The much-awaited return of Bridgerton is happening next week, and ahead of the new season, the cast and guests stepped out in style for the season four world premiere at the Palais Brongniart in Paris.
Before we get swept back into those dramatic Regency looks on screen, I loved seeing the mix of styles on the black carpet. Some guests embraced Regency-inspired silhouettes with romantic touches, while others opted for bolder, more modern looks.
💫 Jump to a Look:
- 1. Katie Leung’s Minimalist Sandals & Sculptural Maticevski Moment
- 2. Lele Pons’ Casadei “Cleopatra” Crystal-Cuff Heels
- 3. Brooklyn McKnight’s Bow-Back Satin Pumps
- 4. Lorraine Ashbourne’s Classic Bow-Detail Patent Pumps
- 5. Hannah Dodd’s Manolo Blahnik “BB” Pumps
- 6. Anna Decade’s René Caovilla Crystal Sandals
The shoes, though—something we rarely get to see beneath the sweeping gowns and elaborate costumes on the show— were what really caught my attention. While many guests stuck to black-and-white footwear, the silhouettes were far from dull. A lot wore strappy heels that added height and elegance, while a few embellished pairs added just enough sparkle.

Bridgerton returns to screens soon, with the first four episodes premiering on January 29, followed by part two on February 26.
Katie Leung Sets the Tone in Minimalist Black Sandals and a Sculptural Maticevski Dress
Katie Leung made a striking entrance in an all-black look that was feminine, elegant, and quietly sexy. As the newest addition to the cast, stepping into the role of Lady Araminta Gun, Rosamund and Posy’s mother and Sophie’s stepmother, her styling looked polished and refined.
My eyes went straight to her shoes. She wore simple black sandals with a slim toe strap and a diagonal strap across the foot, and that understated design worked perfectly with her entire look. The clean lines highlighted the natural shape of her feet! And paired with black nail polish, the look was sleek and kind of sensual!

Her dress did most of the talking, though. Katie wore the Maticevski “Pardon” dress, and I loved how sculptural it was. The strapless neckline was cut low at the center, while the sides jutted out, giving it a strong, architectural silhouette.
The dress got more interesting from the waist down. At the hips, the fabric flared outward into sharp, architectural shapes, like built-in sculpted panels that added instant structure and drama. It then tapered into a sleek, narrow skirt that hugged her legs, creating a modern hourglass shape.
Down the center front, delicate fringing created movement and texture, breaking up the clean lines in a really flattering way. The pencil skirt fell to mid-calf and featured a front slit that allowed Katie to move easily while maintaining its elegance.
She kept her accessories minimal, opting for Chopard jewelry, including hoop earrings, a bracelet, and a ring. Her hair was styled half-up, half-down with a retro finger-wave bang, while her makeup stayed soft and neutral with peachy blush and a brown nude lip.

Lele Pons Embraces High Drama in Casadei “Cleopatra” Crystal-Cuff Heels
Lele Pons’ shoes that evening caught my attention right away. I actually thought she was wearing a simple pair of sandals with cuffed ankle straps, but once I looked closer, the details told a different story.
The YouTuber, actress, and singer wore the Casadei “Cleopatra” sandals, which featured a striking cage-like ankle cuff cut with geometric openings and embellished with Swarovski crystals. The sparkle was subtle yet noticeable, paired with a sleek leather toe strap, a back zip, and dramatic 5-inch stiletto heels.

Pons teamed the heels with a strapless black gown that hugged her figure beautifully. It had a fitted bodice while the skirt cut across at an angle and opened into a daring, hip-high slit. What stood out to me was the cape detail. Wrapped around her neck and draped over one shoulder, it added movement and a theatrical edge, making the look bold and striking.
Lele fully embraced the drama with a black domino mask, which gave her a mysterious, cinematic feel. The finishing touch was her bright red lipstick, which was a sharp contrast against the all-black palette, making the entire ensemble feel daring and unforgettable.

Brooklyn McKnight Channels Modern Regency Romance in Bow-Back Satin Pumps
The McKnight twins both embraced Regency-inspired dressing at the Bridgerton premiere, but Brooklyn’s look instantly stood out to me because of her shoes.
She appeared to be wearing the Steve Madden “Teacup” pumps in ivory satin, which gave off a bridal feel, with sleek, pointed toes and a clean, classic front.
But the back told a softer story. The slingback strap was finished with an oversized bow, adding a romantic, feminine touch that felt perfect for the event. Set on 4-inch stiletto heels, the pumps gave her height and helped lengthen her legs.

McKnight paired the shoes with the flirty white “Solere” mini dress by Retrofête ($748 at Bloomingdale’s). The short length definitely leaned more modern than Regency, but the empire waist referenced the era. I loved the beaded bust, which shimmered under the lights, helping draw attention to the sweetheart neckline. Thin shoulder straps, also covered in beads, added even more sparkle to the look.
Brooklyn didn’t hold back on accessories. She layered on a two-toned diamond necklace, stacked bangles in mixed metals, a few rings, and finished with pearl drop earrings. Her hair was styled in soft curls with loose tendrils framing her face, giving the whole look a polished, prom-night feel!

Lorraine Ashbourne Proves Timeless Glamour Wins in Bow-Detail Patent Pumps
Lorraine Ashbourne may be returning as the Featheringtons’ housekeeper, Mrs. Valey, in Bridgerton season four, but at 65, she proved on the red carpet that glamour has no age limit. I honestly loved how confident and polished she looked in head-to-toe black.
She wore glossy black patent leather pumps with crisscross straps across the foot, which gave them a slightly edgy feel, but the tiny bow at the toe softened the look and added a touch of femininity. They were finished with platforms and high heels, which gave her extra height without sacrificing comfort.

Her dress was just as striking. Lorraine wore a fitted black gown by Suzanne Neville that hugged her figure beautifully. The strapless neckline featured pointed, jutted sides that framed her shoulders and added structure up top.
The waist was fitted before falling into a sleek pencil midi skirt with sheer cutout panels, offering a sultry yet elegant glimpse of her legs. Crystal beading traced along the sides of the bodice and continued down the skirt, highlighting the sheer details.
Ashbourne finished the look with long drop earrings and skipped a necklace, which I thought was the right call. It kept the focus on the dress and let its details shine.

Hannah Dodd Balances Classic and Bold in Manolo Blahnik “BB” Pumps
Hannah Dodd joined Bridgerton in season three, and she will be reprising her role as Francesca Stirling in season four. Striking a beautiful balance between classic and daring, she wore the iconic Manolo Blahnik “BB” pumps in black patent leather.
They were timeless with their pointed toes and slim stiletto heels, but the glossy finish gave them a modern edge that complemented her outfit perfectly.

Dodd paired the pumps with a striking two-piece look from Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2026 collection. The cropped top was made from sheer black mesh, ruched throughout to add texture and depth. It featured a center-front zip, which she left slightly open to keep things bold. The collar and long sleeves balanced that detail, keeping the look refined.
The skirt was what really stood out to me. Crafted from the same shirred mesh fabric, it flared into a full, rounded shape that almost looked like it had a pannier underneath. The sheer panels offered glimpses of her legs, and I liked how the silhouette echoed Regency-era gowns in a fresh, modern way.
She finished the look with softly waved, side-parted hair and minimal sparkle from her Pandora rings and earrings.

Anna Decade Makes a Statement in René Caovilla Crystal-Wrapped Sandals
Anna Decade brought a bold, confident energy to the red carpet. She brought back the wraparound sandal silhouette in a striking silver pair, with slender straps coiling up her leg and down the heel like a snake.
They appeared to be the René Caovilla “Margot” sandals, embellished with crystals that caught the light beautifully. With their rounded toes, asymmetrical straps across the foot, and high heels, the design was glamorous! I loved how the sandals framed her legs, instantly elevating the look.

What really worked for me was how Decade styled them with a Regency-inspired gown that didn’t hide the shoes. Her Maison Zeina dress featured a corseted bodice with a lace-trimmed, lingerie-style underlayer, which I found romantic and daring.
The high-low skirt was the most interesting part. One side was cut short with soft ruffles, while the other swept down in a long taffeta panel, creating movement and drama as she walked. It showed off her toned legs and let the heels shine.
Anna leaned fully into a maximalist mood, piling on bangles, earrings, and layered necklaces.

What Bridgerton’s Paris Premiere Reveals About 2026’s Shoe Trends
While Bridgerton may transport us to a fantasy version of the Regency era on screen, the Paris premiere made one thing clear: today’s red-carpet footwear is where historical inspiration meets modern design.
From crystal-wrapped sandals to classic black pumps and dramatic platforms, these Bridgerton premiere looks reflect the silhouettes and styling directions already shaping celebrity shoe trends in 2026.
👠 Your Next Shoes — 2026 Shoe & Fashion Highlights:
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- 🏆 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet Shoes — Standout heels and standout moments from one of the first major awards-season shoe spotlights.
- ✨ WWD Style Awards 2026: Kristen Stewart’s Stylish Boots & More — A deep dive into the best footwear statements from this early 2026 style event.
- 👟 17 Best Sneakerinas of 2026 — The sneakerina trend blends ballet-flat elegance with sneaker comfort, arguably the hybrid silhouette of 2026.
- 🌟 The Best Shoes at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards — A red-carpet compilation of pumps, platforms, and modern silhouettes from another 2026 awards highlight.
- 🎪 Butterfly Heels & Platform Boots at the Cirque du Soleil OVO VIP Premiere — Show-stopping, theatrical shoe moments from a major 2026 event.