Shay Mitchell and Ashley Benson Prove Why Minimalist Sandals Are Red-Carpet Forever Staples

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In March 2017, the cast of Pretty Little Liars gathered in Los Angeles for PaleyFest, marking one of the final major public appearances for the ensemble before the series concluded its seven-year run.

Among the attendees, Shay Mitchell and offscreen friend Ashley Benson stood out for their contrasting approaches to red-carpet dressing.

Shay Mitchell Anchors a Fluid Nude Midi With Giuseppe Zanotti’s Signature “Harmony” Sandals

Shay Mitchell stuns in an elegant, off-the-shoulder, satin dress at PaleyFestShay Mitchell stuns in an elegant, off-the-shoulder, satin dress at PaleyFest in Los Angeles on March 25, 2017 (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Shay Mitchell opted for a sculptural silhouette, wearing a nude, low-neckline ruffled dress by Cushnie et Ochs. The design featured asymmetrical sleeve ruffles that played with volume while maintaining a sleek, midi-length hem.

Shay Mitchell turns heads at PaleyFest in a chic, nude midi dress paired with strappy sandals, exuding sophistication and effortless glamourShay Mitchell turns heads at PaleyFest in a chic, nude midi dress paired with strappy sandals, exuding sophistication and effortless glamour (Credit: Apega / WENN)

The actress finished the look with jewelry from Jacquie Aiche and Broken English, but the focal point was her footwear: a pair of champagne-colored velvet “Harmony” sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

The three-strap design is a signature for the brand, providing a minimalist lift that complemented the texture of her dress.

Shay Mitchell completes her look with elegant velvet Giuseppe Zanotti "Harmony" sandalsShay Mitchell completes her look with elegant velvet Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Shay Mitchell finished the look with champagne velvet Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals, the signature three-strap silhouette adding a sleek, leg-lengthening lift to her soft, sculptural dressShay Mitchell finished the look with champagne velvet Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals, the signature three-strap silhouette adding a sleek, leg-lengthening lift to her soft, sculptural dress (Credit: Apega / WENN)

While the cast celebrated their time together on the show, the fashion choices highlighted the evolving personal styles of the leads as they moved into the next chapters of their careers.

Ashley Benson and Shay Mitchell strike a pose at PaleyFest, showcasing their chic styles—Ashley in a sharp black suit and Shay in a sleek, off-the-shoulder dressAshley Benson and Shay Mitchell strike a pose at PaleyFest, showcasing their chic styles—Ashley in a sharp black suit and Shay in a sleek, off-the-shoulder dress (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Ashley Benson and Shay Mitchell share a playful moment at PaleyFest, capturing their close friendship with a fun kissy-face pose on the red carpetAshley Benson and Shay Mitchell share a playful moment at PaleyFest, capturing their close friendship with a fun kissy-face pose on the red carpet (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Although her Pretty Little Liars character leaned into feminine lace and brighter palettes, Ashley Benson took a decisive turn at the 2017 PaleyFest carpet, trading softness for sharp, menswear-inspired tailoring that felt both modern and self-assured.

Ashley Benson Reworks Red-Carpet Dressing With a Tailored Stella McCartney Suit and “Minny” Sandals

Ashley Benson sported a chic all-black ensemble at the PaleyFest LA's screening of "Pretty Little Liars"Ashley Benson sported a chic all-black ensemble at the PaleyFest LA’s screening of “Pretty Little Liars” in Los Angeles on March 25, 2017 (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Benson arrived in a black two-piece suit by Stella McCartney, consisting of a structured dinner jacket and slim-fit trousers worn over a simple Wolford top.

Ashley Benson sharpened her red-carpet style in a tailored black Stella McCartney suit, pairing the sleek silhouette with barely-there Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals for a modern, leg-lengthening finishAshley Benson sharpened her red-carpet style in a tailored black Stella McCartney suit, pairing the sleek silhouette with barely-there Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals for a modern, leg-lengthening finish (Credit: Apega / WENN)

She kept her accessories understated, opting for Jennifer Meyer earrings and a pair of classic Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals.

Ashley Benson grounded her tailored look with black velvet Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, the barely-there straps and slim stiletto heel adding a sleek, elongating finishAshley Benson grounded her tailored look with black velvet Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, the barely-there straps and slim stiletto heel adding a sleek, elongating finish (Credit: Apega / WENN)

The “Minny” remains a staple in red-carpet fashion due to its thin stiletto heel and delicate toe strap. Benson’s choice of the velvet iteration added a soft finish to the otherwise rigid lines of her menswear-inspired suit.

Ashley Benson shows off her pedicured toes in velvet Jimmy Choo "Minny" sandalsAshley Benson shows off her pedicured toes in velvet Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Ashley’s genuine excitement was palpable as she reunited with the rest of the “Pretty Little Liars” cast at PaleyFest after being apart for some time, especially when she saw her BFF Shay Mitchell and co-star Tyler Blackburn.

The tight-knit bond between the cast members was evident through their heartfelt expressions of joy upon being together again. However, it was bittersweet for them as they acknowledged that PLL would conclude after the current season.

You can shop Ashley’s classic Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals on Mytheresa and Farfetch.

Ashley Benson seems to have a good time with real-life BFF and co-star Shay MitchellAshley Benson seems to have a good time with real-life BFF and co-star Shay Mitchell (Credit: Apega / WENN)

More Celebrity Proof That Minimalist Sandals Never Go Out of Style

Shay Mitchell’s velvet Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals and Ashley Benson’s Jimmy Choo “Minny” heels show why these barely-there silhouettes have remained red-carpet favorites for years.

For more celebrity outfit inspiration built around the same clean, leg-lengthening sandal formula, explore these standout Your Next Shoes features below.

👠 Explore More Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” & Jimmy Choo “Minny” Shoe Moments: