Looking Back at the Mid-2010s Denim Trend: Hailey Baldwin’s Stuart Weitzman Platforms vs. Charlotte McKinney’s Knee-High Schutz Cage Sandals

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At the GUESS Celebration Launch of the Dare and Double Dare fragrances on July 27, 2016, at Ysabel in West Hollywood, California, Hailey Baldwin and Charlotte McKinney showcased two very different approaches to the brand’s signature denim aesthetic.

Looking back, the most interesting contrast wasn’t the clothing but the footwear. Baldwin paired her fitted denim jumpsuit with blue suede Stuart Weitzman platform sandals, while McKinney opted for statement-making Schutz cage sandals that climbed nearly to the knee. Together, the looks captured two distinct shoe trends that helped define mid-2010s fashion.

Let’s start with Hailey’s outfit.

Hailey Baldwin: Blue Stuart Weitzman Platforms & Denim Jumpsuit

Hailey Baldwin wears her blonde hair down at the GUESS Celebration Launch of Dare + Double Dare FragranceHailey Baldwin wears her blonde hair down at the GUESS Celebration Launch of Dare + Double Dare Fragrance on July 27, 2016, at Ysabel restaurant and lounge in West Hollywood, California

Hailey arrived wearing a GUESS “Jesse” skinny denim jumpsuit that clung to her slim frame.

Hailey Baldwin streamlined her silhouette in a fitted GUESS denim jumpsuit, using matching sapphire-blue Stuart Weitzman sandals to create a head-to-toe monochromatic lookHailey Baldwin streamlined her silhouette in a fitted GUESS denim jumpsuit, using matching sapphire-blue Stuart Weitzman sandals to create a head-to-toe monochromatic look

The American model slid the front zipper dangerously low to show off her chokers, necklaces, and cleavage.

The ankle-tie Stuart Weitzman “Tylena” sandals added a feminine, leg-lengthening finish to Hailey Baldwin’s structured denim ensembleThe ankle-tie Stuart Weitzman “Tylena” sandals added a feminine, leg-lengthening finish to Hailey Baldwin’s structured denim ensemble

She completed the look with sapphire-blue Stuart Weitzman “Tylena” platform sandals, using the matching footwear to reinforce the monochromatic denim-and-blue color palette.

Rich blue suede and delicate lace-up ankle ties made Hailey Baldwin’s Stuart Weitzman heels the standout accessory in her coordinated denim lookRich blue suede and delicate lace-up ankle ties made Hailey Baldwin’s Stuart Weitzman heels the standout accessory in her coordinated denim look

Charlotte McKinney arrived soon after.

Charlotte McKinney: Schutz Karlyanna Cage Sandals & GUESS Denim

Charlotte McKinney sweeps her blonde hair to one side as she arrives at a GUESS promotional eventCharlotte McKinney sweeps her blonde hair to one side as she arrives at a GUESS promotional event on July 27, 2016, in West Hollywood, California

McKinney styled her denim shorts and white tank top with an off-the-shoulder denim jacket, creating a casual foundation that made her dramatic Schutz “Karlyanna” cage sandals the focal point of the outfit.

Charlotte McKinney made her Schutz “Karlyanna” cage sandals the centerpiece of her outfit, pairing the dramatic knee-high heels with denim cutoffs and a simple white tankCharlotte McKinney made her Schutz “Karlyanna” cage sandals the centerpiece of her outfit, pairing the dramatic knee-high heels with denim cutoffs and a simple white tank

This striking knee-high lattice design became a celebrity favorite during the era, also spotted on Britney Spears and Chanel Iman.

The lattice-work design of Charlotte McKinney’s Schutz sandals created a striking gladiator-inspired effect that extended nearly to the kneeThe lattice-work design of Charlotte McKinney’s Schutz sandals created a striking gladiator-inspired effect that extended nearly to the knee

How Denim and Heels Became a Lasting Celebrity Style Formula

Although Hailey Baldwin and Charlotte McKinney took very different approaches to GUESS denim, both outfits demonstrated a styling formula that has remained relevant for years: pairing casual denim with statement-making heels.

Whether it’s a coordinated jumpsuit and platform sandals or cutoffs paired with dramatic cage heels, the right footwear can transform denim from an everyday staple into a fashion statement. Explore more celebrity-approved ways to wear jeans, denim, and heels below.

👖 More Ways to Style Denim With Heels: