Zoe Saldana’s 2026 Oscars Footwear: From Saint Laurent “Chandelle” Platforms to “P.A.R.I.S.” Slingback Pumps

Zoe Saldana has long gravitated toward a signature aesthetic, but at the 98th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair after-party, she proved how effectively it can evolve within a single night.

Anchored in Saint Laurent’s refined take on black lace, her two looks explored contrast through subtle shifts in silhouette and styling—moving from red-carpet polish to after-party sensuality without losing cohesion. The continuity made the transition feel intentional rather than repetitive.

Zoe Saldana wears Saint Laurent lace dresses with coordinating heels at the 98th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party on March 15, 2026 (Credit: PA Images / Valerie Goodloe / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Footwear played a defining role in that shift. For the ceremony, her choice of structured evening sandals aligned with the more composed direction seen across the night—from Priyanka Chopra’s sharply pointed Jimmy Choo pumps to Anne Hathaway’s sculptural Roger Vivier heels, both reinforcing a preference for precision and elegance on the main stage.

By contrast, the after-party allowed for a more playful interpretation. Her sleek slingback pumps introduced a lighter, more dynamic finish—echoing the shift toward ease and movement also seen in looks like Mia Goth’s minimalist Stuart Weitzman sandals and Kate Hudson’s elevated platform silhouettes.

Together, the two outfits demonstrate how a consistent visual language—here, black lace and Saint Laurent tailoring—can be reworked through footwear and proportion to suit entirely different moments of the same event.

Zoe Saldana Embraces After-Dark Glamour in Saint Laurent P.A.R.I.S. Slingback Pumps and Sheer Lace Mini Dress

For the Vanity Fair after-party, I was instantly drawn to how bold yet effortless she looked.

Saldana slipped into a pair of $2,350 Saint Laurent “P.A.R.I.S.” slingback pumps in Concrete patent leather with a glossy finish that reflected light beautifully, making them perfect for a party setting. The elongated pointed toes gave them a sharp, elegant edge, while the slingback strap kept them feeling light and feminine.

I also liked the Saint Laurent-engraved plaque detail on the insole; it’s one of those small touches that make the shoe feel extra special. Adding just the right amount of height and attitude, these pumps were set on lacquered metal stiletto heels, around 4.3 inches high.

Zoe Saldana slips into a pair of Saint Laurent “P.A.R.I.S.” slingback pumps in Concrete patent leather featuring a sharp, elongated pointed toe, a slingback strap, and a stiletto heel (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Zoe paired those YSL pumps with a sheer black mini dress, fully embroidered with shiny floral lace. The embroidery added texture and coverage while still maintaining that sheer effect, giving the whole look a refined finish.

It also featured a scalloped boat neckline and long sleeves for a soft, romantic touch, while the scalloped hemline, cut above the thighs, highlighted her legs wrapped in sheer black tights.

Wearing her hair down kept everything relaxed and party-ready, and her Cartier diamond studs, along with her rings, including her Broderie de Cartier wedding band, added just enough sparkle.

Zoe Saldana pairs her pointy slingback pumps with sheer tights and a black lace mini dress with a scalloped boat neckline, hem, and cuffs (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldana Refines Red-Carpet Elegance in Saint Laurent Lace Slip Dress and “Chandelle” Platform Sandals

Then, for the Oscars ceremony, Zoe Saldana shifted into something more understated but still very much in line with her aesthetic. I love how she didn’t ditch the lace theme but instead refined it to better fit the occasion.

Saldana wore the Saint Laurent “Chandelle” sandals in black satin crepe, and though they were mostly hidden under the gown, the design still stood out to me. They featured double crisscross straps that created a subtle caged effect across the foot, adding structure without looking too heavy.

The open almond toe keeps the silhouette visually light, while the buckled ankle strap frames the foot with precision. Set on a 1.2-inch platform and a 4.3-inch block heel, the design delivers height with added stability—an approach Saldana has already embraced in the exact same Saint Laurent “Chandelle” sandals during her Avatar: Fire and Ash press tour, reinforcing her preference for statement platforms that balance impact with wearability.

You can get her Saint Laurent 110mm Chandelle strappy platform sandals for $1,300 at Nordstrom and Farfetch.

Zoe Saldana wears the Saint Laurent “Chandelle” sandals in black satin crepe featuring double crisscrossing front straps, an ankle strap, platforms, and block heels (Credit: Valerie Goodloe / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Her custom Saint Laurent dress tied everything together. The sheer floral lace bustier bodice, with scalloped, slightly frayed trims and delicate spaghetti straps, added a hint of sultriness, but the full-length skirt brought a sense of elegance that was perfect for the red carpet.

Zoe Saldana styled her hair up this time, which instantly made the entire look more polished. A Cartier En Équilibre necklace added a beautiful pop of color against the black, and paired with her stud earrings and wedding band, it gave the outfit a refined, luxurious finish.

Zoe Saldana highlights her slender frame in a refined Saint Laurent slip dress featuring a sheer lace bustier bodice and a floor-length skirt (Credit: Valerie Goodloe / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

How Zoe Saldana Transformed Saint Laurent Lace from Red-Carpet Precision to After-Party Ease

Zoe Saldana’s dual Saint Laurent moments at the 98th Academy Awards underscore a styling approach that feels both consistent and continually refined. By anchoring her look in the house’s signature lace and elevating it with distinct footwear choices, she demonstrates how subtle shifts in silhouette and proportion can completely transform an outfit’s mood.

That same balance of structure and sensuality has defined many of her recent appearances, placing her within a broader conversation around Saint Laurent’s modern red-carpet identity—one shaped by sharp tailoring, confident minimalism, and statement heels that never overpower the look.