Melissa McCarthy Brings Playful Polish to Ghostbusters in Pink Sole Society Pumps

When Ghostbusters returned to theaters in 2016, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones didn’t just revive a cult classic—they redefined it with bold comedy and confident, modern style.

Each actress brought her own flair to the press tour and premiere circuit, from McCarthy’s playful prints to Wiig’s sleek tailoring, McKinnon’s quirky edge, and Jones’s commanding glamour.

As filming got underway in New York City, Leslie Jones towered effortlessly over her co-stars, her natural height adding on-screen contrast to the Ghostbusters’ dynamic lineup. Each actress showcased her own casual-cool off-duty style: Melissa McCarthy in a utility parka and Chelsea boots, Kristen Wiig in cropped jeans and white sneakers, Leslie Jones in skinny denim and statement high-tops, and Kate McKinnon in olive overalls with ankle boots—proof that even paranormal investigators know how to keep it stylish between takes.

September 19, 2015: Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon filming Ghostbusters on location in New York City — each sporting laid-back, character-driven looks and distinctly different footwear styles (Credit: T.Jackson / INFphoto)

Together, they proved that a blockbuster can balance sharp wit with standout fashion—turning every photocall, red carpet, and city appearance into a celebration of personality, empowerment, and laughter.

Melissa McCarthy beams alongside director Paul Feig and co-stars Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Kristen Wiig at the Ghostbusters 2016 Empire State Building lighting ceremony in New York City

That casting choice not only rebalanced the ensemble but also showcased each woman’s unique charisma—from McCarthy’s self-assured playfulness to Jones’ larger-than-life stage presence—setting the tone for a reboot that celebrated individuality and style as much as laughs.

Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, and Kate McKinnon share a joyful selfie moment while filming Ghostbusters on the streets of Manhattan (Credit: INFphoto)

Melissa McCarthy Lights Up the Empire State Building in Playful Graffiti-Print Style

In July 2016, then-45-year-old Melissa McCarthy brought her signature humor and confidence to the Ghostbusters promotional tour in New York City. Standing atop the Empire State Building alongside Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, and director Paul Feig, she delivered a look that was equal parts fun and polished.

McCarthy wore a black-and-white graffiti-print midi dress that perfectly captured her playful energy. The long sleeves and cinched waist flattered her newly toned figure, while the abstract pattern added a burst of personality.

She kept the styling simple—just a single statement ring, softly waved hair worn down with a center part, and a hint of smoky eye makeup for understated glamour.

Melissa McCarthy radiates joy in a black-and-white graffiti-print midi dress and strappy pink Sole Society “Shayley” pumps at the Ghostbusters promotional event held at the Empire State Building on July 13, 2016, in New York City (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Melissa McCarthy Elevates Her Look with Sole Society’s Chic “Shayley” Pumps

For the finishing touch, McCarthy slipped into Sole Society’s “Shayley” pumps, a strappy suede style defined by its caged silhouette, back-zip fastening, and mid-height 3.5-inch heel. The design struck an effortless balance between comfort and sophistication—very much in line with McCarthy’s playful yet polished red-carpet style during that era.

At the time, Sole Society was carving out its niche as a lifestyle brand that made chic, fashion-forward shoes and accessories accessible without the designer price tag. Founded in 2011 and backed by Nordstrom, the label later received backing from the Camuto Group. The label specialized in attainable luxury, offering sleek heels, structured handbags, and casual-cool flats that blended everyday wearability with runway-inspired detailing.

A close-up of Melissa McCarthy’s strappy pink suede Sole Society “Shayley” pumps, adding a playful pop of color to her black-and-white graffiti-print dress

Though the brand eventually closed its direct-to-consumer site in 2020, citing shifting retail habits and the pandemic’s impact on dress-shoe sales, Sole Society remains remembered for democratizing modern, feminine style—an ethos perfectly embodied by McCarthy’s statement pumps atop the Empire State Building.

Director Paul Feig originally wrote the role of Patty Tolan for McCarthy but later cast Jones, recognizing her electric stand-up energy.

“When I make a movie, I want to find the funniest people I know and let them shine,” Feig told Empire. “This is the role where Leslie could truly unleash herself—just as Melissa did in Bridesmaids.”

Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, and Kate McKinnon suit up as the all-female Ghostbusters team in the 2016 reboot of the classic supernatural comedy (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Revisiting the Ghostbusters Cast’s Standout Shoe & Style Moments

From Melissa McCarthy’s playful Sole Society pumps to Kristen Wiig’s understated elegance and Leslie Jones’ commanding red-carpet presence, the 2016 reboot gave us more than laughs — it gave us unforgettable fashion. Explore more Ghostbusters-era highlights from Your Next Shoes below.