Tyra Banks Goes Matte and Maximal in Second-Skin Sock Boots at the ARIA Awards in Sydney

Tyra Banks arrived at the 2025 ARIA Awards with a pointed sock-boot moment — and her signature smize — as she stepped onto the Sydney red carpet in a black pair set on flared heels on Wednesday.

The second skin-like boots featured long pointed toe and a snug ankle fit that tucked under her pant leg. Their matte surface kept them quiet enough for the shape to do the work, especially against her all-black ensemble.

Her outfit followed the same pared-back logic: an off-the-shoulder top with long, fitted sleeves and straight pant legs. A polished rectangular buckle broke the monochrome look just enough, sitting above layered crystal pieces — a multi-strand necklace, stacked rings and small stud earrings — that added plenty of shimmer and shine.

Sock-boot silhouettes have been circulating steadily this season, but not just in Banks’ sleek color and texture choice. Ciara leaned into a more extreme version in September at Off-White’s spring 2026 show in New York, wearing the label’s inflated-toe, mint-soled thigh-highs. Sydney Sweeney offered a high-shine take earlier this month during her “Christy” promo run, choosing Patou’s over-the-knee patent pair with a square toe and tall block heel for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”

Her ARIA appearance arrives during a new wave of career activity. Banks returned to IMG Models earlier this year and fronted Essence’s 55th anniversary issue, following her walk in Victoria’s Secret’s 2024 finale segment. The model has also been living in Australia for the past few years, creating her own line of “hot” ice cream, Smize & Dream.

The 39th annual ARIA Awards brought a mix of veteran acts and new voices to the Hordern Pavilion stage, with performances from Olivia Dean and Dom Dolla throughout the night. Banks presented Best Pop Release, awarding the honor to Thelma Plum for her album, “I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back.”