Fringe & Fierce: Cara Santana Wows in Armani Dress and Stuart Weitzman Thigh-High Boots

When Cara Santana attended the W Las Vegas preview in Los Angeles on November 2, 2016, she provided a clear template for styling over-the-knee suede.

At the W Las Vegas preview, Cara Santana wowed in a ’60s-inspired black fringe dress and gray suede thigh-high boots, while Jesse Metcalfe opted for a casual gray sweater and black pants

By pairing a ’60s-inspired Armani fringe dress with gray Stuart Weitzman “Highland” boots, she tapped into a retro-mod mood while spotlighting one of the most defining over-the-knee silhouettes of the 2010s.

Known for its second-skin stretch suede, signature tie-back detail, and leg-lengthening 95mm block heel, the Highland balances polish with practicality—delivering that coveted, “legging-like” fit that stays perfectly in place. The result feels both era-specific and enduring, a sleek transitional formula that continues to anchor fall styling years later.

Cara Santana shines in a black fringe dress paired with gray Stuart Weitzman thigh-high boots at the W Las Vegas Private Preview in Los Angeles on November 2, 2016 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The Highland’s staying power is just as evident in how widely it’s been embraced across the celebrity style spectrum.

Jessica Alba sharpened the silhouette with a lace minidress for a polished, red-carpet-ready take, while Paris Hilton leaned into its leg-lengthening drama with a festive mini and over-the-knee boots. Hailee Steinfeld gave the boots a jet-set spin with a streamlined shirtdress at Narita Airport, and Padma Lakshmi proved their versatility during a press tour, styling them with understated, pull-together separates.

From Olivia Palermo’s polished Paris Fashion Week layering to Cara Santana’s off-duty coffee runs, the Highland consistently adapts—shifting effortlessly between high-glam and everyday wear while maintaining its signature, leg-sculpting impact.

Cara Santana playfully twirls in her black fringe dress, creating a mesmerizing movement, perfectly paired with gray Stuart Weitzman thigh-high boots

For the 5ft 4 (162.6 cm) actress, the thigh-high silhouette serves a functional purpose, creating a continuous vertical line that elongates her petite frame.

Cara Santana’s look is polished yet effortless, with a chic messy bun and soft, natural makeup completing her ensemble

Santana’s frequent use of these boots across different environments—from red carpets to casual outings—highlights the versatility of the Highland’s four-inch block heel and stretch-suede construction.

She kept the rest of her look simple, skipping the jewelry—except for her engagement ring. Her messy bun and soft makeup rounded out her look.

Cara Santana grounds her look with a pair of stunning gray Stuart Weitzman thigh-high suede boots, providing a perfect balance to the playful movement of her dress

While the original Stuart Weitzman “Highland” boots are now largely sold out, you can still shop the latest over-the-knee styles from the American footwear designer at Nordstrom and Zappos, where updated versions continue to deliver the same leg-lengthening silhouette and signature stretch fit that made the Highland a cult favorite.

From red-carpet glam to off-duty coffee runs, Cara Santana has proven she knows how to make a statement with her footwear choices. For more of her standout shoe and fashion moments, explore our curated features below:

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