Cardi B Just Made This Polarizing Throwback Boot Trend the Star of Her New Music Video
Our take
The resurgence of chunky, lug-soled boots – a style often deemed “polarizing” – catapulted back into the fashion conversation thanks to Cardi B’s latest music video is more than just a celebrity endorsement; it's a subtle shift in how we perceive seasonal dressing and the enduring power of unexpected pairings. We've seen similar pushes against conventional wisdom this season, with Capri Pants Are the Perfect Transitional Pant—If You Style Them Like This demonstrating a desire for pieces that defy easy categorization and offer a bridge between seasons. And just as Ariana Grande’s hybrid Sandy Liang style, as explored in Not Ballet Flats, Not Pumps—Ariana Grande's Hybrid Sandy Liang Style Is the Best of Both Worlds, challenged footwear norms, Cardi B’s choice signals a broader move away from strictly adhering to the dictates of summer footwear. This isn't about rejecting sandals entirely; it’s about embracing a playful tension, a deliberate contrast that elevates a look beyond the predictable.
The initial reaction to these “unseasonal” choices, as the article notes, is often one of surprise. Why choose boots when the weather practically begs for breezy sandals? However, this very incongruity is precisely what makes the trend compelling. It’s a visual disruption, a statement that fashion is about more than just practicality; it's about mood, attitude, and a refusal to be confined by arbitrary rules. Cardi B, known for her bold and unapologetic style, perfectly embodies this spirit. Her inclusion of these boots isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a visual cue that reinforces her persona as someone who operates outside the mainstream, someone who dictates trends rather than follows them. The move also speaks to a broader cultural shift—a growing appreciation for maximalism and a rejection of minimalist, seasonal wardrobes in favor of curated, layered looks that can be adapted across different climates and contexts.
Beyond the immediate aesthetic appeal, this trend reflects a larger conversation about the fluidity of fashion. The rigid boundaries between seasons are blurring, and consumers are increasingly seeking pieces that transcend traditional categories. We're seeing a move towards a more holistic approach to style, where individual expression and personal preference take precedence over prescriptive trends. This is particularly relevant in an era where social media constantly bombards us with fleeting micro-trends. The enduring appeal of a piece like a lug-soled boot – something substantial, grounded, and undeniably cool – offers a counterpoint to the ephemeral nature of online fashion cycles. It suggests a desire for pieces that possess both timelessness and a touch of rebellious edge. It’s a visual declaration of independence from the constantly shifting sands of the fashion landscape.
Ultimately, Cardi B’s embrace of this “polarizing” boot trend isn't just about footwear; it's about challenging conventions and redefining what it means to be stylish. It’s a sign that the most compelling trends are often those that defy expectations and embrace the unexpected. The question now is, will this emboldened approach to seasonal dressing continue to gain momentum, leading to a future where fashion rules are increasingly self-defined, and the notion of "unseasonal" becomes a thing of the past?
You'd think filming a music video in New York City during the summer would call for shoes with the least possible coverage. However, lately, unseasonal shoes have stolen the role of sandals. Earlier this season, Olivia Rodrigo lip synced to "Stupid Song" in tall buckled boots. On August 10, Cardi B brought the divisive peep-toe boots trend to Brooklyn to film the "AH HA" music video.
Two weeks after the rapper released the song, she wasted no time starring in an equally unapologetic short film. Paparazzi captured Cardi's on-set outfit, complete with a zip-up crop top, matching micro shorts, and the scene-stealing shoes.
At first glance, the boots, with their skintight shafts and sky-high stilettos, appeared to be your average knee-highs. But zoom in, and you'll notice the open toe boxes. The black leather interlaced her toes à la fingerless gloves, showcasing Cardi's on-trend white pedicure.
While I've been unable to identify the brand behind Cardi's boots, I wouldn't be surprised if her stylist, Kollin Carter, sourced designer archives for this throwback style. In the 2000s, the peep-toe boots walked so today's A-list-approved hybrid shoes (think: open-toe loafers and backless mules) could run.
Fashion shows like Balenciaga Fall 2007 and McQueen Spring 2011 popularized the cross between peep-toe pumps and booties. In 2013, Rihanna walked in a graphic pair from Tom Ford. Fast-forward to 2016, and Kim Kardashian wore a thigh-high, skintight take on the trend.
From there, peep-toe boots began to drop in and out of the celebrity street style scene. Victoria Beckham's eponymous label revived the Y2K silhouette for Paris Fashion Week Fall 2019. That year, the creative director doubled down on the look with versions in burgundy, tomato red, butter yellow, and even leopard print.
Once 2024 rolled around, Gen Z fashion girls proved the polarizing shoe trend has nine lives. In late April, Kylie Jenner styled thong sandals-turned-boots as effortlessly as flat flip-flops. Days later, Sydney Sweeney sourced Beckham's fashion house for white thigh-highs to slip beneath her cut-out little black dress.
In recent years, celebrities have proven the summer-to-fall (or vice versa) transition shoe potential of peep-toe boots. Now, Cardi B might give them a starring role on screen. Before completely committing to the return of boots season, dip your toe into the edit of Cardi-coded pairs below.
Shop the Peep-Toe Boots Trend Inspired by Cardi B
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