Alexa Chung's newest French-girl ensemble has confirmed that this "outdated" shoe trend is making a comeback.
As an advocate for a uniform style, I truly appreciate when someone is dedicated to a specific range of clothing. This is precisely why I'm fond of Alexa Chung and her fashion sense. Oscillating between a tomboyish vibe and a hyper-feminine touch, the model, author, and style icon consistently sticks to reliable silhouettes and well-loved pieces she's developed over time. Each public appearance offers an intriguing look at how she styles or reinvents items she's worn for years.
For an evening gathering at Cadet, a local wine bar in Newington Green, celebrating the festive season with Reformation, she crafted the expected blend of classic styles and unconventional touches, resulting in a fresh outfit. The 42-year-old wore a champagne-hued slip dress with French lace detailing, paired with a boxy grey coat reminiscent of something from a grandfather's closet. To add more flair, she accessorized with a vintage-inspired diamond necklace and a celebrity-favored olive cardigan—Reformation's popular Clara style, currently 30% off—that she tied around her waist.
The beloved Clara cardigan is now discounted. (Was £198, Now £138.60) (Image credit: James Kelly via Reformation.) The ensemble exuded a Parisian flair, merging boudoir essentials with classic masculine tailoring, which aligns with her personal style. However, where it strayed from typical French fashion was in her footwear choice: gold peep-toe heels. While the metallic shoes are fitting for the party atmosphere of December, they do seem somewhat out of place compared to how locals in Le Marais or Montmartre typically dress. You might find them in something timeless, like Chanel slingbacks, or edgy and bohemian, such as studded leather boots from Chloe or heeled knee-high styles by Saint Laurent.
To me, gold heels evoke memories of the indie sleaze era that synchronized with Chung's rise; they carry a certain kitschy quality that can appear outdated and rather loud at times. Yet, since this is an Alexa look, I anticipate this blend of contrasting elements. In my view, her ability to mix pieces that seemingly conflict with one another makes the outfit even more captivating. If there's one takeaway from this look, it's that peep-toe shoes are a trend that's set to endure into 2026.
(Image credit: James Kelly via Reformation.) I recognized this trend back in the summer during Addison Rae's promotional activities for her self-titled debut album. The pop star made peep-toe Christian Louboutins a key part of her stage presence, sparking a renewed interest in this silhouette. Nowadays, you'll see everyone from Victoria Beckham (the original high-fashion songstress) to Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber sporting a pair.
And if these endorsements indicate anything, it’s that, regardless of color, this once-criticized style is definitely making a comeback. As they say, what goes around comes back around, and it’s wise to invest in pieces that promise longevity. Below, you can find Alexa Chung’s exact outfit as well as my selection of the best peep-toe heels to take with you into the new year.
Shop Alexa Chung's Reformation Outfit:
Reformation
Serafina Silk Dress
The fabric and finish are truly exquisite.
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
An essential winter layering piece.
Shop Stylish Peep-Toe Heels:
MANGO
Satin High-Heeled Sandal
A well-curated wardrobe isn't complete without them.
M&S
Tortoise Shell Patent Peep Toe Heel Sandals
While animal prints like zebra and dalmatian get all the buzz, don’t overlook tortoise shell as a chic 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.
A stylish choice for peep-toe lovers, thanks to Tory Burch.
SAINT LAURENT
Babylone Embellished Gathered Leather Mules
A heel as precise as a razor's edge.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Pirua 70 Suede Mules
This dreamy pair of Manolo Blahnik's features refined ruching that enhances its desirability.
AMINA MUADDI
Lupita Leopard-Print Suede Mules
Embrace your inner Carmela Soprano.
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Alexa Chung's newest French-girl ensemble has confirmed that this "outdated" shoe trend is making a comeback.
The British style of wearing them.
