Mel B Turns the AGT Semi-Finals Into a Fashion Spectacle in Sheer Mini Dress and Lace-Sock Pumps

On September 6, 2017, the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent Season 12 in Hollywood served as a masterclass in contrasting footwear styles.

While Mel B opted for a textural layering of lace socks and pumps, she was joined on the red carpet by host Tyra Banks, who chose a more aggressive, structural approach to glamour with a pair of signature spiked Christian Louboutin heels.

Mel B debuts fiery orange hair styled in a dramatic, feather-accented mohawk for the AGT semi-finals red carpet

Mel B’s ensemble centered on a sheer, tiger-striped minidress and a vibrant, feather-accented hairstyle. However, for shoe enthusiasts, the highlight was her decision to pair delicate hosiery with her stilettos.

A side view reveals the intricate cluster of burnt-orange feathers woven into Mel B’s vibrant updo

Mel B pairs her bold feathered hairstyle with a sheer, embellished minidress featuring tiger-striped detailing and a jeweled neckline

Mel B’s hands sparkle with layered diamond rings that complement the orange and black embellishments on her dress

Grounding the look, she styled the dress with sparkling diamond rings, delicate lace socks, and classic black pumps.

Mel B doubles down on the drama with sheer black lace socks layered over sharply pointed stiletto pumps—a bold, textural choice that pushes the already over-the-top look even further into statement territory

More Socks-and-Heels Inspiration

Socks-and-heels is a fashion trend in which socks are worn with heeled shoes, blending comfort with style; depending on the fabric, it can read elegant with sheer or metallic socks and stilettos, or feel more streetwear-leaning with colorful socks and chunkier heels.

It’s also surprisingly practical, adding warmth, preventing blisters, and giving familiar footwear a fresh twist.

This quirky, high-low mix blended red carpet sensuality with a dash of punkish individuality. Even among a lineup of AGT hosts and contestants stepping out to celebrate the semi-finals, Mel’s ensemble delivered the night’s most talked-about statement.

From the back, Mel B’s dress showcases sheer paneling and mosaic-like embellishments as she chats with a red carpet host

Some critics felt the look crossed the line from bold to overdone. The mix of sheer fabric, dense embellishment, and dramatic feather details read more like a stage costume than a polished red-carpet outfit, prompting “Vegas showgirl” comparisons.

Others pointed to a lack of visual balance—too many competing elements without a clear focal point—making the ensemble feel distracting rather than directional.

The ultra-sheer, body-hugging fit also divided opinion, with some arguing it tipped into dated, overly flashy territory instead of feeling modern or refined.

Posing on the AGT red carpet, Mel B highlights her fearless style in a sheer, body-hugging dress with vivid feather accents at NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 12 Live Show in Hollywood on September 6, 2017 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Explore More of Mel B’s Signature Style

As her look demonstrates, Mel B has always embraced bold, high-impact footwear choices that reflect her fearless approach to fashion. Below, explore more of her most memorable shoe and style moments.