Alexa Chung's Recent French-Girl Ensemble Has Confirmed That This "Outdated" Shoe Trend Is Making a Comeback.
As someone who advocates for uniform dressing, I can’t help but admire those who commit so wholeheartedly to a specific wardrobe. This is why I appreciate Alexa Chung and her unique style. Navigating between a tomboyish vibe and a distinctly feminine flair, the model, author, and fashion icon consistently relies on trusted silhouettes and staple pieces she has refined over the years. Each appearance offers an engaging showcase of how she can style or refresh items she has owned for quite some time.
For a recent evening event at Cadet, a local wine bar in Newington Green celebrating the festive season with Reformation, she lived up to our expectations by blending classic styles with unexpected elements to form a completely new outfit. The 42-year-old wore a champagne-colored slip dress embellished with French-style lace, paired with a boxy grey coat reminiscent of something from a grandfather's closet. To add more depth to her outfit, she included a vintage-style diamond necklace and an olive-green cardigan—Reformation’s best-selling Clara style, which is now 30% off—that she tied around her waist.
The Clara cardigan is currently discounted. (Was £198, now £138.60.) The ensemble exuded a distinctly Parisian feel by merging boudoir essentials with classic masculine tailoring, which reflects her own style philosophy. However, her choice of shoes set her apart from typical French fashion: gold peep-toe heels. While metallic shoes are certainly in line with the festive spirit of December, they contrast sharply with the way locals in areas like Le Marais or Montmartre typically dress. You would more commonly see them in timeless options, such as Chanel slingbacks, or bold and bohemian styles like studded leather boots from Chloe or heeled iterations by Saint Laurent.
Gold heels remind me of the indie sleaze era that Chung emerged from—slightly flashy, at risk of appearing outdated, and somewhat wild at times. Nevertheless, since this is an Alexa Chung look, I expect a combination of contrasting elements. In my view, her ability to mix tensions and conflicting pieces makes the outfit all the more captivating. One takeaway from this look is that peep-toe shoes are a trend that looks set to remain popular through 2026.
I observed this trend during the summer when Addison Rae was promoting her debut album. The pop sensation made peep-toe Christian Louboutins an essential part of her performance style, reigniting interest in that shoe shape. Nowadays, you can find a wide array of celebrities, from Victoria Beckham (the original high-fashion songstress) to Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber, sporting this style. These endorsements clearly indicate that this formerly overlooked design is on the rise again. As the saying goes, fashion is cyclical, and understanding that your purchase will have staying power is invaluable. Below, you can shop for Alexa Chung’s specific outfit as well as my selection of the best peep-toe heels to carry into the new year.
Shop Alexa Chung's Reformation Outfit:
**Reformation**
Serafina Silk Dress
Truly the most exquisite fabric and finish.
**Reformation**
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
A fantastic layering staple for winter.
**Shop Chic Peep-Toe Heels:**
**MANGO**
Satin High-Heeled Sandal
No well-curated wardrobe is complete without them.
**M&S**
Tortoise Shell Patent Peep Toe Heel Sandals
While animal prints like zebra, deer, and dalmatian are trending, tortoise shell remains a stylish option.
**Mango**
Heeled Mule in Chocolate Satin
These will elevate any pair of jeans.
**Reformation**
Clementine Heeled Mule Sandal
The square-toe design adds a sleek touch.
The fashion lover's choice for peep-toes, courtesy of Tory Burch.
**SAINT LAURENT**
Babylone Embellished Gathered Leather Mules
A heel as sharp as a razor's edge.
**MANOLO BLAHNIK**
Pirua 70 Suede Mules
This dreamy suede pair features elegant ruching.
**AMINA MUADDI**
Lupita Leopard-Print Suede Mules
Channel your inner Carmela Soprano.
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Alexa Chung's Recent French-Girl Ensemble Has Confirmed That This "Outdated" Shoe Trend Is Making a Comeback.
The English style of wearing them.