Ali Larter Just Made the Case for High-Waisted Trousers and Statement Footwear
At the Landman Season Two U.K. premiere in London on Sunday, Ali Larter proved that tonal dressing—when executed with precision and purpose—can be nothing short of revelatory. The actress and former model, styled by the impeccable Jeanann Williams, presented a masterclass in material contrast and monochromatic sophistication, anchoring her entire ensemble around one gloriously rich shade: burgundy.
The look was a study in texture and silhouette. Larter wore high-waisted, wide-legged trousers with crisp front pleats—the kind of tailoring that speaks to old Hollywood elegance reimagined for contemporary sensibilities. But it was the top that truly elevated this moment from polished to extraordinary: a structured, wine-toned bra revealing just a hint of midriff, layered beneath a sheer burgundy cape that floated around her frame like something out of a particularly chic fever dream.
This cape—cropped yet trailing behind in a chiffon-like panel—created movement and drama without veering into costume territory. It offered coverage while maintaining allure, striking that delicate balance between glamorous and revealing that so few red carpet looks achieve. The fluid fabric added dimension and created visual poetry with every step, transforming what could have been a simple separates moment into something genuinely cinematic.
Her accessories demonstrated remarkable restraint. A few carefully chosen rings were all she needed, allowing the outfit’s architectural elements and tonal cohesion to command full attention. Her blonde hair fell in soft, glossy waves that framed her face beautifully, while her makeup—featuring rosy tones, defined eyes, and a pink lip—brought subtle warmth to the cooler burgundy palette.
But here’s where the magic truly happened: at her feet, peeking from beneath those impeccably tailored trousers, were Studio Amelia’s Rhodes 90 Pumps in Bordeaux. These weren’t your standard evening pumps. The crinkled leather texture added unexpected depth and vintage appeal, while the ruched, elasticized upper contracted the napa leather into tight folds along the sides and heel. The pointed toe delivered a sleek finish, and that slim 90mm stiletto? Pure elegance.
What makes this shoe choice particularly brilliant is its departure from Larter’s previous appearance. Just one day earlier in Berlin, she wore suede over-the-knee boots—tall, voluminous, and dramatically different. The Rhodes pump represents a complete stylistic pivot: lower cut, sharper, and decidedly more surface-driven. The low-cut topline reveals more foot than a boot ever could, creating an entirely different silhouette while maintaining the same level of sophistication.
This textured, ruched approach to footwear is having quite the moment among fashion’s most discerning dressers. In September, Ayo Edebiri wore The Row’s Liisa pump in New York—a lambskin style distinguished by its subtle elastic edge. Sarah Paulson followed suit in October with Bottega Veneta’s Sofia pump, utilizing a close-cut topline to balance runway volume. Larter’s choice positions her firmly within this movement toward texture-driven, architecturally interesting footwear that adds complexity without overwhelming.
What I find most compelling about this entire ensemble is how it demonstrates the power of commitment to a single color story. Burgundy from head to toe could read as monotonous in less capable hands, but through careful attention to texture—sheer chiffon against structured pleating, crinkled leather against smooth skin—Larter created visual interest that transcends simple monochrome dressing. This is tonal elegance reframed as modern sophistication, and darling, it’s absolutely divine.
