Sarah Pidgeon Channeling Carolyn Bessette in Khaite Colt Loafers Is ’90s Minimalism at Its Best

Sarah Pidgeon, who stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and reportedly wears a US shoe size 8.5, appeared on NPR on Wednesday to discuss her critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated FX/Hulu series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. Carolyn Bessette.

And while it’s been a few months since the series wrapped, Pidgeon still seems to be channeling her character’s effortlessly polished style.

She’s leaned into that same less-is-more sensibility off-screen before, pairing minimalist Jimmy Choo sandals with a Yohji Yamamoto dress at an FX event for the series. For NPR, she took the idea in an even more Carolyn Bessette-coded direction, stepping out in head-to-toe Khaite.

Sarah Pidgeon discusses her FX/Hulu series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. Carolyn Bessette, on NPR wearing a full Khaite look on August 19, 2026 in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

’90s Minimalism: Sarah Pidgeon Steps Out in Khaite Colt Loafers

For her NPR appearance, Pidgeon slipped into Khaite’s “Colt” loafers, a minimalist style with a slightly architectural shape. Made in Italy from soft glazed calf stretch nappa leather, the loafers featured a classic slip-on design with rounded, snipped toes that gave the simple shoes a more unique shape.

The higher vamp covered more of the foot than a traditional loafer, giving the Colt a slightly boot-like silhouette while keeping the ease of a slip-on. It’s a shape Pidgeon clearly gravitates toward: at Loewe’s Fall 2026 show in Paris, she wore black V-neck glove pumps with similarly high-cut sides, pointed toes, and sculptural cone heels. Here, Khaite’s gold stitching subtly defined the vamp, while an elasticated heel counter helped keep the loafers secure.

Low stacked heels completed the shoes, keeping the profile sleek and understated. The covered-up shape also feels especially current: our guide to 2026’s most wearable shoe trends tracks the move toward glove-like pumps and other high-vamp silhouettes that trade overtly sexy stilettos for something softer and more architectural.

As of August 2026, Pidgeon’s black Colt leather loafers are available at Mytheresa for $1,180. The retailer also carries the style in burgundy, alongside an expanded Colt collection of sculptural mules and ankle, knee-high, and over-the-knee boots, with prices varying by style and color.

Sarah Pidgeon brings ’90s cool to her minimalist style with Khaite’s “Colt” loafers featuring a classic slip-on design with rounded, snipped toes, elasticated heel counters, and low stacked heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

The Colt has also become something of a celebrity favorite in its more dramatic wedge form. Sophie Turner wore Khaite’s Colt wedge mules with an all-black leather look for a Steal screening, while Dakota Johnson paired her Colt wedges with Balenciaga for an edgy monochromatic look in New York City.

Both versions share the loafer’s distinctive snipped toe, high vamp, and signature gold stitching, showing how Khaite has reworked the same sculptural design language across flats and heels.

Quiet Luxury: Sarah Pidgeon Pairs Her Loafers With Khaite’s Astor Mini Dress

Pidgeon paired the loafers with Khaite’s gray “Astor” mini dress, leaning fully into the New York label’s restrained, sculptural aesthetic. It’s the same design language that makes the brand’s footwear so recognizable: Ella Rubin’s Khaite Marcy glove pumps, for example, turned a simple black pump into something more architectural with a high vamp, rounded toe, and sculptural heel.

Made in Italy from softly textured virgin wool, Pidgeon’s sleeveless Astor dress featured a draped cowl neckline that fell in gentle folds across the front. The draping continued around the back in a wrapped, angled detail, adding dimension to its otherwise streamlined silhouette.

Below, the fitted skirt tapered through the hips before ending high above the thighs, showing off her legs. I loved how the simple mini dress kept the outfit looking sharp and polished, yet still easy and understated.

You can get Khaite’s ‘Astor’ dress for $2,100 at Net-a-Porter.

Sarah Pidgeon pairs her black loafers with the gray Khaite “Astor” mini dress featuring a draped cowl neckline and a tapered mini skirt (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Less Is More: Sarah Pidgeon Finishes With Minimal Jewelry and a Structured Black Bag

Pidgeon kept the rest of her styling minimal, wearing just a pair of earrings and a ring. She then carried a structured black bag that fit neatly with her monochromatic outfit.

Her blonde hair was worn loose and straight with a soft, natural finish, while her peachy makeup and neutral lipstick completed her understated look.

Sarah Pidgeon styles her minimalist look with tiny hoop earrings, a few rings, and a structured black bag (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Beyond Carolyn Bessette: Sarah Pidgeon’s Best Shoe Moments

Pidgeon’s Khaite loafers fit neatly into the understated wardrobe she has embraced around Love Story, but they are only one part of a broader footwear story.

From sculptural pumps and classic Chanel slingbacks to the polished loafers favored by other style stars, these looks show how flats and covered-up silhouettes can feel just as considered as a pair of heels.