When it comes to masterclass red carpet styling, few moments remain as influential as Carrie Underwood’s appearance at the 47th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville.
On November 6, 2013, the Oklahoma-born powerhouse proved that high-fashion couture and country music are a perfect match, arriving at the Bridgestone Arena in a sheer, long-sleeved Ralph & Russo Couture gown that sparkled with rose-gold floral embellishments.
Carrie Underwood pairs her embellished Ralph & Russo Couture gown with elegant Johnathon Arndt jewelry
While her gown drew immediate attention, it was her choice of footwear that grounded the look.
Underwood selected the Jimmy Choo “Fayme” sandals—a glamorous stiletto style best known for evening and bridal wear—featuring delicate straps, a subtle platform, and a soaring heel that balanced the sheer romance of her Ralph & Russo Couture gown with polished red-carpet sophistication.
A close-up highlights the intricate rose-gold crystal embroidery of Carrie Underwood’s Ralph & Russo Couture gown, paired with a sparkling diamond ring
This particular heel became a red carpet staple of the era. In fact, we’ve also spotted Jessica Chastain wearing the same heels for a completely different aesthetic.
To complete the ensemble, she carried a matching Jimmy Choo “Cloud” clutch and accessorized with Johnathon Arndt jewelry.
Carrie Underwood steps out in a sheer pink Ralph & Russo Couture long-sleeved gown, paired with Jimmy Choo “Fayme” sandals, at the 47th Country Music Awards in Nashville on November 6, 2013 (Credit: SIPA / WENN / Judy Eddy)
Underwood, who shared hosting duties with Brad Paisley, famously treats the CMAs like a runway. While her red carpet entrance compared favorably to other icons like Taylor Swift, it was only the first of many outfit changes for the evening.
“I don’t know if I’m going to be allowed to change my clothes so much this year, but I will try,” Carrie joked in an interview with OTRC.
“It’s just a reworking of the show and our responsibilities as hosts and whatnot. Trust me ,I would change clothes approximately every three minutes if I could.”
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood host the 2013 Country Music Awards, with Underwood wearing an Alpana & Neeraj Fall 2013 dress, Rupert Sanderson “Hydra” open-toe platform pumps, and Melinda Maria Hepburn gold pod earrings
“And, as per tradition, @BradPaisley sent me flowers, too! I am one lucky lady! May we all have a blessed night! :),” she tweeted earlier in the day.
Carrie Underwood hosts the 47th Country Music Awards, changing into a series of bold performance and stage outfits during the show
Carrie Underwood’s Red Carpet Style, Step by Step
From sculptural platform heels to classic red-carpet sandals, Carrie Underwood’s fashion legacy is built from the ground up.
Whether she’s anchoring couture gowns with statement footwear or elevating minimalist looks with sky-high heels, her shoe choices consistently define the moment—and continue to inspire modern red-carpet styling.
👠 Explore Carrie Underwood’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- 📏 Carrie Underwood’s Height & Shoe Size Guide – Deep dive into how her 5′3″ frame and US size 7 footwear work together across her most iconic heels and red carpet appearances.
- 👠 Carrie Underwood’s Red Carpet Shoe Evolution – A curated look at her platforms, pumps, and sculptural sandals from major award shows over the years.
- ✨ Carrie Underwood’s 9 Jaw-Dropping CMA 2019 Looks – Multiple memorable heel pairings (Jimmy Choo to René Caovilla) elevating her red-carpet style at the CMA Awards.
- 🌟 Carrie Underwood in Jimmy Choo Heels (Post-Baby Red Carpet) – Classic Jimmy Choo sandals and evening shoes on the CMT Awards red carpet.
- 💫 Carrie Underwood in Rafik Zaki & Metallic Heels (2024) – Her forward-fashion footwear moment at the Songwriter Hall of Fame Gala in metallic platform sandals.