Looking at the photos below, it may be no surprise that Gabrielle Union was considered one of the worst dressed at the 2014 BET Awards. She hit the red carpet at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live with Kerry Washington, Paris Hilton, and numerous other celebrities.
The then-41-year-old actress was nominated for Best Actress at the award ceremony against Kerry Washington (winner), Lupita Nyong’o, Oprah Winfrey, and Angela Bassett.
Gabrielle Union shows how to mix elegance and edge with a Grecian-inspired gown paired with bold thigh-high boots
Gabrielle Union donned a Grecian-inspired gown from the Maria Lucia Hohan 2014 Fall collection featuring sheer black paneling on the bodice.
She paired the dress with thigh-high black boots—a puzzling choice that left many scratching their heads. To complete the look, she added Pomellato earrings.
Gabrielle Union complements her red carpet look with soft, voluminous waves and natural, glowing makeup for a timelessly elegant finish at the 2014 BET Awards at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on June 29, 2014 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Do you dislike Gabrielle Union’s ensemble as much as the fashion critics did? While we have not been able to identify her thigh-high boots, we found a nice alternative on sale at Shopbop that we hope you’ll like:
Maison Martin Margiela Thigh-High Wedge Boots, $1,298.50
Explore More About Thigh-High Boots
For those inspired by Gabrielle Union’s daring ensemble, exploring the versatility of thigh-high boots can elevate your wardrobe. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to style thigh-high boots for outfit ideas and tips to incorporate this bold footwear into your look.
Additionally, discover chic celebrity outfits featuring thigh-high boots for more inspiration. For a seasonal approach, learn what to wear with thigh-high boots in fall and winter to stay stylish during the colder months. Embracing this trend can add a sophisticated edge to your fashion repertoire.
If you want to replicate Gabrielle Union’s bold footwear choice or elevate your style with versatile tall boots, here are some sleek options available at Shopbop to help you make a statement this season:
Versatile tall boots, ranging from classic knee-high styles to edgy over-the-knee designs, perfect for any wardrobe
Explore More Iconic BET Awards Footwear Moments
The BET Awards have consistently showcased bold and memorable footwear choices that set the stage for emerging trends.
For instance, at the 2017 BET Awards, Yara Shahidi captivated audiences by pairing a distressed denim dress with vibrant Jimmy Choo heels, seamlessly blending casual and high fashion.
Similarly, at the 2016 BET Awards, Meagan Good turned heads in a green Lorena Sarbu gown complemented by sparkling Jimmy Choo sandals, exemplifying her sophisticated style.
More recently, at the 2023 BET Awards, Coco Jones stunned in a scarlet LaQuan Smith dress, showcasing her impeccable fashion sense. These instances highlight how the BET Awards serve as a platform for celebrities to make daring and influential fashion statements, particularly with their choice of footwear.