This Timeless Shoe Trend Makes Every Black-Dress Outfit Look So '90s

By Swedan MargenSeptember 11, 2025

If anyone has mastered the art of putting together a chic, '90s outfit, it's Jennifer Aniston, one of the many well-dressed women who inspired the now-easily-recognizable aesthetic back in her Friends days. And while the '90s are long over, Aniston hasn't forgotten how to make simple pieces look elegant and elevated in that '90s way, proving so on Tuesday night when she attended an after-party for the premiere of The Morning Show's new season at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, wearing an ensemble straight out of the era. Actually, all throughout the press tour for the show, she has utilized a specific '90s outfit combination for her looks. And yes, it's just as effective now as it was back then. Her styling trick? Pairing black dresses with barely there strappy sandals.

What makes the duo so effective is how simple and timeless it is. Any black dress style will do, whether it's a strapless gown like the one she wore to the show's actual premiere (by Rick Owens) or the V-neck, knee-length alt she changed into afterward. By going for a super clean heeled sandal (preferably one like Aniston's, a custom Jimmy Choo pair with one toe strap and another slingback strap), she maintained an air of stress-free, effortless sophistication that perfectly describes street style from the decade.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Jennifer Aniston seen at "The Morning Show" after party at the Metropolitan Club in Midtown on September 09, 2025 in New York City.

On Jennifer Aniston: Custom Jimmy Choo shoes

But Aniston isn't the only one who knows how foolproof the black dress–strappy black sandals combo is. On the same night, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was spotted outside Braserie Zedel in London wearing a similarly '90s-esque look to the ELLE Style Awards. For the occasion, the model chose a Burberry black minidress with a square neckline and V-shaped hem from the brand's F/W 25 collection. With it, she carried Burberry's Bridle Clutch, wore a selection of jewelry items from Tiffany & Co., and completed the night-out look perfectly with a pair of Aquazzura strappy black sandals.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley seen attending the ELLE Style Awards 2025 at Brasserie Zedel on September 09, 2025 in London, England.

On Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Burberry dress and Bridle Clutch ($1995); Aquazzura shoes; Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Clearly, the combo is foolproof if a '90s look is what you're going for, whether you're heading to a red-carpet event, a night out, or a dinner date. Whatever black dress you choose, your outfit will fall into place when paired with black strappy sandals. Trust me, it works every time.