“The Electric State” has received mostly unfavorable reviews. But instead of focusing on the bad, let’s look back and appreciate the amazing fashion choices lead star Millie Bobby Brown made during the press tour for her new Netflix movie.
Despite criticism for appearing quite older than she is, Millie’s exquisite fashion sense—which frequently blends whimsical, vintage, and sophisticated aesthetics—is undeniable.
Throughout her film’s promotion, she has wowed us with her outfit and shoe selections, each being more fashionable than the last and evoking the 1990s and 2000s. For instance, she channeled Gwyneth Paltrow in a vintage Armani gown and silver heels at the Madrid premiere of The Electric State!
Millie Bobby Brown showcases her penchant for ’90s fashion in exotic dresses and chic pumps as she promotes her latest Netflix movie The Electric State (Credit: Roger Wong / Janet Mayer / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
From classic pumps to modern Mary Janes, let’s look at how Millie creatively twists these timeless shoes, showcasing her individuality through her shoe game.
1. Y2K Villainous Chic in Larroude Platform Mary Jane Pumps and Versace Polka Dot Minidress
Continuing her love of the Y2K, Millie Bobby Brown slipped into a pair of Mary Jane pumps, popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s among punk rock and goth subcultures.
While they’re often paired with knee-high socks, I love how Millie teamed them with black tights, showcasing her toned legs while enhancing the look’s retro elegance. Her $350 Larroude “Emma” pumps are no ordinary Mary Jane shoes. They have closed, rounded toes, adding timeless appeal, a 1.6-inch-thick platform, and a 4.5-inch-high angular block heel, creating a modern twist on the classic design while providing height and stability.
Like any traditional Mary Jane shoes, they have a strap across the foot. But instead of a traditional buckle, Millie’s pumps boast a gold button engraved with the brand’s insignia for an instantly recognizable finish.
Millie Bobby Brown opts for the Y2K chunky Mary Jane pumps by Larroude featuring thick platforms, angular block heels, and a Mary Jane strap with a logo-engraved button fastening (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
In a bold move, Millie embraced the exotic fashion of Fran Drescher in The Nanny, who famously loved animal-print skirt sets, while adding a touch of Disney villain Cruella de Vil’s signature dalmatian print.
She paired her towering Mary Janes with a Dalmatian-print skirt suit from Versace’s Resort 2025 collection. This daring ensemble comprises a $7,900 fitted cropped jacket with a pony-effect calf hair finish, black leather trims and Versace’s medusa buttons, and a matching $3,900 mini skirt that skims her thighs.
Millie layered her Dalmatian-print ensemble with a furry black cropped jacket for a touch of luxury and a cozy vibe. I like how the jacket contrasts against the Dalmatian pattern, adding a bit of edginess that takes the outfit from cute retro to a somewhat villainy look.
Brown finished her gorgeous ensemble with a pair of silver hoops that peeked through her curly blonde hair and a black beret that added a Parisian chic touch.
Millie Bobby Brown channels Fran Drescher in The Nanny, pairing her black platform pumps with Versace’s Dalmatian-print minidress, black furry jacket, and black beret (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
2. Soft and Feminine in Manolo Blahnik White Python Pumps and Cream Feather-Trimmed Jacket and Miniskirt
Millie Bobby Brown traded her chunky black Mary Jane pumps for something more classic yet exotic for her Thursday appearance on the Drew Barrymore Show.
She chose the Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in white python leather, creating an opulent and edgy design. I love how the python skin texture adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness to the relatively classic style while the color white gives it a polished elegance.
While these pumps would look great with an all-black outfit for a striking yet chic contrast, Millie opted for something softer and more feminine, a far cry from her previous villainous appearance.
Millie Bobby Brown showcases her penchant for opulent yet edgy style by wearing the classic Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in exotic white python leather (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Inspired by one of Barrymore’s outfits in the 1996 flick Never Been Kissed, Brown wore a cream-colored tailored jacket with feather-trimmed lapels and cuffs that add a touch of drama and opulence, making Millie stand out. I adore how it flawlessly fits Millie’s curves, highlighting her frame and creating a sharp look.
She paired the striking jacket with a miniskirt that hung down to her thighs and had a daring slit to highlight the ensemble’s feminine charm further.
Although I prefer the outfit without the white stockings for a more modern, daring, and edgy feel, I can see why Millie added them, as they enhance the ensemble’s ’90s vibe.
Millie wore her blonde hair up and complemented her ensemble with gold hoop earrings and black sunglasses for added star power.
Millie Bobby Brown completes her elegant, feminine look with a cream-colored leather skirt suit with feather lapels, collar, and cuffs (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
3. Glamorous in Crystal-Heeled Pumps and Tamara Ralph Orchid Dress
For the New York City fan screening of The Electric State, I thought Millie Bobby Brown lowered the bar on her shoe game. But upon closer look, her shoes were far more interesting than they first seemed.
These black satin pumps give the ensemble a delicate yet elegant sheen. Their pointed toes add a sophisticated touch, but their towering, sparkling crystal heel—which catches the light and produces a stunning effect—is, in my opinion, the true show-stopper.
Millie has outdone herself again. Her elegant black pumps paired with a black gown were a match made in fashion heaven.
Millie Bobby Brown slips her feet into a pair of black satin pumps with crystal-encrusted heels (Credit: Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Brown continued with the glamour by teaming her pumps with a black Tamara Ralph gown that hugged her figure perfectly, emphasizing her curves in all the right places.
The black silk velvet fabric gives the dress a luxurious touch and heightens the overall grandeur of the ensemble, while the strapless concave neckline shows just the right amount of skin.
I was particularly drawn to the intricate 3D orchids and lilies running across the bodice from her right shoulder to her left hip, creating a mesmerizing effect. Tiny rhinestones further accentuate them, giving the ensemble an even more glitzy appearance.
I love that she teamed it with a matching crystal orchid necklace resembling creeping vines around her neck.
She accessorized with a few rings and stud earrings and wore her blonde hair in a sleek bun to avoid drawing attention away from the elaborate gown and necklace.
I am a fan of the gown’s original runway version, paired with black velvet opera gloves and sheer pantaboots with peep-toes and sparkling crystals. But I also appreciate how Millie Bobbie Brown reimagined the look and made it her own.
Millie Bobby Brown looks gorgeous in a black velvet Tamara Ralph gown with crystal-embellished orchids and lilies across the bodice (Credit: Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)