Keke Palmer Revives Y2K Shoe Trends: From Alevi Milano Crystals to Archival McQueen

Keke Palmer has been keeping busy on the press circuit, promoting her new crime-comedy film I Love Boosters while bringing back the fun, nostalgic vibes of Y2K fashion.

She’s been spotted rocking everything from capris to jeans, paired with pumps and mules, nodding to the iconic footwear trends of the early 2000s!

Keke Palmer brings back the Y2K style in strappy slingback heels, peep-toe pumps, and mules at the I Love Boosters promo tour in New York City on May 18-20, 2026 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

I Love Boosters takes place in a surreal version of the San Francisco Bay Area and follows a crew of audacious shoplifters, known as “boosters,” who set out for revenge after a ruthless fashion maven steals their designs.

1. White Fringe Moment: Keke Palmer Sparkles in Alevi Milano Crystal Sandals and a Cong Tri Dress

Keke Palmer turned heads at the Brooklyn screening of I Love Boosters in an all-white fringe ensemble that perfectly captured playful Y2K energy.

She slipped into a pair of Alevi Milano slingback sandals, crafted from white leather with a thin, multi-way strappy vamp adorned with clear rhinestone crystals, adding subtle sparkle that elevated the simple, elegant silhouette. The slim slingback strap kept the sandals securely in place, while the 3-inch heels gave just the right lift, elongating her legs and adding a touch of elegance.

Keke Palmer slips into a pair of white Alevi Milano slingback sandals with crystal-embellished strappy vamps, peep toes, and stiletto heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Palmer paired the sandals with a white Cong Tri dress made of mesh with organza-striped appliqués, creating linear patterns that added texture and dimension to the fabric.

The halter-neck design and wrap-style plunging bodice highlighted her shoulders and décolletage, while the fitted waist and hips framed her figure perfectly. From there, the fringe strips flowed over her legs, adding movement and a fun, flirty flair that perfectly matched the Y2K inspo.

Keke kept her glam and accessories minimal. Her hair was styled in a neat braided bun, and she added stud earrings, a delicate pendant necklace, and stacks of bracelets and rings for some sparkle.

Keke Palmer pairs her strappy white sandals with a matching white Cong Tri dress featuring organza striped appliqués and a fringed skirt (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

2. Wild Y2K Western: Alexander McQueen Pumps, Suede Pants, and Roberto Cavalli Python

Keke Palmer nailed a Y2K-inspired look on Good Morning America, channeling the early-2000s MTV-era vibe with a rugged, Western twist.

Her shoes were archival Alexander McQueen pumps, featuring a croc-embossed texture with a glossy tortoiseshell finish in rich mahogany, deep black, and amber tones. The silhouette screamed Y2K, with a low-cut topline that elongated her foot, hidden platforms, and peep toes.

I loved the cutout detail at the vamp, which added a modern edge while still keeping that retro-meets-glam feel, all set on slim stiletto heels that gave her an elegant lift.

Keke Palmer wears a pair of archival Alexander McQueen peep-toe pumps in rich mahogany, deep black, and amber croc-embossed leather (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Palmer paired the pumps with low-rise, slim-fit tan suede pants that had a subtle distressed effect and studded sides, with the hem left undone for a flared, ’90s-inspired finish. Embroidered details on the pockets and hem added a touch of western charm, and the look was cinched with a brown double-buckle leather belt that tied everything together.

On top, Keke wore a vintage Roberto Cavalli python-skin jacket. The form-fitting structure with a slightly flared peplum hem accentuated her frame, and the full-length button front, long sleeves, and braided drawstring collar gave it a bold, statement-making finish.

Palmer completed her maximalist look with statement earrings and rings, while her vibrant orange curls were styled in a high ponytail with a braided crown. Her dark brown lipstick added drama, perfectly complementing the edgy, retro-meets-luxe ensemble.

Keke Palmer embraces the wild side, pairing her croc pumps with a brown Roberto Cavalli python jacket and western-style tan suede pants with western stitching and side studs (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

3. Metallic Throwback: Christian Louboutin “Deck 100” Pumps With Archival Versace and Cavalli Jeans

Keke Palmer brought her signature Y2K energy to Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, rocking a playful, early-2000s-inspired outfit that was full of attitude and style.

She slipped into the Christian Louboutin “Deck 100” pumps in specchio PVC, featuring a high-shine mirrored toe cap that reflected light beautifully, along with PVC and leather inserts at the vamp and heel counter for added texture and dimension.

The pumps featured T-straps and side straps that framed her feet, while an adjustable ankle buckle kept them secure and perfectly fitted. Set on slim stiletto heels, the pumps added both height and a graceful, elegant poise.

Keke Palmer opts for the shiny metallic gold Christian Louboutin “Deck 100” pumps with PVC inserts, T-straps, ankle straps, and stiletto heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Palmer paired her gold heels with an archival, vibrant purple silk crop top from Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 2000 collection. It featured a plunging wrap-front and a long drape on one side, a perfect nod to the Y2K era. The top hugged her frame perfectly, showing off her midriff and keeping the look flirty and chic.

She paired it with low-rise Roberto Cavalli jeans, adorned with vintage silver embroidery along the waistband, pockets, and side seams. The slim fit hugged her legs, while the slightly flared hem paid homage to 2000s style.

Keke finished her retro outfit with silver-tone jewelry, stacking multiple earrings, bracelets, and rings for that signature maximalist touch.

Her curly hair was styled into space buns, accented with silver clips, adding a whimsical yet stylish detail that perfectly completed the Y2K-inspired ensemble.

Keke Palmer teams her gold Louboutins with Roberto Cavalli jeans and a vibrant purple Gianni Versace wrap-style crop top (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

4. Capri Comeback: Black Suede Studio Mules, Cropped Pants, and a White Cage Jacket

Later, Keke Palmer swapped her Louboutins for Black Suede Studio mules. The “Jazz” mules were handmade in Brazil from smooth patent leather, giving them a glossy shine that made them instantly chic.

I loved the open almond toes, which added a feminine touch, while the 4-inch straight stiletto heels gave her just the right amount of lift. The sleek, minimalist design made them versatile but still totally statement-worthy!

You can get her Black Suede Studio Jazz patent mules for $345 at Nordstrom.

Keke Palmer keeps it simple and casual in Black Suede Studio black patent peep-toe mules (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Palmer paired the mules with black capri pants—a style that’s definitely making a comeback, and I can see why. The cropped hem showcased her shoes beautifully, and the slim fit added a modern edge to the retro vibe. Jennifer Lopez was recently spotted in black capris during a casual lunch in New York City.

To top it off, Keke wore a white cage jacket, similar to Thierry Mugler’s Spring/Summer 1992 cage corset jacket. The fishnet panels on the sleeves and shoulders added texture and a touch of edge, while the corset-style bodice with a plunging neckline highlighted her décolletage and gave a sculpted, flattering shape.

It was finished with a peplum hem and a structured collar that balanced the look, while the lace-up ties on the long sleeves added a playful, flirty finish.

Keke styled her hair in a bun with cornrow braids, finishing the look with large, thin hoop earrings and a few rings.

Keke Palmer pairs her mules with Y2K capri pants and a white fishnet jacket (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Keke Palmer’s Y2K Shoe Revival Proves the Era’s Boldest Footwear Still Works Today

From crystal slingbacks and croc-embossed peep-toe pumps to metallic PVC heels and glossy patent mules, Keke Palmer’s I Love Boosters press tour embraced the playful excess that defined early-2000s fashion. What made the looks feel modern was her balance of archival designer pieces, body-conscious silhouettes, and statement shoes that anchored every outfit without overpowering it.

Whether she’s leaning into Roberto Cavalli’s wild glamour, Versace’s sultry draping, or minimalist Black Suede Studio mules, Palmer continues to make nostalgic fashion feel sharp, confident, and completely wearable again.