Braving a rainy morning in New York City, 5’4″ (162.6 cm) actress Ella Rubin proved that a simple black-and-white outfit can make just as much of an impression as an elaborate red-carpet look.
Arriving at the Today show to promote her new Amazon Prime Video drama, Sterling Point, she paired a crisp white mini dress with sleek black Khaite pumps, creating a timeless combination that felt polished without trying too hard.
Ella Rubin arrives at the Today show in New York City on August 3, 2026, wearing a sleeveless white A-line mini dress with black Khaite “Marcy” glove pumps while promoting her new Amazon Prime Video series, Sterling Point (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The coming-of-age mystery stars Rubin as Annie Jacobson, a young woman whose life is upended after inheriting her late grandfather’s secluded Canadian island. As Annie settles into her unexpected new home, she uncovers long-buried family secrets while navigating new friendships and a budding romance.
Standing 5’4″ (162.6 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 7, Rubin chose shoes that complemented rather than dominated her petite frame. The clean, high-vamp silhouette of the Khaite “Marcy” pumps echoed the understated elegance of her shift dress, proving that simple, well-proportioned footwear can make just as much of an impact as a statement heel.
Her preference for refined, minimalist shoes isn’t new. At the 2024 Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner, Rubin styled crystal-embellished Chanel slingback pumps with cropped baggy jeans and a fitted white tee. While those shoes added sparkle, her latest Khaite pumps reflect a shift toward quieter, sculptural designs that align with today’s minimalist aesthetic.
Ella Rubin Steps Out in Khaite Marcy Glove Pumps With Sculptural Heels
For her television appearance, Ella Rubin chose the Khaite “Marcy” pumps, crafted from glazed calf leather with the New York label’s signature minimalist aesthetic. The polished finish and understated silhouette complemented her crisp white mini dress without competing for attention.
Rather than relying on a classic pointed toe, the Marcy embraces the growing glove-pump trend with high-cut vamps, softly rounded toes, and low sculptural block heels. The result is a more modern interpretation of the everyday black pump—one that feels architectural while remaining practical enough for navigating rainy city streets.
The Marcy name may already be familiar to Khaite fans. Earlier this year, Alexandra Daddario wore the Marcy mesh ballet flats, showing how the collection extends beyond heels while maintaining the same sculptural, minimalist design language. We’ve also seen Khaite reinterpret elegant footwear through styles like the Bella pumps on Shailene Woodley and the Sloan pumps on Gemma Chan, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for refined, understated shoes that prioritize shape over embellishment.
Ella’s leather Marcy pumps retail for $1,100 at Net-a-Porter. As of August 2026, Farfetch also carries several versions of the Marcy family, including the Marcy mesh ballet pumps (from $1,089, originally $1,796), Marcy rhinestone ballerina shoes ($972), Marcy raspberry-embroidered flats ($950), and Marcy crystal-embellished ballerinas (from $900, originally $1,525), highlighting how the silhouette has evolved into one of Khaite’s signature footwear collections.
Ella Rubin embraces the glove-pump trend with her Khaite “Marcy” pumps featuring high-cut vamps, wide, rounded toes, and low sculptural heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Ella Rubin Pairs Her Black Khaite Pumps With a White A-Line Mini Dress
Ella Rubin paired the black pumps with a sleeveless white shift dress featuring a subtle A-line shape and a clean boat neckline. I liked how the cut gave the dress a fresh, effortless look while still appearing polished. The crisp fabric held its shape beautifully, giving the dress a sculptural finish.
The dress also featured two small silver-toned studs near the neckline, adding just the right amount of detail to the otherwise clean design.
The hemline fell high above Ella’s thighs, showing off her toned legs while keeping the overall look youthful and perfect for summer.
Ella Rubin looks effortlessly sophisticated, pairing her black pumps with a little white A-line dress with two small studs near the neckline (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Ella Rubin Adds a Black Freja Bag and Oversized Sunglasses
Ella Rubin kept the styling cohesive by matching her black pumps with a structured black top-handle handbag by Freja ($298 at Revolve) and oversized black sunglasses, creating a sharp contrast against the crisp white dress.
She appeared to skip jewelry altogether, allowing the outfit’s clean lines and sculptural details to take center stage. I actually liked that she skipped the necklaces and earrings, as it kept the outfit polished and easy to appreciate.
Her long dark hair was styled in loose waves with a center part, while her fresh, minimal makeup and soft pink lip added to the effortless, summery feel of the look.
Ella Rubin styles her long tresses in loose waves and accessorizes with oversized black sunnies and a black Freja bag (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Why Glove Pumps Are Replacing Rigid Stilettos
Glove pumps offer a softer alternative to the traditional stiletto, using high vamps and flexible leather to contour the foot rather than exposing it. The added coverage conceals toe cleavage, helps hold the shoe securely in place, and complements the clean lines associated with quiet-luxury dressing.
As highlighted in the Your Next Shoes guide to 2026’s most wearable shoe trends, the understated silhouette works particularly well with tailored trousers, jeans, midi skirts, and minimalist dresses.
👠 Explore the Glove Pump Trend:
- 🤎 Eiza González demonstrates the second-skin appeal of Hagelstam’s Jet pumps, pairing their high-cut, sharply sculpted silhouette with relaxed trousers and fluid separates.
- 🖤 Kirsten Dunst wears Khaite Colleen pumps with a minimalist lace dress, showing how a high vamp, glazed leather, and flared block heel can give the covered silhouette a quietly architectural finish.
- ✨ Alexa Chung styles glossy Burberry Baby glove pumps with a purple leather coat, using the shoe’s secure high vamp and slim heel to sharpen a bold front-row look.
- 🧥 Sarah Pidgeon pairs Loewe V-neck glove pumps with relaxed tailoring, balancing their high-cut sides, pointed toes, and cone heels with textured white trousers and an oversized leather jacket.
- ❤️ Emily Blunt makes Balenciaga Duchesse glove pumps part of an all-red premiere look, allowing the deep V-shaped vamp, squared pointed toe, and curved heel to blend seamlessly into her sculptural tailoring.
- 🤍 Demi Moore contrasts white Balenciaga Duchesse pumps with emerald couture at Cannes, highlighting how supple lambskin, high-cut sides, and a contoured fit can make a covered pump feel sleek rather than heavy.
- 🔴 Tracee Ellis Ross brings color to the trend in red Loewe Origami Cubic pumps, teaming their glove-like topline and sculptural block heels with wide-leg green leather trousers.