At the Black or White premiere in Los Angeles in January 2015, Octavia Spencer brought timeless elegance to the red carpet, giving shoe lovers a glimpse of her favorite heels.
The then-44-year-old Oscar-winning actress—best known for her breakout role as Minny in the 2011 film The Help—slipped into a custom black velvet Tadashi Shoji dress with three-quarter sleeves.
The look remains a classic example of Spencer’s go-to red-carpet formula: structured silhouettes, rich textures, and statement accessories.
Paula Newsome and Octavia Spencer pose together on the red carpet at the Black or White premiere in Los Angeles on January 20, 2015 (Credit: Brian To / WENN / FayesVision)
Some fashion critics felt Octavia’s Tadashi Shoji dress appeared a little heavy for the red carpet, with the velvet texture and cobalt detailing overwhelming her petite frame.
Still, her styling wasn’t without bright spots—we especially loved the sculptural Rauwolf clutch and her chic Jimmy Choo “Vexil” sandals, which added a modern edge and balanced the richness of the gown.
Octavia Spencer, joined by young co-star Jillian Estell, showcases her custom black velvet Tadashi Shoji dress accented with cobalt blue sequin detailing
The suede ‘Vexil’ sandals, designed with round toes and mesh inserts, added subtle height and sleek lines that elongated petite Octavia Spencer’s 5ft 2 (157.5 cm) frame. Worn in her usual shoe size 8, the style was available in both black and gold.
A close-up of Octavia Spencer’s black suede Jimmy Choo “Vexil” sandals with mesh inserts highlights her chic red-carpet shoe choice
Mesh shoes and mesh inserts have gained popularity due to their blend of practicality and fashion appeal. From lightweight breathability and all-day comfort to their ability to blend seamlessly into both athletic and high-fashion looks, mesh details strike the balance between function and style.
It’s no surprise that designers and celebrities alike are embracing mesh as a go-to material for modern footwear.
Celebrity Mesh Shoe & Sandal Highlights
👠 Mesh Sandal Style Highlights on Your Next Shoes:
- 📏 Ellie Goulding Shows Off Toned Legs in Casadei Mesh Strap Sandals — Ellie pairs a glamorous mini dress with strappy mesh sandals, showing how sheer details elevate a classic stiletto look.
- 🌟 Scarlett Johansson in Jimmy Choo ‘Fraze’ Crystal-Embellished Mesh Sandals — a sparkling take on mesh footwear, mixing suede, sheer panels, and crystals for red-carpet drama.
- 🎤 Charlotte Olympia ‘Octavia’ Suede-and-Mesh Platform Sandals — platform sandals with bold mesh inserts that balance height and texture, spotlighted as a statement design.
- 💃 Demi Moore’s Height & Shoe Size — includes her wearing Jimmy Choo’s “Leila Mesh” sandals, a versatile style that uses mesh panels for understated glamour.
- 🎀 Jimmy Choo’s Asymmetrical Mesh Bow Sandals — an editorial look at slingbacks with delicate mesh bow details, highlighting how mesh works beyond panels and straps.