Nikki Reed’s Polarizing Choice: Why Rag & Bone Ankle Boots Over Summer Sandals?

When it comes to mastering transitional summer style, few pairings are as polarizing as the “maxi dress and heavy boot” combination.

A prime example of this aesthetic occurred at the 7-Eleven 86th birthday party held at the Revolve Clothing beach house in Malibu on July 9, 2013. Nikki Reed hosted a summer celebration alongside guests like Zendaya, who wore a Marc by Marc Jacobs baroque print shirt and matching shorts, complemented by a chic white vest and elegant pink Christian Louboutin ankle-strap heels.

The actress opted for an ensemble that defied traditional beachwear conventions, leaning into a bohemian-meets-grunge vibe. By pairing a floor-skimming silhouette with structured leather, Reed provided a masterclass in grounding a feminine piece with “off-duty” footwear. Below, we break down the components of her look and whether this rugged footwear choice stands the test of time.

Nikki Reed elegantly hosted 7-Eleven’s 86th birthday party in a Gypsy 05 Soka cutout maxi dress, creating an unconventional yet sophisticated look with its unique gray and brown tones

Nikki Reed paired her bluish-gray Gypsy 05 maxi dress with reddish-brown Rag & Bone “Classic Newbury” ankle boots—an unexpected pick for a breezy beachside event. While boots can add edge to a maxi, a pair of strappy sandals or minimalist espadrilles would have better matched the laid-back summer vibe.

Rag & Bone’s ankle boots have long been a celebrity favorite, especially the brand’s signature Newbury and Harrow silhouettes.

Their sleek shape and versatile leather construction make them a go-to choice for actresses looking to balance casual outfits with a touch of edge.

Celebrity Style Inspiration: Rag & Bone Ankle Boots

Nikki clearly had a soft spot for the boots. Later that same month, she was spotted wearing the same Rag & Bone pair with torn high-waisted jeans, a cropped tee layered over a tank, and an Akubra-style hat—leaning into a rugged, outback-inspired aesthetic that highlighted the boot’s versatility beyond dresses.

The version she wore—the original Newbury with its stacked heel and distinctive seam detailing—has since become something of a cult classic.

While it’s now mostly found on resale and outlet sites, Rag & Bone has kept the silhouette alive with the updated Newbury 2.0, a modern reboot featuring a slimmer ankle, a straighter heel, and a durable Vibram® lug sole for improved comfort.

On her day off, the ‘Twilight’ star effortlessly styled her “go-with-anything” booties with a laid-back look for a Barnes & Noble visit on July 29, 2013

Best known for her breakout role in Thirteen, Nikki Reed later explored fashion entrepreneurship with her jewelry line, Mattlin Era, which debuted in 2012 and reflected her bohemian, eco-conscious style.

Nikki Reed at 7-Eleven’s 86th birthday celebration, held at The Revolve Clothing Malibu Beach House, Malibu, California, July 9, 2013 (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

In addition to launching her line, the ‘Twilight’ alum collaborated on capsule collections with established brands. One example is her partnership with 7 For All Mankind, which produced the affordable and ethically minded Humility necklace, priced under $100.

She styled the piece, featuring an antique gold column pendant and a silver heart accent on a long chain, with her laid-back Gypsy 05 maxi dress for the event.

Detailed view of Nikki Reed’s 7 For All Mankind x Nikki Reed Humility Necklace, featuring an antique gold column pendant with a silver heart

What do you think of Nikki Reed’s beachside styling choice—do the brown Rag & Bone ankle boots add a grounded edge to her gray maxi dress, or do they feel a bit too heavy for the breezy setting?

Another familiar face at the celebration was Audrina Patridge, who embraced a breezier, beach-ready vibe with her laid-back summer ensemble.

Audrina Patridge Ignites 7-Eleven’s 86th Birthday Bash With Show-Stopping Summer Style

Audrina Patridge celebrated 7-Eleven’s 86th birthday on July 9, 2013, wearing Show Me Your Mumu Ziggy High Shorts paired with black Havaianas flip flops (Credit: Bridow / WENN)

Audrina contributed to the lively beachside atmosphere in a hip, summer-ready ensemble featuring a black tee tied at the front, zigzag-printed Show Me Your Mumu shorts, and black Havaianas flip flops—Brazil’s iconic rubber sandals, inspired by Japanese zori and first launched in 1962.

Audrina Patridge rocks a trendy summer outfit featuring a tied-up black tee and zigzag-printed shorts by Show Me Your Mumu at a lively beach party (Credit: Bridow / WENN)

While Havaianas flip-flops are best known for their laid-back beach appeal, they have also become a staple in celebrity off-duty wardrobes. From casual street style to unexpected red carpet moments, the Brazilian brand’s minimalist rubber sandals continue to prove that comfort and effortless style can go hand in hand.

Celebrity Style Inspiration: Havaianas Flip-Flops

Founded in 2010 in Venice, California, by Cammy Miller and Cologne Trude, Show Me Your Mumu is popular for its bohemian-inspired, carefree aesthetic, offering a range of flowy dresses, vibrant prints, and versatile pieces, including maxi dresses, rompers, and bridesmaid dresses.

The brand has gained popularity on social media and has dressed celebrities such as Eva Longoria.

On April 20, 2013, in West Hollywood, Eva Longoria elegantly showcased a Show Me Your Mumu Lily scrunch dress, complemented by B Brian Atwood Cordoba strappy leather platform sandals, accessorized with a Chanel Veau Ver tote and Louis Vuitton Conspiration Pilote sunglasses (Credit: WENN)

Nikki Reed’s Malibu look shows how a flowing maxi dress can take on an entirely different personality when paired with structured boots. If you’re curious how other celebrities have styled the same contrast of soft silhouettes and rugged footwear, explore more examples below.

More Celebrity Maxi Dress and Boots Style Inspiration