Olivia Rodrigo and Kim K. Just Wore the Shoe Trend I Thought Was Over for Good
When Y2K fashion made its triumphant return a few years ago, I had my reservations, but like most other people, I softened over time to a few of the era's trends. Case in point: clear PVC shoes. Brands like Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Amina Muaddi, and Magda Butrym brought wedge versions into the 2020s, breathing new life and interest into the long-outdated footwear style. As trends do, though, Y2K peaked and fell, and by now, most trends from the time have lost favor.
As for clear shoes, I was ready to ditch my pairs forever. In fact, up until a few hours ago, they were in a donation bag in my living room waiting to be picked up. It wasn't until I saw photos of Olivia Rodrigo's appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night that I began to think twice about giving the trend up for good.
On Olivia Rodrigo: Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress; Amina Muaddi Lupita Glass Wedge Sandals ($1105)
For the episode, Rodrigo chose a red minidress from Ludovic de Saint Sernin's S/S 25 collection (similar to the ones Laura Harrier and Ella Hunt wore at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala a few weeks ago) and a pair of clear PVC wedge sandals from Amina Muaddi. The combination just made sense, and with one look, Rodrigo's controversial heel choice began to feel timeless and classic rather than trendy.
On Kim Kardashian: vintage Mugler couture one-piece and coat; Tiffany & Co. jewelry
When I started to dig into the shoe style and its presence in a post-Y2K fashion world, I noticed that Rodrigo isn't the only A-lister who's been hesitant to distance herself from clear footwear. Kim Kardashian was also recently seen in the silhouette alongside her vintage Mugler couture all-white lingerie look from the Academy Museum Gala. At an after-party following this year's Met Gala, Elle Fanning wore a pair by Aquazzura with her silver-sequin Balmain gown. Blake Lively donned Christian Louboutin PVC pumps in her September spread for Vogue. Elsa Hosk, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez have all dabbled in the trend this year too.
Clearly, PVC shoes aren't as "over" as I initially thought. If you're ready to give them another go, scroll down to shop today's chicest pairs.
Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
-
I Always Prep My Amazon Cart Ahead of Black Friday—Here's Everything I'm Buying
From cozy sweaters to slippers.
By Judith Jones
-
Exclusive: Cynthia Erivo Shares the "Little Details" That Make Her Wicked-Inspired Nails Really Sing
"I love to think of Elphaba as someone who really takes care of herself."
By Jamie Schneider
-
The Rich-Looking Sneaker Trend That's Set to Dominate in 2025
Wealth's the word.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
There's No Room in My Closet for More Shoes, But These Under-$100 Zara Pairs Are Too Good to Pass Up
Act fast.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
The 9 Most-Wanted Shoe Trends of Winter 2024, Period
The only styles to know.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
J.Lo Somehow Just Made Denim Feel Like a Totally Normal Choice for a 5-Hour Flight
Now, I want to wear jeans on an airplane.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Anne Hathaway Wore the Elegant Jacket That Makes Every Outfit Much Chicer
A foolproof solution.
By Eliza Huber
-
J.Lo Just Wore This Highly Controversial Trend in the Most Elegant Way Possible
She can do anything.
By Eliza Huber
-
Katie Holmes Made This Outdated Leggings-and-Boots Outfit Feel Just Right for 2025
A combo I will live in.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
J.Lo Just Wore the Pants Trend London Women Wear Instead of Skinny Jeans
The perfect alternative.
By Eliza Huber