Gwyneth Paltrow Is the Latest Champion of Slingbacks Amid New York Fashion Week

Gwyneth Paltrow made an appearance in the front row of the Michael Kors show on Thursday amid New York Fashion Week, and embraced a refined aesthetic for the occasion, which was grounded in a pair of black slingback heels.

Quiet luxury was the look for Paltrow, as she opted for an office-ready ensemble that gained a sharp edge from her footwear. The simplistic yet classic design featured a pointed toe and curved, low-cut vamp, which thinned out at the mid-foot point to become a slender strap wrapping around the ankle. More revealing than a typical pump, the slingback offered a flirty note to her outfit. Not only did the actress and Goop founder model the slingback trend, but she also embraced the kitten heel look, as her shoes were subtly boosted by a short stiletto.

The shoes ultimately complemented an outfit that otherwise consisted of a long, dark gray skirt with wide pleats and a lighter-hued sweater layered over a white, collared shirt. The slingbacks served as the final formal touch. Not her first time donning the footwear style, she recently wore a different iteration in green suede by Proenza Schouler while filming a commercial in New York.

From Queen Latifah wearing beige slingbacks to Jessica Alba wearing ruched Manolo Blahnik slingbacks at the U.S. Open, the open-back footwear look has found an enduring place in fashion.