
Huntington-Whiteley’s boots also brought a particularly daring take to standard winter boots — which are still on the rise as the weather grows colder. According to retail analysis platform Trendalytics, “winter boots” are searched for nearly 48,000 times per week; searches for biker, silver Western and foldover styles also spiked between 167.3% to 229.8% this year, showing a sharp rise compared to searches in 2022.
Boots like Huntington-Whiteley’s are a particularly dynamic take on the ongoing sheer shoes trend, as well. Similarly see-through mesh, vinyl and lace materials have also taken shape across various boots, pumps and mules this season, as seen in new collections from Chelsea Paris, Marc Fisher, Saint Laurent and more labels. As 2024 begins, the trend shows no signs of slowing down in the spring months — predicting a decidedly transparent season ahead.
