Jada Pinkett Smith’s Style Formula: Towering Fendi Heels vs. Rare Yeezy “Turtle Doves”

In early 2016, Jada Pinkett Smith showcased two very different approaches to personal style within a matter of days.

At Debbie Allen’s “Freeze Frame” gala in Beverly Hills on February 4, she embraced feminine evening dressing in a ruffled little black dress and crystal-embellished Fendi sandals. A week earlier, she took a more relaxed approach at Los Angeles International Airport, pairing a bold red Sportmax coat with Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” sneakers.

Together, the outfits highlight a styling formula Pinkett Smith has returned to throughout her career: balancing statement pieces with practical footwear, whether on the red carpet or in transit.

Jada Pinkett Smith Elevates a Ruffled Little Black Dress With Crystal-Embellished Fendi Sandals

On February 4, 2016, Jada Pinkett Smith joined her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, at Debbie Allen’s annual “Freeze Frame” gala at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.

Jada Pinkett Smith poses with her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, both elegantly dressed in black, highlighting their impeccable style and grace

Jada Pinkett Smith wears her hair back as she arrives at the “Freeze Frame” Gala held on February 4, 2016, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)

The fundraiser supports scholarships and arts education programs through the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

At the time, Pinkett Smith was also appearing as Fish Mooney on Fox’s Gotham. Originally introduced as a powerful nightclub owner and underworld figure, the fan-favorite character returned after an unexpected on-screen death and remained part of the series through its third season.

Jada Pinkett Smith joined her Gotham co-stars Donal Logue and Ben McKenzie in a plunging black Blumarine Fall 2014 mini dress, pairing the gold-trimmed silhouette with black ankle-strap sandals, an Edie Parker clutch, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry at the series premiere in New York City on September 15, 2014 (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)

The American actress went girly for the event, choosing a sleeveless LBD with an ultra-feminine silhouette and ruched and ruffled detailing around the skirt.

Jada Pinkett Smith wears a ruffled black dress at the “Freeze Frame” Gala

Jada wore a bangle, earrings, rings, and crystal-embellished heels to give the little black dress a touch of sparkle.

Jada Pinkett Smith wears red lipstick and crystal earrings with her black dress

A red satin clutch that matched her lipstick added a pop of color to her dark outfit, and side-parted raven locks completed her look.

Jada rounded out her look with strappy sandals from Fendi’s Spring 2015 collection, which feature a modern caged silhouette.

Jada Pinkett Smith stuns in a ruffled black dress paired with crystal-embellished strappy heels and a vibrant red clutch at the “Freeze Frame” Gala

They also have crystal-embellished front straps, crocodile back panels, double adjustable ankle straps, open toes, and 4.15-inch cutout lacquer heels.

At 4ft 11 ½ inches (151.1 cm), Jada Pinkett Smith’s 4.15-inch heels brought her to approximately 5ft 3 ½ inches (160.3 cm), significantly boosting her stature.

A close-up of Jada Pinkett Smith’s crystal-embellished Fendi sandals reveals the intricate caged straps, sparkling jewel accents, and towering cutout heels

While her gala appearance leaned into polished evening glamour, Pinkett Smith’s off-duty wardrobe told a different story.

Just days earlier, she was photographed at Los Angeles International Airport in a look that combined luxury outerwear with one of the decade’s most influential sneakers.

Jada Pinkett Smith Styles Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” Sneakers With a Statement Sportmax Coat

On January 28, 2016, Jada Pinkett Smith arrived at Los Angeles International Airport in an outfit that felt both practical and fashion-forward. Centered around a vibrant red Sportmax coat and the original Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove,” the look demonstrated how statement outerwear can instantly elevate everyday travel essentials.

Jada Pinkett Smith wears her hair down as she arrives at Los Angeles International Airport on January 28, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Joe Major / L.K.)

The actress layered a vibrant red belted coat from Sportmax over black jeans and finished the look with gray Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers.

Crafted from a virgin wool-angora blend and originally priced at about $2,144, the coat brought structure, color, and polish to an otherwise casual travel ensemble. Depending on how it was styled, the belted silhouette could appear sharply tailored or more relaxed and effortless.

Jada Pinkett Smith brightened a monochrome airport look with a vibrant red Sportmax wrap coat, while her gray Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” sneakers kept the travel ensemble comfortable and understated

Rather than competing for attention, the pieces worked together.

The neutral Yeezys and gray tote balanced the bold outerwear, illustrating a styling approach that remains relevant years later: using a standout coat to elevate everyday basics while keeping the look practical with comfortable footwear.

A close-up of Jada Pinkett Smith’s Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” sneakers highlights the signature gray-and-white Primeknit pattern and ribbed Boost sole that helped make the original 2015 release a sneaker icon

Why the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” Became a Sneaker Landmark

Pinkett Smith’s sneakers were the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 in the original “Turtle Dove” colorway (Style AQ4832), the model that launched the Yeezy 350 line when it debuted on June 27, 2015, with a retail price of $200.

Featuring a Primeknit upper and Adidas’ Boost-cushioned sole, the sneaker helped popularize knit lifestyle footwear at a time when performance-inspired comfort was becoming increasingly influential in everyday fashion.

Unlike many sneaker releases that fade after their initial hype cycle, the “Turtle Dove” remains one of the most recognizable Yeezy designs. Its understated palette made it easy to wear with everything from athleisure to tailored outerwear, which helps explain why it paired so naturally with Pinkett Smith’s bold red Sportmax coat at LAX.

The sneaker’s long-term appeal is also reflected in the resale market. According to historical sales data from StockX, larger sizes of the original “Turtle Dove” have regularly traded well above retail prices, with some sales exceeding $2,000 during the model’s peak-demand years.

Even after Adidas reissued the sneaker in 2022, recent transactions continue to show collector interest, underscoring that the original Yeezy Boost 350 remains an important chapter in modern sneaker history.

The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 “Turtle Dove” debuted with a distinctive gray-and-white Primeknit upper and full-length Boost cushioning, establishing the design language that would define the Yeezy 350 line for years to come

More of Jada Pinkett Smith’s Best Designer Shoe Moments

From crystal-embellished Fendi sandals and Christian Louboutin pumps to Alaïa, Gianvito Rossi, and Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Jada Pinkett Smith has consistently used footwear to define her red-carpet style. Explore more of her standout fashion and shoe moments below.