This Classic Shoe Trend Gives Every Black Dress Ensemble a Nostalgic '90s Vibe

      If anyone has truly perfected the skill of assembling a stylish, '90s-inspired outfit, it’s Jennifer Aniston, one of the many fashion-forward women who helped popularize the easily recognizable aesthetic during her Friends era. Although the '90s have long passed, Aniston still demonstrates how to make simple pieces appear elegant and sophisticated in that quintessential '90s manner. She showcased this on Tuesday night while attending an after-party for the premiere of The Morning Show's new season at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, donning an outfit that could have come right from that era. Throughout the press tour for the show, she has consistently utilized a specific '90s outfit pairing for her appearances—one that remains just as effective today as it was back then. Her styling secret? Combining black dresses with minimal strappy sandals. What makes this pairing so successful is its simplicity and timelessness. Any style of black dress will suffice, whether it’s a strapless gown like the Rick Owens she wore to the show's premiere or the V-neck, knee-length option she changed into afterward. By choosing sleek heeled sandals (a custom Jimmy Choo style with one toe strap and another slingback strap), she achieved a relaxed, effortless sophistication that perfectly encapsulates the decade's street style.

      Jennifer Aniston opted for custom Jimmy Choo shoes.

      Aniston isn’t alone in recognizing the reliability of a black dress paired with strappy black sandals. On the same evening, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was seen outside Brasserie Zédel in London sporting a similarly '90s-inspired look at the Elle Style Awards. For the occasion, the model selected a black Burberry minidress featuring a square neckline and V-shaped hem from the brand's F/W 25 collection. She complemented it with Burberry's Bridle Clutch, adorned herself with jewelry from Tiffany & Co., and finished her night-out look beautifully with a pair of Aquazzura strappy black sandals.

      Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a Burberry dress and Bridle Clutch ($1995), Aquazzura shoes, and jewelry from Tiffany & Co.

      Undoubtedly, this combination is fail-safe for achieving a '90s look, whether you’re going to a red carpet event, a night out, or a dinner date. No matter which black dress you opt for, your outfit will come together seamlessly when teamed with black strappy sandals. Trust me—it’s effective every time.