Jenna Ortega Brings Sleek Edge to Preppy Pumps
Emerging starlet Jenna Ortega made waves on the red carpet this week, bringing a modern twist to a vintage shoe style. Attending the Los Angeles premiere of her new paranormal thriller “Finestkind,” the 20-year-old actress posed in a striking pair of white leather pointed-toe pumps by Andrea Wazen, featuring statement 6-inch block heels and two delicate Mary Jane straps. With their preppy straps and soaring silhouette, Ortega’s shoes struck the perfect balance between schoolgirl charm and sophisticated edge.
Ortega allowed the shoes to take center stage, pairing them with a sheer white blazer bodysuit embroidered with matching white floral designs. With its corseted waistline, draping sleeves, and full pannier hips, the ethereal Adeam Spring 2024 look was part Victorian bride, part Parisian burlesque dancer. Gleaming diamond drop earrings and an encrusted choker necklace by Al Zain provided the finishing touch to Ortega’s gothic bridal moment.
The midcentury Mary Jane has emerged as an “it” shoe trend this year, with fashion girls embracing its schoolgirl charm and designers giving the classic style a modern spin. As seen in Ortega’s punk-rock take, the once-prim detail feels unexpectedly fashion-forward when contrasted with dark, racy dressing. Miu Miu set the tone early this year, sending models down the runway in preppy Mary Jane platforms paired with micro mini kilts. The juxtaposition of naughty and nice captivated the front row.
Elsewhere, brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Simone Rocha have crafted delicate brocade, ribbon-tied, and crystal-bowed Mary Janes evoking a lost age of ladylike dressing. The vintage effect lands differently today against slip dresses and undone hair. Similarly, cult-favorite indie brands like Paris Georgia and Khaite make Mary Janes feel cool and modern with their pared-back silhouettes and quirky color combinations.
While Ortega’s “Finestkind” premiere look embracing this trend may seem worlds away from her legendary turn as the stone-faced, combat boot-clad Wednesday Addams, her deliberately unexpected styling choices draw compelling comparisons. Both characters toy with contrasting aesthetics, blending darkness with femininity to electrifying effect. Much like her smash Netflix series played with ideas of light and shadow, Ortega’s red carpet style brilliantly spotlights that tension. She wears the Mary Jane, but always with an edge.
