From “Girlfriends” to Glamour: How Tracee Ellis Ross Redefined Power Dressing in Heels

Before their hit series Girlfriends became a cultural touchstone, the cast continued to embody effortless style on and off the screen — including this glamorous reunion moment celebrating Black women in Hollywood.

Jill Marie Jones, Persia White, Golden Brooks, and Tracee Ellis Ross shine at the 6th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood event in 2013, each showing off their distinct style in platform heels ranging from nude pumps to strappy black sandals. (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Tracee Ellis Ross’s breakout role came as Joan Clayton in the hit UPN/The CW series Girlfriends—a stylish, ambitious lawyer whose wardrobe became as iconic as her wit. Created by Mara Brock Akil, the series ran from 2000 to 2008 and offered a fresh, fashion-forward portrayal of modern Black womanhood.

On screen, Joan’s style defined early-2000s office chic: tailored blazers, sleek pencil skirts, and bold color palettes that balanced confidence with polish. She mixed designer pieces with vintage finds, often finishing her look with classic pumps—think Louboutins—and statement accessories like Hermès bags. The result was a masterclass in quiet luxury long before the term became a trend.

The cast of Girlfriends—Tracee Ellis Ross, Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, Persia White, and Reggie Hayes—radiate early-2000s power and polish in coordinated pink looks and sleek heels for this iconic promotional shoot

Ross’s performance—equal parts wit, vulnerability, and impeccable wardrobe—earned her two NAACP Image Awards and cemented her status as a television icon. The show’s success paved the way for her later roles in Black-ish and Coming 2 America, where her polished, fashion-forward persona continued to shine.

The cast of Girlfriends, including Jill Marie Jones, Persia White, Golden Brooks, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Reggie Hayes, celebrate the show’s 100th episode at Stage 23, Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, California, on October 6, 2004 (Credit: Marty Hause / Startraksphoto)

When Girlfriends premiered in September 2000, Tracee Ellis Ross was 27—and feeling both thrilled and terrified. “It was a big moment in my life,” she told Bustle, recalling how her nerves even affected her appetite. Over time, she said, “my body filled out. I got comfortable.”

The show’s early success marked her first real financial independence. “Before every season, I’d buy myself a gift—something I never thought I could afford before.”

Girlfriends may have ended abruptly due to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild strike, but its impact on fashion and representation endured. The show made Tracee Ellis Ross synonymous with polished power dressing — pairing tailored blazers with sleek heels and statement accessories that became her early signature.

Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, Reggie Hayes, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Persia White delivered exceptional performances in the TV series “Girlfriends,” contributing to its overall improvement and success (Credit: Marty Hause / Startraksphoto)

As her career evolved beyond sitcom fame, Tracee’s influence only grew stronger. She began using her platform to champion diversity and women’s voices across Hollywood — advocacy that would earn her one of the industry’s highest honors nearly a decade later.

From Girlfriends’ courtroom-ready pumps to her red-carpet stilettos, Tracee’s footwear has always mirrored her confidence and conviction. That sense of empowerment retook center stage in 2017, when she was honored for her off-screen advocacy at the Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards.

Tracee Ellis Ross Honored for Her Passion for Fairness and Representation

Tracee Ellis Ross may have won numerous awards for her on-camera work as a comedian, but off-camera, the actress has an accomplishment that benefits humanity.

Tracee Ellis Ross was honored with the Lucy Award for Excellence in Television at the 2017 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on June 14, 2017 (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The daughter of actress and Motown recording artist Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein, she has never shied away from speaking out on equality, stating that it’s not just women or African Americans who need fair treatment, but everyone.

Tracee Ellis Ross radiates confidence in a coral knit top and ruched lilac pencil skirt from Max Mara, perfectly complemented by blush satin Jimmy Choo “Kris” bow sandals

In June 2017, Tracee was honored at the 2017 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards for her passion for fighting for what’s fair.

Max Mara hosted the event, so we naturally saw Tracee in their trademark color-pop clothes. Tracee wore a knit top and a shirred skirt from Max Mara’s Pre-Fall 2017 collection. Mixing her pinks and purples, the actress pulled off a cotton candy look.

Tracee Ellis Ross delivers her heartfelt acceptance speech at the 2017 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards, radiating confidence in a blush pink knit top and matching turban

Jimmy Choo “Kris” Sandals: A Red-Carpet Favorite

She completed her look with Jimmy Choo’s “Kris” bow sandals—a refined satin stiletto defined by its sculptural knot detail, open toe, and vintage-meets-modern allure. Handcrafted in Italy, the design’s 4-inch heel and fluid silhouette embody the brand’s signature blend of glamour and grace, making it a perennial favorite for red-carpet moments.

Yara Shahidi turned heads in a pearl-embellished, asymmetrical Rodarte dress paired with black Jimmy Choo ‘Kris 120’ sandals at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards

Tracee Ellis Ross steps out in blush satin Jimmy Choo “Kris” sandals featuring voluminous knotted straps that wrap elegantly around the ankle

A closer look at the Jimmy Choo “Kris” heels reveals their sculptural bow ties and sleek platform base, blending red-carpet glamour with timeless craftsmanship

Iconic Jimmy Choo Sandal Moments

From red-carpet glamour to timeless campaign moments, Jimmy Choo sandals have long cemented their place as celebrity style staples. Below are standout Your Next Shoes editorials showcasing how stars elevate every look with the brand’s most iconic designs.

Tracee Ellis Ross attends The Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards, which are named after Lucille Ball and Lucy Stone, two trailblazing women in the entertainment industry (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Not only was Tracee honored that night, but she also got two heartwarming surprises.

Tracee was caught off guard when her best friend, Aisha Tyler, arrived at the event. The two shared a huge hug after Aisha gave Tracee a warm introduction.

Then, Tracee received a surprise video message from former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Tracee Ellis Ross’s Most Stylish Shoe Moments

From her Girlfriends legacy to her red-carpet reign, Tracee Ellis Ross continues to prove that fashion is both an art form and a statement of confidence. Whether she’s commanding attention in architectural heels, polished pumps, or menswear-inspired loafers, her shoe choices always echo her signature mix of boldness and sophistication.