Lakers Casino Night Red Carpet: Celebrity Shoes That Stole the Spotlight

Back in March 2013, the Lakers Casino Night Fundraiser wasn’t just about high-stakes games and star-studded mingling—it was a masterclass in event-night style. From sporty-chic sneaker wedges to polished nude pumps, the red carpet doubled as a runway for some seriously memorable footwear moments.

Fast-forward to today, and many of these celebrity looks feel right at home in today’s trend cycle. Chunky wedges are making a quiet comeback, nude heels remain a leg-lengthening favorite, and leather jackets over jeans still dominate street style.

Whether you’d show up in sleek stilettos, statement booties, or a playful wedge, there’s timeless inspiration in how these stars played their fashion cards.

Bethany Joy Lenz: Leather Jacket, Jeans & Leg-Lengthening Nude Pumps

Actress Bethany Joy Lenz attends the Lakers Casino Night fundraiser benefiting the Lakers Youth Foundation at Club Nokia on March 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Well-known as Haley from One Tree Hill, Bethany Joy Lenz (5’3″ / US 7) kept it effortlessly chic for the Lakers Casino Night in a classic leather jacket-and-jeans combo elevated by sleek nude pumps.

A touch of animal print at her neck pulled the whole look together, adding just the right amount of personality to her polished-casual vibe.

Bethany Joy Lenz pairs chic nude pumps with a leather jacket, animal print scarf, and jeans for a casual yet stylish vibe

Women wear nude heels because they are versatile and elegant, and create the illusion of longer legs by blending with the wearer’s skin tone.

These timeless shoes pair effortlessly with a wide range of outfits, from casual jeans to formal dresses, making them a wardrobe essential for many.

Bethany Joy Lenz elevates her casual jeans-and-leather-jacket look with classic nude platform pumps, subtly showcasing her “Beloved” foot tattoo

Few pairings have the timeless appeal of nude heels and jeans. The neutral tone works wonders to elongate the legs, while denim brings a casual balance that transitions effortlessly from off-duty street style to polished red-carpet moments. It’s a combination that continues to prove it’s more than a passing trend—it’s a forever favorite.

Bethany Joy Lenz’s bold animal-print clutch is adorned with intricate beadwork and a statement metallic bull detail

Cheryl Burke: Blush Draped Top, Leather Leggings & Zippered Peep-Toe Booties

Cheryl Burke attends the Lakers Casino Night fundraiser in a blush pink draped top, layered necklaces, and a sleek black blazer

You often see Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke (5’4″ / US 6) in full glam, but for the Lakers Casino Night, she embraced a laid-back, dancer-off-duty vibe.

Cheryl Burke turns heads in a blush-draped top, leather leggings, and edgy zippered peep-toe booties, topped off with a sleek black blazer for a bold yet sophisticated look

Her casual leather look got a bold twist with edgy, zipper-detailed open-toe booties—proof that even a dressed-down moment can still deliver high style.

Cheryl Burke’s edgy zippered peep-toe booties perfectly showcased her pedicure, adding a touch of casual glam to her laid-back, dancer-off-duty look

Sarah Hyland: Utility Jacket, Acid-Wash Skinnies & Trendy Sneaker Wedges

Sarah Hyland wearing a green utility jacket over a patterned top, with her long brown hair styled in loose waves

Modern Family star Sarah Hyland (5’1″ / US 6) served peak early-2010s street style at the Lakers Casino Night, teaming an olive utility jacket and acid-wash skinnies with a pair of ultra-trendy sneaker wedges.

Back then, wedge sneakers were the it-shoe — their reign spanning roughly 2012 to 2014 after Isabel Marant’s 2011 “Bekett” design set off a full-blown fashion frenzy.

Sarah Hyland effortlessly nails sporty-chic by pairing her perforated sneaker wedges with acid-wash skinny jeans, a patterned top, and an olive utility jacket for a laid-back yet stylish look

Celebs from Beyoncé to Rihanna co-signed the look, while brands like Nike and Steve Madden rushed out their own takes. The appeal was irresistible: sneaker-level comfort with a hidden lift, delivering both height and an effortless cool factor.

Hyland’s laid-back yet polished pairing captured the moment perfectly, a snapshot of a trend that had fashion blogs buzzing before chunkier “dad” sneakers and minimalist kicks took over the scene.

Sarah Hyland rocked a pair of trendy white-and-grey perforated sneaker wedges, perfectly pairing them with acid-wash skinny jeans for a sporty-chic vibe

Wendi McLendon-Covey: White-and-Coral Chic with Nude T-Strap Wedges

You probably know her as the foul-mouthed Rita from Bridesmaids, but Wendi McLendon-Covey (5’6″ / US 8.5) was the picture of polished elegance at the Lakers Casino Night. Her crisp white-and-coral ensemble got the perfect finishing touch from sleek nude T-strap wedges, proving that classic footwear can still make a statement.

Wendi McLendon-Covey smiles for a picture while wearing a white long-sleeve top and carrying a pink quilted handbag with a chain strap

Wendi McLendon-Covey exuded polished elegance in her white-and-coral ensemble, perfectly complemented by sleek nude T-strap ‘Xtrime’ wedges from Steve Madden.

Wendi McLendon-Covey pairs bold coral pants with a crisp white top and nude T-strap wedges, creating a polished look that balances vibrant color with timeless elegance

Steve Madden’s influence in the fashion world is undeniable, with a legacy of collaborations and designs that have shaped footwear trends. For a deeper dive into the brand’s journey, please read our article on how Steve Madden built a fashion empire.

Wendi McLendon-Covey’s Steve Madden nude T-strap wedges perfectly complement her coral pants, while her polished pedicure adds an extra touch of sophistication

Steve Madden has partnered with various artists, such as Keyshia Cole, resulting in bold footwear collections that empower women.

For spring 2014, Keyshia Cole and Steve Madden served up a feast for the senses. The shoes in this collection featured bold colors, graphic prints, sky-high platforms and heels, on-trend designs, and sexy silhouettes.

Additionally, acquiring brands like Dolce Vita has expanded Steve Madden’s reach, offering diverse styles. For those seeking versatile footwear options, Steve Madden’s ‘Carrson’ block heel sandals remain chic.