Tessa Thompson’s Tory Burch Moment Proves She’s Fashion’s Most Exciting Leading Lady
Tessa Thompson has long been a darling of Hollywood, but her recent sartorial evolution suggests that her influence in the fashion sphere is only beginning to crystallize. While promoting her latest cinematic endeavor, Hedda—a drama that premiered stateside this week and arrives on Prime Video October 29—the multifaceted actress has been orchestrating a veritable fashion parade through the streets of Manhattan, each appearance more compelling than the last.
On Tuesday, Thompson emerged in Lower Manhattan wearing an ensemble that not only commanded attention but synthesized the season’s most covetable trends into one seamless narrative. The centerpiece? A lustrous red leather midi skirt with a dropped waistline, punctuated by a black belt with gleaming silver hardware—a detail that elevated the look from merely chic to undeniably it-girl territory. The actress, whose Latin heritage adds yet another dimension to her already multifaceted identity, has been demonstrating with each public appearance that her relevance extends far beyond her undeniable silver screen success.
But it was Thompson’s choice of footwear that truly elevated this look to editorial-worthy status. She selected a pair of russet-toned pumps from Tory Burch’s Spring 2026 collection, a style that debuted on the runway during September’s New York Fashion Week. The shoes featured a moderately high vamp and a narrow—though not severely pointed—toe, but the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the chainlink embellishment: delicate gold hoops draped luxuriantly across the vamp, creating a sense of movement and opulence. The design was grounded by a short, wide block heel, offering a more stable and refined interpretation of the classic pump silhouette.
This measured approach to heel height proved particularly strategic when one considers Thompson’s earlier appearance that same day, where she wore towering black platform stilettos paired with a crimson Willy Chavarria Spring 2026 creation. The contrast between the two looks showcased not only her versatility but her intuitive understanding of how to modulate drama throughout a day of press obligations.
The complete Tory Burch ensemble—which included a collared beige cardigan paired with that show-stopping red skirt—came directly from the designer’s latest runway presentation. As WWD’s Emily Mercer observed of the collection, “While the cool kookiness that has run through her recent collections took on a more subtle tone for spring, Burch’s take on everyday sportswear remained vibrant, brimming with personality and craft.” Thompson’s styling embodied precisely this spirit: vibrant yet refined, statement-making yet wearable.
The chainlink motif appeared throughout Burch’s Spring 2026 collection, adorning various silhouettes from abbreviated pumps to statuesque slingbacks, rendered in an array of colorways. Thompson’s russet iteration proved particularly inspired for autumn, especially given that brick-toned and burgundy footwear has emerged as one of the season’s most bankable trends.
For those keeping score, Thompson’s recent promotional tour wardrobe confirms what fashion insiders have long suspected: she’s not simply wearing clothes—she’s curating moments, building narratives, and establishing herself as a formidable force in the style conversation. And if Hedda generates even half the discourse her recent street style has inspired, we’re all in for quite the performance.
