The Conventional Wisdom of Styling
For as long as there have been red carpets, there has been a clear hierarchy in styling. The gown, the suit, or the statement separates come first. This makes logical sense; the dress is the largest piece of the visual real estate, the item that will
be photographed most and remembered longest. Shoes, by contrast, are often an afterthought—a functional necessity chosen to complement, not command. The questions are usually practical: Can the star walk in them? Do they match the color palette? Do they disappear enough to let the dress shine? This top-down approach is safe, reliable, and has produced decades of iconic fashion moments. But it also treats footwear as a supporting actor, a final detail rather than a foundational element of personal style.
Building a Look from the Ground Up
Starting with the shoe flips the entire script. It’s an approach rooted in personality and practicality. A great shoe can dictate the entire mood of an outfit, transforming a simple dress into a statement or a classic suit into something edgy and modern. Celebrity stylists have noted that building around a shoe can make an ensemble feel more intentional and cohesive. More importantly, it prioritizes the wearer's comfort and confidence. An actor who feels physically grounded and comfortable in their footwear is going to carry themselves differently. At an event like TIFF, which involves long hours of standing, walking, and being 'on,' a comfortable shoe isn't a luxury—it's a strategic advantage. When you start with a shoe you love, the rest of the outfit naturally follows its lead, ensuring the final look feels authentic.
Statement-Makers at TIFF 2026
This year's festival, running from September 10th to the 20th, has already provided compelling evidence for the shoe-first philosophy. Two-tone footwear, a major trend on Fall 2026 runways, has appeared on several stars, proving that shoes can be the centerpiece. At the premiere of Prima Facie, Cynthia Erivo paired her dramatic black-and-white Dior gown with crisp white pumps that anchored the look's graphic quality. Blackpink’s Lalisa Manobal, celebrating her documentary Always, Lalisa, wore a brown velvet Louis Vuitton two-piece, but it was the chunky black leather accessories and boots that gave the outfit its definitive edge. These aren't shoes chosen to blend in; they are foundational choices that define the entire aesthetic.
The Case for Elevated Comfort
The shoe-first approach isn't just about bold statements; it's also about a smarter, more modern take on glamour that embraces comfort. Actress Stella Stocker made waves at the premiere of The Mongoose by pairing her elegant, floor-length black gown with a simple pair of black flats. The choice didn’t detract from the glamour; it enhanced it by projecting an air of effortless confidence. Similarly, the continued popularity of block heels, elegant loafers, and even upscale sneakers in formal settings demonstrates a cultural shift. Men are also part of this trend. Patrick Dempsey opted for classic black loafers with his sharp navy suit for The Housewife premiere, a choice that is both timeless and comfortable. Liam Neeson balanced his all-black premiere look with contrasting brown boots, adding a rugged, personal touch to his red carpet attire.
How to Make It Work for You
You don’t need a red carpet to apply this logic. The next time you have an event, try building your outfit around your favorite pair of shoes. Found a pair of incredible satin heels? Let them be the star and build a look with a sleek, minimalist dress. Love your comfortable but chic loafers? Pair them with tailored trousers and a silk blouse for an ensemble that’s both polished and practical. This method encourages you to think about how you want to feel in an outfit, not just how you look. It forces you to consider proportion, texture, and attitude from a different perspective. Starting with your shoes can unlock new combinations in your existing wardrobe and ensure that your look is a true reflection of your personal style, from head to toe.
