While some of our favorite stars were in London for the 78th BAFTAs, others descended on New York City for the 50th Anniversary of Saturday Night Live! And let me tell you, the red carpet was equally as impressive.
Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma Stone, Sabrina Carpenter, and Scarlett Johansson on the red carpet for the SNL50: The Anniversary Show of Saturday Night Live on February 16, 2025, in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
A-listers brought their fashion A-game to the event, showing off incredible looks that rivaled those at the BAFTAs.
Former and current cast members of the popular sketch comedy show and several stars appeared at the star-studded anniversary special, which took place at Studio 8H.
The red carpet was brimming with glamorous dresses, creating a truly remarkable night. But let’s be honest, the true show-stoppers of the evening were the shoes! It was a fashion feast for the eyes, from classic strappy sandals to towering platforms.
1. Blake Lively’s Crystal Sandals & Silver Dress—A Timeless Glamour Moment
Blake Lively’s shoe game is always on point! The Aquazzura Mini-Tequila sandals she wore to the SNL 50th anniversary party were no exception.
These pale gold sandals exude elegance and glamour, lending her look a touch of warmth and luxury. The minimalist design, adorned with shimmering crystals across the slender straps, adds the perfect glitz and dazzle. An adjustable buckled strap that crisscrosses at the ankle secures these eye-catching sandals to the foot, while the 4-inch heel heightens the shoes and enhances their appeal.
Whether worn down or dressed up, these stylish and versatile sandals are the perfect way to add a touch of glitz and sparkle to any outfit.
Blake Lively turned up the glamour factor in her ensemble by teaming her crystal-embellished gold sandals with a sparkling silver dress from Tamara Ralph’s Fall 2024 Couture collection, creating a stunning and eye-catching combination.
The gold sandals contrast beautifully with the silver dress, while the crystal embellishments enhance the ensemble’s luxurious, sparkling appeal.
Blake Lively dazzles in Aquazzura Mini-Tequila open-toe sandals featuring crystal-encrusted straps (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Blake looked stunning, wearing an intricate tulle dress covered in sparkling microcrystals. It featured a fitted corset bodice with crystal-embellished boning and a 3D orchid accent that offered a whimsical touch evocative of the floral-themed outfits she wore during her press tour for It Ends with Us!
For an added touch of elegance and sparkle, the dress’s bodice has a plunging neckline and heavily embellished bra cups, with crystal-adorned spaghetti straps holding them in place. I love how the skirt drapes gracefully over Blake’s slim figure, hugging her curves in all the right places. Larger, flower-shaped crystals sprinkled throughout the skirt while a cluster of them were gathered at the bottom to form a beautiful cascade of glittering jewels.
Letting the dress speak for itself, Blake eschewed the necklace in favor of intricate Lorraine Schwartz dangling diamond earrings and several statement diamond rings that add a touch of edge and modernity to the look.
Blake Lively is hard to ignore in her crystal-embellished Tamara Ralph dress with a corset bodice and a 3D orchid accent (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Blake Lively’s choice of Aquazzura’s Tequila sandals at the SNL 50th Anniversary isn’t just a personal favorite; these sparkling heels have graced the feet of numerous celebrities, solidifying their status as a red carpet staple.
Nicky Hilton Rothschild, for instance, turned heads at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards by pairing her gold sequined mini dress with matching gold Aquazzura Tequila Plexi sandals, showcasing the brand’s versatility and allure.
Anya Taylor-Joy captivated audiences at the 2023 BAFTAs, complementing her ensemble with Aquazzura’s Mini-Tequila sandals, a testament to the brand’s blend of elegance and modern flair.
2. Lady Gaga’s Sky-High Platform Boots—A Modern Take on Rebellion
Staying true to her signature bold and innovative approach to fashion, Lady Gaga wore a pair of Enfants Riches Déprimés Spring/Summer 2024 platform boots that perfectly aligned with her edgy aesthetic.
These $3,800 statement knee-high boots are crafted in Italy from buffed calf leather, giving the material a smooth and luxurious feel. They have square toes, adding a modern and edgy touch to the design, and are simple to put on and take off thanks to the full-length inner zip.
The 3.5-inch platform and 6-inch heel’s carved wood construction lend a touch of traditional craftsmanship and natural elegance to their overall look. Despite their chunkiness, I love their sense of grandeur and sophistication.
Gaga is known for pairing her quirky shoes with edgy, avant-garde outfits that defy stylistic conventions. Her appearance at the SNL party was just as remarkable and striking as one might anticipate.
Lady Gaga embraces her penchant for quirky footwear, wearing Enfants Riches Deprimes boots with wood platforms and block heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
She wore a gray draped dress with an asymmetrical hem and one-shoulder long-sleeve design, adding a touch of modernism and edge to the look. It also has a ruched bodice that gracefully hugs her figure and a thigh-high side slit that adds a dash of seduction and daringness. It allows Gaga to showcase her toned pins while creating a more fluid and dynamic silhouette.
This understated yet striking satin gown reflects the ethos of the French fashion brand Atelein, renowned for blending modernity and classic couture. Some might find it surprisingly understated for Gaga, but I adore how its simplicity and rawness create a unique sense of rebellious drama.
Lady Gaga, with her fiancé Michael Polansky, channels rebellious chic in an Atlein one-shoulder ruched dress (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Black vegan leather knotted gloves and a pair of Anita Ko Small Diamond Meryl Huggies gave Gaga’s ensemble a final touch of glitz and sophistication. The gloves dramatically contrasted the gray dress, and the earrings gave the understated ensemble much-needed shine.
Gaga sported this year’s hottest but controversial hair trend: the jellyfish haircut, which she debuted at the FireAid Benefit Concert last month. It’s like the “hime” hairstyle but with a shorter layer that wraps around the head, finished with a front fringe.
3. Kim Kardashian’s Ultra-High Chrome Mules—A Nod to Retro Seduction
Kim Kardashian is known for her love of sultry and daring outfits, and she usually wears high heels to match her signature aesthetic.
Just take, for example, her appearance at the SNL party. She stepped out in towering see-through PVC and metallic silver mules from Pleaser, a brand recognized for its kinky and sexy footwear designs.
She looks fantastic in the $112 “Adore” mules, which feature a thick PVC strap that adds a risque touch. Peep toes provide a flirty feel. The 2.75-inch platforms and 7-inch heels are covered in high-shine silver chrome, creating a reflective surface that shines with each step.
Kim Kardashian opts for a pair of Pleaser mules featuring a daring PVC strap and chrome metallic platforms and heels (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
These mules elongate Kim’s legs, giving her 5’6” frame a longer and leaner silhouette. I like how the chrome shade perfectly blends with her silver dress, creating a seamless look. At the 2024 Met Gala, she wore sky-high heels from the same shoe brand and a custom Maison Margiela gown.
Embracing her inner siren, Kim paired her towering shoes with a silver Balenciaga couture bodycon dress to showcase her famous hourglass figure.
The dress is made of shimmering metallic fabric that catches the light and makes her sparkle and glimmer. It features a dangerously low plunging scoop neckline that threatens to spill her cleavage any moment! It hugs her torso, hips, and legs—a look we have come to identify with her unapologetically iconic style.
Kim Kardashian wears her signature sultry style in a silver metallic Balenciaga dress, hugging every inch of her hourglass curves (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
I commend Kim for ditching the accessories, save for a Lorraine Schwartz Champagne Pear Diamond ring, to allow her outfit to take center stage.
Often seen in outfits by the French luxury fashion house, she previously wore metallic thigh-high Balenciaga boots and a sheer dress while heading to Kanye West’s concert at Madison Square Garden.
4. Miley Cyrus’s Croc Leather Pumps—Edgy Minimalism Meets Classic Footwear
Miley Cyrus brought her signature edgy style to the party, sporting sleek black pumps by Paris Texas made of croc leather with high vamps often seen in avant-garde styles.
This shoe choice is typical of Miley, channeling her punk and goth influences. It harkens back to her rebellious yet chic style, which she has adopted since transitioning from her Disney image to her more daring persona during her Wrecking Ball days.
I love how the high vamps add a rebellious flair to the otherwise elegant silhouette while maintaining a sense of class and refinement. They are finished with pointed toes and 4-inch heels, giving them a polished finish.
Miley Cyrus keeps her footwear simple but edgy, opting for Paris Texas pumps with high vamps (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Paris Texas, an Italian luxury footwear brand, has become popular among celebrities for its unique blend of sophisticated Parisian aesthetics and bold Texan flair. Founded in 2015 by sisters Annamaria and Margherita Brivio, the brand was named to reflect this fusion, with ‘Paris’ symbolizing elegance and ‘Texas’ representing a daring, playful attitude.
Miley paired the edgy pumps with a one-sleeved dress far from a traditional long black dress. While it looks understated from a distance, a closer inspection reveals a tuxedo-inspired design on one side. It has an asymmetrically structured lapel neckline, a padded shoulder, and a long sleeve that feels modern and edgy.
At the same time, the ruching throughout the dress and the wrap-style skirt flawlessly accentuate Miley’s curves, giving it a touch of grace and femininity. I love how the dress perfectly balances elegance with Miley’s signature rebellious style.
Miley Cyrus, with her mom, Tish Cyrus, adopts an understated but chic and edgy look in an archival Jean Paul Gaultier one-shoulder tuxedo dress (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
She unearthed it from the Spring 2009 Couture archives of Jean Paul Gaultier, a French fashion designer renowned for his daring and unorthodox silhouettes—reflected in Miley’s outfit.
Letting her style speak for itself, Miley accessorized her look with De Beers diamond earrings for a dash of sparkle. She wore smokey eyeshadow and her hair in a retro half-up, half-down style with blunt bangs, adding her signature edge to the overall look.
5. Anya Taylor-Joy’s Ballet Flats—A Vintage Throwback That Defied Tradition
Anya Taylor-Joy, known for her attention-grabbing accessories and edgy yet timeless style, made a bold decision by wearing ballet flats on the red carpet. She defied the norm of heels and stilettos that many stars often opt for.
She wore the “Glove” flats from Mansur Gavriel, a New York City-based women-owned label known for its minimalist fashion approach and use of high-quality materials. The brand’s focus on clean design, without any unnecessary details, is evident in Anya’s shoes.
These simple and elegant flats, made in Portugal from Italian lambskin leather, have a rounded toe and an exposed center seam that injects a fresh yet timeless touch. They are available for $445 at Revolve.
Anya Taylor-Joy keeps it simple with black Mansur Gavriel Glove ballerina flats (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
Despite keeping her shoes minimalist, Anya managed to captivate her fellow stars with her retro-esque ensemble from Thierry Mugler’s Fall 1995 Haute Couture collection.
She looks stunning in a gold silk jacket that’s both elegant and theatrical. Reflecting Thierry Mugler’s signature architectural style, the jacket has an extended, upturned collar and a structural ruffled peplum. It also features bra cups, a plunging neckline, a cinched-in waist, and pearl-adorned front buttons, infusing the jacket with feminine glamour.
Anya Taylor-Joy oozes retro glamour in a gold silk jacket and black velvet maxi skirt from Thierry Mugler’s Fall 1995 Haute Couture collection (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
The black velvet maxi skirt nicely complements the vibrant top. Its dark color provides a beautiful backdrop for the gold jacket, making it the center of attention. I also like how the long hem adds a dash of modern sensibility to the look, updating the entire ensemble.
Her blonde tresses were put up in a wavy bun reminiscent of the 1920s, giving her a hint of timeless beauty. She added a touch of gothic glitz to her outfit by donning a Tiffany & Co. Kaleidoscope Platinum Key Pendant with a yellow diamond.
6. Emma Stone’s Red Stilettos—Old Hollywood Drama in a Fiery Modern Hue
Emma Stone caught everyone’s attention as she dressed in a gorgeous all-red ensemble that stood out among other muted, neutral-colored outfits on the red carpet! The red tone was fierce and bold, perfectly capturing her playful and unique style.
Emma displayed her red pedicure and wore red peep-toe shoes, adding glamour and sophistication to her style. The shoes are crafted from red satin, which gives them a luxurious feel, while the peep-toes and ankle straps add a playful, sensual element.
These sandals are finished with stiletto heels, adding height and lengthening Emma’s legs while creating a slimming, elongating effect.
Pairing the red heels with a red dress is a bold and daring fashion choice, and Emma rocked it effortlessly with an unexpected dash of eccentricity. She looked confident posing on the red carpet in her custom Louis Vuitton gown, exuding glamour and sophistication.
Emma Stone is fiery in custom Louis Vuitton open-toe satin sandals, showcasing her bloody red pedicure (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
She always makes gorgeous red carpet appearances, but I always find it amazing that she never hesitates to inject some fun into her ensemble.
Emma wore a classic red Louis Vuitton gown for the party with a thin halterneck strap that enhanced the look’s sexy and glamorous vibe. I particularly like how halternecks elongate the neck and shoulders! It also has a waistband that accentuates her slim figure and cascades into a wrap skirt with a central slit, adding a flattering and sexy element to the look. I love that it exposes just enough skin to be daring yet refined.
What truly caught everyone’s attention—including mine—were the side pockets, which are, let’s face it, a handy and desired feature of a dress for many people. Emma, however, gave the otherwise elegant dress a playful touch by stuffing popcorn into the structural, deep-set pockets. This quirkiness is quintessential Emma!
Emma Stone, with her husband Dave McCary, gives her red Louis Vuitton dress a quirky touch by stuffing her side pockets with popcorn (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Wearing her pixie hairstyle, which she debuted at the Golden Globes, Emma completed her elegant, whimsical look with bold red lipstick and a pair of Louis Vuitton Ombre Blossom XL Hoops. This pair has an openwork design in lustrous pink gold that outlines the house’s star-shaped flower motif paved with 138 dazzling diamonds. She also added a few rings for extra sparkles!
7. Sabrina Carpenter’s Towering Nude Heels—The Ultimate Power Sandal
Sabrina Carpenter is on the shorter side, so it was not surprising to see her in heels on the red carpet.
For the SNL50 anniversary party, she probably anticipated all those taller stars would overshadow her if she didn’t have some extra height. She, therefore, wore really tall stilettos—a staggering six inches—opting for the nude Christian Louboutin “Loubi Queen Alta” sandals.
These sandals are among the Maison’s most iconic. Inspired by 1950s pin-up beauties, they are reimagined in luxuriously soft nappa leather for the Spring/Summer 2021 collection. They feature an asymmetrical front strap resting on a fetish platform and a delicate ankle strap placed atop a 6-inch wrapped stiletto heel.
These striking, height-boosting sandals are available for $1,095 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Heidi Klum wore them in her hotel room, paired with feathered denim shorts.
Sabrina Carpenter adds height to her look with nude Christian Louboutin Loubi Queen Alta platform sandals (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Sabrina paired her nude heels with a breathtaking sheer nude gown. The combination creates an elegant and earthy atmosphere with subtle hints of sensuality.
She donned a dress from her go-to fashion house, Versace, made of semi-sheer mesh, creating a nude illusion that adds a touch of allure to the ensemble. It’s dripping in glittering crystals and pearls that dissipate as it cascades down the hem, adding glitz and movement. It also has a draped, asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder neckline, enhancing its seductive look.
Sabrina Carpenter sparkles in a nude-illusion gown featuring a one-shoulder neckline and crystal and pearl embellishments (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Sabrina Carpenter’s hair, styled in 1960s bombshell waves, accentuated her ensemble and gave her appearance a hint of vintage glitz. She embodied red-carpet glamour, further styling the glistening ensemble with diamonds by Messika. These include the jewelry brand’s Divine Enigma ring, featuring bewitching rows of diamonds, and large diamond stud earrings.
8. Scarlett Johansson’s Silver Prada Sandals—Classic Minimalism at Its Best
Scarlett Johansson’s sophisticated style favors timeless silhouettes and minimalist heels. At the party, she embraced her signature style, opting for classic silver sandals by Prada.
They are minimalist and made of mirror metallic silver leather that gives them a futuristic look. They have a strap across the toe that bears the Prada logo, a buckle-fastening ankle strap, and open toes. They are finished with heels measuring 3.3 inches, adding just enough height to Scarlett’s 5’3” frame.
Silver sandals are versatile and can add a lovely shimmer to any outfit. I like how Scarlett Johansson paired hers with a black dress. The contrast is visually striking, and the combination strikes a good balance between glamor and sophistication.
Scarlett Johansson goes minimalist, wearing a pair of metallic silver Prada heels, showcasing her red pedicure (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Scarlett wore the Prada Embroidered Sablé black dress, which you can buy for $4,700 at Saks Fifth Avenue. The dress epitomizes modern elegance with its sleek lines and flattering column silhouette.
This stylish dress, which I think is perfect for cocktail parties, gets an unexpected upgrade and a hint of sparkle from the crystal-encrusted cutout bodice. It shows a scoop neckline and shoulder straps seamlessly embroidered with glimmering crystals.
Scarlett Johansson wows in a black Prada embroidered Sablé black dress with a crystal-encrusted bra (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
A bra top positioned directly above the scoop neckline is sprinkled with tiny crystals, drawing further attention to the decolletage. It’s understated yet creates a sleek and flattering silhouette.
Keeping the look effortlessly polished, Johansson pulled her tresses in a neat bun and accessorized with diamond earrings, a bracelet, and a few rings.
Scarlett Johansson isn’t the only A-lister who loves shimmering heels. Metallic sandals have long been a red carpet favorite, offering the perfect blend of elegance and boldness.
Stepping Out in Shimmer: Celebrities Who Love Metallic Sandals
From silver stilettos to gold platforms, here are some unforgettable metallic sandal moments:
Ashley Graham’s White Gown and Metallic Sandals
- Event: 2017 Miss Universe Pageant
- Outfit: Ashley Graham showcased her curves in a white Michael Costello embroidered lace gown with a high neckline and long sleeves.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with silver ankle-strap sandals featuring sparkling embellishments.
- More Details: Ashley Graham’s metallic sandals moment
Mandy Moore’s Emerald Dress Paired with Aquazzura Sandals
- Event: Garnier Girls’ Night In Party
- Outfit: Mandy Moore donned an emerald-green dress with side-skirt flares.
- Footwear: She opted for silver Aquazzura ‘Casablanca’ ankle-cuff sandals, adding a sleek metallic edge to her look.
- More Details: Mandy Moore’s best metallic sandal moments
Lupita Nyong’o in Gold Metallic ‘Betty’ Platform Sandals
- Event: ‘Black Panther’ Premiere
- Outfit: Lupita Nyong’o stunned in a custom Atelier Versace purple embellished gown with a plunging neckline.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with gold metallic ‘Betty’ platform sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.
- More Details: Lupita Nyong’o’s Giuseppe Zanotti platform sandals
Katie Holmes’ Red Dress and Metallic Sandals
- Event: Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Runway Show
- Outfit: Katie Holmes wore a red Marchesa gown with intricate lace detailing.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with metallic sandals, adding a touch of shimmer to her ensemble.
- More Details: Katie Holmes’ best metallic sandal looks
Halle Berry’s Purple Sequin Catsuit with Metallic Pumps
- Event: ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’ Premiere
- Outfit: Halle Berry turned heads in a plunging purple sequin catsuit.
- Footwear: She complemented her bold outfit with metallic silver pointed-toe pumps from Jimmy Choo.
- More Details: Halle Berry’s shimmering Jimmy Choo heels</li