Laura Dern Anchors Her Black Simkhai Dress With the Perfect Winter Boot (We Found Her Santoni Heels)

Laura Dern has a talent for making sophistication look effortless, and her appearance at the premiere of Is This Thing On? was no exception.

She wore a striking black dress by Simkhai, paired with Santoni boots, and carried it off with such modern, eclectic flair. I loved every detail—the sharp cut, the polished silhouette, and how the shoes added just the right amount of attitude. It’s the kind of look that feels completely her, bold yet refined.

Later, though, when she stepped out to promote her film at the ABC Studio, her style shifted into something simpler. She wore a more casual look that was polished and timeless, though somewhat underwhelming compared to her first outfit.

Laura Dern attends the premiere of Is This Thing On? wearing a black Simkhai pleated dress with Santoni boots; she later drops by ABC Studios in black jeans with a cream knit top and a black coat (Credit: Janet Mayer / Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

In Is This Thing On?, Laura stars as Tess Novak, opposite Will Arnett’s Alex, navigating the awkward yet relatable journey of divorce, co-parenting, and rediscovery. Directed by Bradley Cooper, who also plays Alex’s best friend, Balls, the film is set to be released in US theaters on December 19.

Sleek Black Elegance: Laura Dern in a Simkhai Pleated Dress and Santoni Boots

I genuinely loved Laura Dern’s premiere outfit because it looked approachable, easy to style, and surprisingly relatable, yet it still carried a sense of quiet elegance. At first glance, it was simple and understated, but the longer I looked, the more I appreciated how well everything was put together.

Laura wore a black Simkhai midi dress that immediately made me want to add it to my own wardrobe. The fitted bodice was clean and minimal, with a classic round neckline and long sleeves that framed her upper half beautifully. The built-in black leather belt, finished with silver-tone grommets and a buckle, cinched her waist and added a hint of edge to the look.

From the waist down, the look softened into a pleated leather skirt that skimmed the ankles, its fluid, architectural folds adding movement while preserving the dress’s refined, sculptural feel.

Pictured alongside her co-stars, Dern’s understated elegance contrasted beautifully with the evening’s varied styling: Chloe Radcliffe added a personal, sentimental touch by wearing her mother’s vintage clip-on earrings, pairing them with a sharp blazer by Roselyn Silva, Calzedonia tights, and polished black pointed-toe heels from Ally Shoes, accessorized with an Industhreads clutch and jewelry by Iza by Silvia Davila. Andra Day, meanwhile, leaned into a bolder edge in a Diesel look, rounding out a trio of distinct yet complementary fashion statements.

Laura Dern, with her co-stars Andra Day and Chloe Radcliffe, looks sleek and chic in a black Simkhai dress featuring a fitted long-sleeved bodice, a built-in belt, and a pleated leather midi skirt at the “Is This Thing On” special screening premiere in NYC on December 10, 2025, in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

I was particularly impressed by the mix of textures. The smooth bodice paired with the structured leather belt and intricate pleats created depth and visual interest. It was understated, yes, but also quietly regal. This Simkhai dress is currently on sale for $626 (from $695) at Farfetch.

Laura layered the dress with a long black coat, which made sense for winter, but I couldn’t help wishing she had skipped it. The coat slightly overshadowed the dress, and I would’ve loved to see the full silhouette shine on its own.

Soft Beauty and Winter-Ready Style: Santoni Knee-High Boots Take Center Stage

Laura Dern kept her accessories minimal, with dangling earrings and a few rings, including a striking emerald ring that added a gentle pop of color. Her blonde hair fell in loose, messy waves, and her soft pink makeup kept everything fresh and natural.

To finish the look, Laura fully embraced the season with knee-high suede boots. Considering the signature orange outsoles peeking out beneath the hem of her dress, it’s safe to assume Laura stepped out in a pair of Santoni boots.

They were made from soft suede and featured sharp pointed toes and slim stiletto heels that added a sleek, elongated line to her silhouette. What I loved most was the slouchy shaft. It softened the overall look and kept it from feeling too formal, giving the dress an easy, relaxed attitude.

Pumps or open-toe heels could’ve worked, but these boots made the outfit feel modern. You can find these Santoni boots in brown at Farfetch, retailing for $1,952.

Laura Dern completes her look in black Santoni knee-high boots, crafted in Italy from supple calf suede and finished with sharp pointed toes and 90mm stiletto heels that create a sleek, elongated line (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

A Relaxed Press-Day Look: Laura Dern in Jeans, a Classic Coat, and Pointed-Toe Boots

Spotted outside the ABC studios a day later, Laura Dern leaned into a much more low-key, everyday look. I’ll be honest, it felt a little underwhelming for a press tour moment, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but appreciate how relatable it was.

She kept things simple with black straight-leg jeans and a cream cable-knit top accented with subtle stud detailing, which added a touch of texture and quiet shine. The softness of the knit balanced against the slight edge of the studs, giving the outfit a bit of personality.

While it’s a pairing you could easily recreate, it still held enough visual interest to keep it from feeling flat or overly basic. Layered under a classic black wool coat, the outfit instantly looked more polished and pulled together.

Laura Dern visits ABC Studios in black straight-leg jeans, a cream knit top with stud accents, and a black coat on December 11, 2025, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

What really made the look work for me were the accessories. Laura wore a black-and-gold bracelet and a few rings, including one with a pink stone. She carried a structured black bag, while orange-tinted, square-framed sunglasses injected a touch of star power into the otherwise understated ensemble. Dern styled her blonde hair in loose curls, while her red nails added a burst of color.

As for her footwear, she finished the outfit with closed-toe boots hidden beneath her jeans. Likely sleek ankle boots, they kept the look practical and comfortable while still fitting seamlessly into the clean, casual aesthetic.

Laura Dern finishes her casual press-day look with sleek black pointed-toe boots, defined by short comma heels that add subtle lift while keeping the silhouette streamlined and practical (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Laura Dern’s Enduring Shoe Style, On and Off the Red Carpet

Whether she’s stepping onto a premiere carpet in architectural heels or opting for streamlined boots during a press-day appearance, Laura Dern’s approach to footwear has always reflected intention over excess.

Her choices favor clean lines, sculptural details, and quiet confidence—proof that great shoes don’t need spectacle to make an impact. From polished red-carpet moments to relaxed, everyday looks, Dern’s style evolution is best understood through the footwear that anchors it.