Jessica Chastain’s Masterclass in Color-Blocking: A Deep Dive into Her “Kenzie” Pumps

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At the National Board of Review Awards Gala held on January 7, 2014, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, Jessica Chastain provided a masterclass in color coordination.

Defying a winter chill in the city, she opted for a vibrant yellow Oscar de la Renta dress featuring a plunging ballerina neckline and a classic draped skirt.

Jessica Chastain steps onto the red carpet in a radiant yellow Oscar de la Renta dress, the vibrant hue instantly commanding attention against the black backdropJessica Chastain steps onto the red carpet in a radiant yellow Oscar de la Renta dress, the vibrant hue instantly commanding attention against the black backdrop at the 2014 National Board of Review Awards Gala held on January 7, 2014, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

While the silhouette was timeless, her footwear styling transformed the look into a modern editorial statement.

By matching her gown to high-contrast accessories, Chastain highlighted how a bold primary palette can remain sophisticated on the red carpet.

With her hair swept up and a soft smile, Chastain’s structured neckline and tailored bodice showcase the timeless elegance of the lookWith her hair swept up and a soft smile, Chastain’s structured neckline and tailored bodice showcase the timeless elegance of the look

Jessica clearly brought sunshine to the scene, but her dress wasn’t the only highlight of the outfit. Her Oscar de la Renta pumps are simply to die for!

A close-up reveals the striking blue-and-yellow Oscar de la Renta “Kenzie” pumps, finished with sleek mirrored silver heelsA close-up reveals the striking blue-and-yellow Oscar de la Renta “Kenzie” pumps, finished with sleek mirrored silver heels

The “Kenzie” pumps come from Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2014 collection, a season celebrated for its romantic take on classic femininity.

Crafted in blue grosgrain with contrasting yellow suede straps, the pointed-toe heels echoed the collection’s refined color palette and historicist elegance, while mirrored silver leather stilettos—measuring approximately four inches—added a modern, high-shine finish worthy of the New York Fashion Week runway.

To see another highlight from the collection, see how Katy Perry styled a dotted Oscar de la Renta Spring 2014 sheer tulle gown, speckled with colorful embroidered flowers at the 2013 AMAs.

The pointed-toe pumps peek out beneath the flowing hem, adding a sharp, modern contrast to the dress’s fluid silhouetteThe pointed-toe pumps peek out beneath the flowing hem, adding a sharp, modern contrast to the dress’s fluid silhouette

Overall, Jessica Chastain was flawless!

From another angle, the slim stiletto heels elongate the leg while highlighting the shoes’ bold color-blocked designFrom another angle, the slim stiletto heels elongate the leg while highlighting the shoes’ bold color-blocked design

Shown in detail, the Oscar de la Renta “Kenzie” pumps combine blue grosgrain, yellow suede straps, and a polished silver heel for a standout finishShown in detail, the Oscar de la Renta “Kenzie” pumps combine blue grosgrain, yellow suede straps, and a polished silver heel for a standout finish

Why This Jessica Chastain Moment Still Resonates in Red-Carpet Shoe History

More than a decade later, this National Board of Review Awards appearance remains a defining example of how Jessica Chastain uses footwear to elevate classic silhouettes into modern fashion statements.

From her thoughtful color coordination to her consistent embrace of designer heels, Chastain’s red-carpet style reflects a long-running dialogue between timeless elegance and directional shoe choices—one that continues to evolve across designers, decades, and major fashion moments.

👠 Jessica Chastain & Oscar de la Renta Fashion Highlights: