
I apologize if you’re not ready to talk about fall fashion; however, it’s already on my mind. I’ve been pondering the shoe trends that one can effortlessly take from summer to fall. The first style that popped into my head and didn’t make me think twice was high-vamp pumps: the ballet-flat-like design with a glove-like fit and a kitten-style heel. These shoes are far from “basic,” “boring,” “overdone,” or whatever you want to call them, and one celebrity who I know agrees with me is Ella Rubin.
The up-and-coming actress who is starring in Amazon Prime Video’s Sterling Point, which releases tomorrow, was spotted in NYC outside NBC Studio wearing said high-vamp heels. Hers were the Marcy Pumps by Khaite, an updated version of the viral Marcy mesh and studded flats with smooth, high-shine black leather and a low sculptural block heel. They’re extremely sleek and sophisticated—it didn’t take long for me to add them to my cart.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
On Ella Rubin: Freja Mercer Bag ($298); Khaite Marcy Pumps ($1100)
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While we’ve seen insiders styling high-vamp heels in myriad ways this summer, Rubin showcased an elegant way to style them for the upcoming transitional period. Skipping the usual go-to jeans, she opted for a high-boat-neck white minidress and accessorized with a black long-strap shoulder bag and sporty sunglasses. All of the dark accessories perfectly grounded the short dress and added touches of edginess and contrast, which made it feel very 2026.
If you’re inspired by Rubin, read on to discover my edit of the best minidresses and high-vamp pumps that will transition easily from summer to fall.
Shop High-Vamp Pumps and Minidresses:
LEAU
Estelle Sleeveless Bustier Mini Dress
Re-create Rubin’s look with this minidress.
Who What Wear editors, including myself, are obsessed with these versatile and comfortable block heels.
Khaite doesn’t mess around when it comes to elegant footwear.
Massimo Dutti
Double-Fabric Mini Dress
I can’t believe these are on sale and still in stock.
Reformation
Marceline Knit Dress
Reformation turned it’s best-selling top into a dress.
AEYDE
Delia Leather Pumps
These also come in ivory and chocolate brown.
This is my favorite dress right now. I own it in white and black.








