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Glamour collage: Getty/Robert Kamau/XNY/Star Max
Rihanna and Sabrina Carpenter make me want to learn how to walk in real heels again.
In the past few years, kitten heels went from a controversial design to practically the only game in town among stylish celebs and editors, dominating footwear trends across styles. From sling-back pumps to knee-high boots, the short and skinny heel became an obvious choice for any occasion amid the rise of ‘90s style nostalgia. It certainly didn’t hurt that kitten heels were a more comfortable option in the wake of the pandemic lockdowns that left many of our stilettos gathering dust in our closets for years.
Well, consider the Saturday Night Live after-party your latest sign to drag them back out. Both Sabrina Carpenter and Rihanna made towering statement footwear the star of their ‘fits for the star-studded event on January 17. And that’s saying something for Rihanna, who literally wore a an $18,000 Prada coat for the occasion.
In a truly inspired mix of luxury and athleisure, Rihanna paired her sporty track jacket and Yankees cap with a black textured pencil skirt and a two-toned fur coat with a cloth statement collar. But the unexpected standouts were her black lambskin and brown suede boots from Loewe, which feature respectable 3.5 inch heels and a single metallic ankle chain.
Rihanna seen out and about in Manhattan on January 17, 2026 in New York City.
Robert Kamau
Steve Madden Revive Knee High Boot
$268.00, Nordstrom
Zara Buckled Heeled Boots
$129.00, Zara
Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter went for a more classic look in a white silk slip dress and long black coat with an elegant fur collar. It was a pretty tame ensemble for the pastel-loving pop star…until you get to her shoes. While Carpenter is never one to shy away from a platform for extra height, the dagger-like heels of her white Christian Louboutin platform pumps must be over six inches tall. Good luck getting those babies through TSA.
Sabrina Carpenter is seen in New York City on January 17, 2026.
XNY/Star Max
Elisabet Tang Platform Stilettos
$50.00, Amazon
Steve Madden Olyssia Platform Heels
$140.00, Steve Madden
Let this be your first official warning: Ultra-high party shoes are the obvious next stage of the 2016 fashion renaissance. You might as well start practicing now.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by Glamour editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.
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Originally Appeared on Glamour