It might have been sheer coincidence—or maybe a shared stylist—but back in 2011, both Brooklyn Decker and Nina Dobrev stepped out in strikingly similar looks: black lace dresses paired with bright-colored heels. Over a decade later, it’s hard not to wonder—was this an early glimpse of a trend that’s now making a stylish comeback?
Brooklyn Decker Dazzles in Bright Yellow Choos
In December 2011, both ladies attended two events on the same night—Brooklyn at Spike TV’s 2011 Video Game Awards and Nina at the “Ripple Effect” water project benefit.
Brooklyn Decker flaunts her legs in a black lace Nah Khanh dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, and House of Lavande earrings at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards 2011 held at Sony Studios on December 10, 2011, in Los Angeles (Credit: INFevents)
Both wore black lace – Brooklyn in Nah Khanh and Nina in Monique Lhuillier. Coincidentally, both wore bright-colored heels to complete their looks – Brooklyn in bright yellow Choos and Nina in hot pink Atwoods.
Nina Dobrev Stuns in Monique Lhuillier and Pink Pumps
Actresses Nina Dobrev and Kat Graham attend The Ripple Effect charity dinner at the Sunset Luxe Hotel on December 10, 2011, with Nina turning heads in a black lace Monique Lhuillier dress and bold hot pink Brian Atwood pumps (Credit: Fayes Vision / WENN)
How Their Heights Stacked Up on the Red Carpet
Nina Dobrev attended the event with Arielle Kebbel, Emmy Rossum, and Krysten Ritter. Arielle Kebbel is 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm) tall, making her the second tallest among the group.
Nina Dobrev attended the event with Arielle Kebbel, Emmy Rossum, and Krysten Ritter, with Ritter being the tallest and Dobrev the shortest among them (Credit: Fayes Vision / WENN)
Emmy Rossum follows closely, standing at 5ft 6 ¾ (169.5 cm). Krysten Ritter stands tallest at 5ft 9 ¼ (175.9 cm) compared to Nina Dobrev, who measures 5ft 5 ¼ inches (165.7 cm).
Nina Dobrev dazzled in a lace-infused black dress from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2011 collection at the Ripple Effect Benefiting The Water Project Charity held at Sunset Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles on December 10, 2011 (Credit: Fayes Vision / WENN)
You have to admit, pairing bright pumps with a black lace dress is out of the ordinary. It’s an entirely unconventional combination, so you can’t help but wonder if it’s a fad pushing these ladies to wear it on the red carpet.
While Decker and Dobrev gave us a glimpse of this bold pairing over a decade ago, today’s A-listers are bringing it back with a modern twist.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Rocking Black Lace Dresses with Stunning Heels
Black lace dresses have long been a staple on the red carpet, exuding elegance and a touch of mystery. Paired with the right heels, they create unforgettable looks. Let’s explore some standout moments where celebrities flawlessly combined black lace dresses with eye-catching footwear.
Florence Pugh’s Edgy Glam in Rodarte and Aquazzura
- Event: Special Screening of “We Live in Time”
- Outfit: Florence Pugh embraced a gothic-romantic aesthetic in a black silk charmeuse and lace bias dress from Rodarte’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
- Footwear: She elevated the look with black Aquazzura “Slow Kisses” sandals featuring crystal-embellished lips on the heels, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch.
- More Details: Florence Pugh’s Edgy Glam Moment: Lace, Puff Sleeves and Crystals
Kirsten Dunst’s Understated Elegance in Rodarte and Ferragamo
- Event: “Civil War” Los Angeles Premiere
- Outfit: Kirsten Dunst exuded sophistication in a sleek black Rodarte dress, showcasing the brand’s signature blend of classic and contemporary design.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with black Ferragamo heels, underscoring her timeless style.
- More Details: Kirsten Dunst’s Understated Elegance in Black Rodarte Dress and Ferragamo Heels
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Gothic-Inspired Look with Metallic Accents
- Event: HBO España Launch Party
- Outfit: Sarah Jessica Parker channeled gothic elegance in a black lace midi dress with fishnet mesh sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.
- Footwear: She added a modern twist with metallic “Rampling” pumps from her SJP Collection, blending classic design with contemporary flair.
- More Details: Sarah Jessica Parker’s Gothic-Inspired Look at HBO España Event
Kate Upton’s Classic Charm in J. Mendel and Giuseppe Zanotti
- Event: “The Layover” Premiere
- Outfit: Kate Upton showcased timeless beauty in a demure black lace dress by J. Mendel, highlighting her graceful silhouette.
- Footwear: She paired the elegant dress with black Giuseppe Zanotti heels, adding a touch of modern sophistication.
- More Details: Kate Upton’s Most Unexpected Red Carpet Look
These ensembles exemplify the versatility and enduring appeal of black lace dresses paired with statement heels, inspiring fashion enthusiasts to embrace this classic combination.
I do admit it is a refreshing way to fashion black lace. If you’re up for it, here are some bright-colored pumps from Zappos for you to try with the look:
Jessica Simpson Waleo in Bermuda Pink, $29.47 – $99.99
Betsey Johnson Ditan in Yellow, $42.99 – $99.99
Kelsi Dagger Karmine in Turquoise Suede, $69.99 – $99.99