In my opinion, this non-nude shoe color pairs well with any dress, skirt, or trousers.
When it comes to style icons, I believe Emma Watson stands out above the rest. The actor's polished, preppy look always feels modern and slightly ahead of the trend curve. However, sightings of Emma these days are unfortunately infrequent. Due to her preference for privacy and her commitment to further education, she rarely makes appearances at industry events. Therefore, when she re-emerged at the Venice Film Festival this weekend, I made sure to pay attention. For a series of appearances, Watson chose a collection of '60s-inspired swing dresses (more on those shortly). While they were quite similar, it was her shoes that truly caught my eye: tan slingback heels.
Although I’m sure she had more than just a cabin bag, it's evident that Emma had limited luggage space for her trip. Shoes notoriously consume space in any suitcase, so she clearly made thoughtful decisions about which styles would complement most of her chosen outfits. Opting for a richer caramel hue over a more conventional beige, she showed that this color is just as versatile—and arguably more stylish.
Emma chose Gucci’s Signoria Slingback Pump (£840), showcasing an elegant pointed toe with a chic gold chain sling. Clearly a fan of these shoes, she wore them with two different outfits in just a few hours, proving their versatility. For her first look, she paired them with a striking dill-green crepe minidress by Emilia Wickstead, complemented by a white Prada Arqué leather shoulder bag. As a fashion writer, I know how challenging it can be to select the right shoe color for such a bold hue, yet Emma flawlessly executed it with her tan heels.
For her second outfit, she repeated the same shoes, teaming them with a Gucci monogrammed shift dress. As the print was already eye-catching, she effectively balanced the bold design with the elegant tan slingbacks. These looks made me contemplate how versatile this shoe style is—if it pairs well with both vibrant colors and busy prints, I can envision it complementing nearly any skirt, trouser, or dress.
Tan serves as a chic alternative to beige or cream, adding a stylish twist—particularly in a luxurious patent finish, like Emma's Gucci pair. The secret is finding the perfect caramel tone, reminiscent of the rich toffee-brown shades showcased on the autumn/winter 2025 runways. If you’re in search of shoes to match any outfit, tan could be the way to go. With this in mind, check out my selection of tan shoes.
Shop Tan Shoes:
GUCCI
Signoria Embellished Patent-Leather Slingback Pumps
These are the exact shoes Emma wore.
MANGO
Leather Heeled Shoes With Ring
The gold ring detail adds an elevated touch.
New Look
Pointed Toe Slingback Heeled Shoe
These look far more expensive than their affordable price suggests.
Reiss
Slingback Court Shoes
Tan suede is perfect for autumn; just pair with deep blue jeans.
Paris Texas
Patent Leather Lidia Slingback Pumps 105
This heel is not for the faint of heart.
The block heel provides added comfort.
Christian Louboutin
Kate Leather Pumps 100
I adore this rich toffee color.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Mayslibi 70 Buckled Leather-Trimmed Wool Slingback Pumps
The combination of contrasting fabrics and colors, alongside a classic Manolo silhouette, sold me.
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In my opinion, this non-nude shoe color pairs well with any dress, skirt, or trousers.
My eternal style inspiration.
