As someone who tends to lean toward minimalist fashion, I’ve always been fascinated by Selena Gomez’s sleek and sophisticated approach to red carpet dressing. Her recent appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was consistent with her preference for feminine outfits with clean, elegant lines.
Selena, one of the eight recipients of this year’s Virtuoso Award, demonstrated that she doesn’t need to wear something grand to get attention. She only needs a white mini-dress and matching shoes to steal the show.
Selena Gomez at the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Virtuosos Award at The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, California (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The Virtuosos Award honors a group of artists whose standout performances in their recent films have “propelled them into the forefront of national cinematic conversation.” Selena received the award for her role in the Spanish-language French musical crime film Emilia Pérez.
Other awardees include Ariana Grande for Wicked, Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown, Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice, Mikey Madison for Anora, John Magaro for September 5, Clarence Maclin for Sing Sing, and Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here.
Selena Gomez Stuns in Chic White Magda Butrym Mini-Dress
A simple white dress can be just as stunning as any other outfit. With its understated yet stylish feel, a minimalist white dress can create an impression and radiate elegance, refinement, and charm.
Selena Gomez opted for a Magda Butrym Resort 2025 creation. Her white mini-dress features a structured sleeveless bodice with a structural peplum waist, giving it a contemporary edge. It also has a large rosette accent that reflects the Polish designer’s love of glitzy, feminine styles.
Magda Butrym’s modern take on delicate fabrics and craftsmanship has made the brand a celebrity favorite. Rihanna wore a black Magda Butrym ruched dress on a date night with A$AP Rocky; Jennifer Lopez looked elegant in a white mohair dress at the Unstoppable London premiere; and Natalie Portman was fierce in a red mini-dress at the Pachinko LA premiere.
Although the front of Sel’s dress appeared a bit twee, the open back provides a more daring touch. I love that it skims her thighs, allowing her to parade her slimmer legs. A pink version of this Magda Butrym dress can be purchased for $1,520 at Mytheresa.
Selena Gomez is stunning in a white sleeveless mini-dress with a ruffled peplum and a large rosette accent at the waist by Magda Butrym (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Santoni Slingback Pumps Add a Sleek Touch to Selena’s Look
Looking elegant and put together, Selena Gomez paired her white dress with matching sleek white slingback pumps by Santoni, an Italian luxury shoe and leather accessories brand known for its exceptional quality and comfort.
Selena’s shoes, crafted from white patent leather, have a tapered toe and delicate slingback straps fastened with the brand’s signature double buckle. They are supported by tall stiletto heels, providing a stylish, leg-lengthening appearance.
The Milan-based label’s signature orange soles are found on all Santoni shoes, but I like how they seem integrated into the design, giving the white pumps a splash of color.
Selena Gomez pairs her white Magda Butrym mini-dress with white Santoni slingback pumps featuring the Italian luxury shoe brand’s signature orange soles and double-buckled straps (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Selena Gomez isn’t the only star who appreciates Santoni footwear’s timeless elegance and quality. The Italian luxury brand, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and signature double-buckle detail, has been a go-to choice for many A-listers.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Santoni Heels
From red carpet premieres to high-profile events, these celebrities have all stepped out in Santoni heels, proving that the brand is synonymous with style and sophistication.
Rachel McAdams at the 2024 Tony Awards
- Event: 77th Annual Tony Awards
- Outfit: Rachel McAdams graced the red carpet in a sheer black Givenchy dress, exuding elegance and sophistication.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with black Santoni double-buckle sandals, adding a modern touch to her classic look.
- More Details: Rachel McAdams’ stunning Tony Awards look
Joey King in a Bold Barbiecore Ensemble
- Event: Public Appearance
- Outfit: Joey King embraced the Barbiecore trend with a pink sheer Patrizia Pepe top and matching pants, showcasing her playful fashion sense.
- Footwear: She added a contrasting element with red strappy Santoni sandals featuring double buckles and plexiglass heels, making a bold statement.
- More Details: Joey King’s bold Santoni sandal moment
Jennifer Garner at The Family Switch Premiere
- Event: Premiere of The Family Switch
- Outfit: Jennifer Garner donned a flirty red dress with a sleeveless fitted bodice and a tiered asymmetrical mini-skirt, radiating youthful charm.
- Footwear: She showcased her style with strappy black open-toe sandals by Santoni, featuring a wraparound design and the brand’s iconic double-buckle closure.
- More Details: Jennifer Garner’s chic Santoni sandals
Winnie Harlow at the Cannes Film Festival
- Event: Cannes Film Festival Appearance
- Outfit: Winnie Harlow turned heads in a white tweed ensemble by Tamara Ralph Couture, exuding modern elegance.
- Footwear: She paired her outfit with white Santoni double slingback pumps featuring pointed toes and double-buckled straps, adding a sleek finish to her look.
- More Details: Winnie Harlow’s Cannes red carpet fashion
These moments highlight why Santoni remains a favorite among celebrities, offering footwear that blends classic elegance with contemporary flair. Whether on the red carpet or at high-profile events, Santoni heels continue to be a symbol of refined luxury and effortless sophistication.
Messika Diamond Jewelry Elevates Selena’s Minimalist Glam
Sel’s simple yet contemporary white mini-dress makes a perfect background for glitzy, eye-catching accessories. I love how she kept things opulent by accessorizing with diamond jewelry by Messika, a jewelry brand adored by celebrities for its timeless styles and craftsmanship.
Selena wisely skipped a necklace, letting the dress’s high neckline frame her face beautifully. Instead, she opted for statement rings, which gave the ensemble a playful twist and just enough sparkle.
She wore the Snake Dance white gold and diamond ring and the $7,220 Fiery Trio ring, which featured a trio of gold and diamonds entwining the finger in a unique and harmonious design. The pear-cut central diamond is surrounded by sculptural diamond-set petals, hinting at sensuality and intrigue.
Selena Gomez wears her dark hair in a wavy bob and styles her white ensemble with statement diamond rings by Messika and her Abril Barret engagement ring (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Completing her sparkling accessories, Selena wore her Abril Barret engagement ring from her fiancé Benny Blanco, whom she’s been dating since 2023.
Renato Campora styled her dark tresses in a wavy bob, while Hung Vanngo highlighted her natural features with nude makeup and matte lipstick.
This isn’t the first time Selena has wowed in slingback pumps. Whether gracing the red carpet or making a chic daytime statement, Selena consistently turns to slingback pumps for their leg-lengthening effect and timeless appeal.
Selena Gomez’s Best Slingback Pump Moments
Known for their timeless elegance and versatility, slingbacks offer the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort—qualities that align with Selena’s refined yet effortless aesthetic. Here are some of her most memorable looks featuring this elegant footwear:
Selena Gomez in Versace Slingback Pumps
- Event: Appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Outfit: Selena donned a sophisticated black Versace dress with sheer sleeves and gold Medusa buttons, exuding timeless elegance.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with black patent leather Versace slingback pumps, adding a sleek finish to her look.
- More Details: Selena Gomez Shines in Versace Shoes While Holding Hands With Grandparents
Selena Gomez’s Triple Outfit Change Featuring Celine Slingback Pumps
- Event: Promotional Day in London
- Outfit: Selena showcased three distinct looks throughout the day, including an embroidered dress and a chic coat ensemble.
- Footwear: She paired each outfit with cream-colored Celine slingback pumps, demonstrating the shoes’ versatility and her keen fashion sense.
- More Details: Who Says You Can’t Wear Three Outfits in One Day? Selena Gomez Does!
Selena Gomez Elevates Her Height with Christian Louboutin Slingbacks
- Event: Premiere of STEVE! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces
- Outfit: Selena graced the event in a custom Oscar de la Renta dress, complemented by Wolford tights.
- Footwear: She opted for towering Christian Louboutin slingback pumps, enhancing her petite frame and adding a touch of glamour.
- More Details: How Selena Gomez Enhances Her Height with Stunning Heels
Selena Gomez’s Dazzling Appearance at the Golden Globes
- Event: Golden Globe Awards
- Outfit: The actress stunned in a red gown, accessorized with sparkling Bulgari diamonds.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Christian Louboutin’s “Hot Chick” red patent leather slingback pumps, adding a bold touch to her ensemble.
- More Details: Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Kiss Backstage at Golden Globes
These instances highlight Selena Gomez’s affinity for slingback pumps, showcasing her ability to blend classic elegance with contemporary fashion trends.
White Hot Wonder: Selena Gomez Owns the Color Like No Other
“The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you,” said fashion icon Coco Chanel.
Whether Selena Gomez knows this quote or not, she embodies its essence flawlessly. Time and again, she has proven that white is her color, owning the red carpet with effortless grace. She understands its power, and she leverages it to her advantage. Just take a look at these stunning moments:
Selena Gomez stuns in white at the 41st NAACP Image Awards (Feb 25, 2010), exudes elegance at the Ramona and Beezus premiere (July 20, 2010), and dazzles at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards (August 8, 2010) (Credit: Nikki Nelson / JDH / JCP / Nikki Nelson / WENN)
White IS Selena’s color. She’s one of the celebs who looks extra good in it. Just look at how it brings out her creamy complexion and dark-colored hair.
It makes her look fresh, clean, classy, and elegant. She seems more of a lady than her predecessor, Miley Cyrus (Sorry, Miley). And that officially makes her one white-hot beauty.
My favorite among the three white looks she put together is the frock she wore to the 2010 Teen Choice Awards. Just check out the detailing on the back of that dress:
Selena Gomez captivates in a flowing BCBG Max Azria drape dress, exuding elegance with its shimmering embellished back and ethereal silhouette
Selena Gomez’s wearing a BCBG Max Azria drape dress at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards held at Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City on August 8, 2010 (Credit: Nikki Nelson / JDH / JCP / Nikki Nelson / WENN)
So exquisite, right? Her draped slit-sleeve dress with a beaded back is from the BCBG Max Azria Spring 2010 collection. She showed off her feet in studded nude heels with feathers from the Sergio Rossi Fall 2010 collection.
Selena Gomez showing off her feet in studded feather heels from the Sergio Rossi Fall 2010 collection