Alessandra Ambrosio mixed preppy knitwear with chunky, menswear-inspired shoes while out in Santa Monica, California, on June 10, 2021. She paired frayed denim cutoffs with an oversized Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini varsity sweater, then grounded the short hemline with glossy black Franco Sarto “Florita” platform derbies and slouchy blue socks.
The shoes are what give the casual outfit its edge. At about 5’8½” (174 cm), with a US shoe size 10, Alessandra Ambrosio has worn everything from towering heels to relaxed sneakers and flats. Here, the Florita’s patent finish, contrast welt stitching, and substantial lug sole add weight to the cream cable knit and distressed denim, while the blue socks soften the transition between her bare legs and the heavy black shoes.
Alessandra Ambrosio pairs an oversized Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini varsity sweater and frayed denim shorts with blue socks and chunky black Franco Sarto “Florita” derbies in Santa Monica on June 10, 2021 (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Preppy Varsity Knitwear Meets Distressed Denim
Over her frayed denim cutoffs, Ambrosio wore an oversized cable-knit sweater from Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection. It wasn’t her only notable outing in the Italian label: Ambrosio previously wore a coordinated Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini macramé set with Christian Louboutin Decoupadiva heels at the Venice Film Festival.
For this Santa Monica look, the cream V-neck sweater borrows from traditional varsity knitwear, with navy-and-neon-green striped trim and prominent “P” and “PLS” appliqués.
Its loose, elongated shape nearly covers the shorts, creating a deliberate contrast with the substantial Franco Sarto derbies below. Rather than repeating the sweater’s preppy mood with conventional loafers or sneakers, the glossy lug-soled shoes push the outfit in a tougher direction.
The oversized Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini sweater combines cream cable knit with navy and neon-green varsity trim and collegiate-style appliqués (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Bottega Veneta and Jacquie Aiche Add Color and Detail
Ambrosio layered several necklaces over the sweater’s deep V-neck, including Jacquie Aiche’s Opal Inlay Eye Burst necklace and Pave Morganite Teardrop Center Ethiopian Opal beaded necklace. Black cat-eye sunglasses added another sharp element above the otherwise soft cable knit.
For color, she carried a lime-green Bottega Veneta “Point” bag, recognizable by its sculptural triangular handle. The acid-green leather echoes the bright green stripe on her sweater, helping connect an otherwise eclectic mix of varsity knitwear, distressed denim, layered jewelry, and chunky derbies. The accessory also reflects Bottega Veneta’s broader reputation for distinctive luxury handbags and leather accessories.
Black cat-eye sunglasses and layered Jacquie Aiche jewelry frame Ambrosio’s varsity sweater, while her lime-green Bottega Veneta “Point” bag picks up its neon-green trim (Credit: Mega / WENN)
How Alessandra Ambrosio Styled Franco Sarto’s Florita Platform Derbies
Ambrosio finished the outfit with blue textured socks and black SARTO by Franco Sarto “Florita” platform derby shoes. The socks are an important part of the styling: their soft texture and blue color bridge the gap between her bare legs, varsity-striped sweater, and glossy black footwear.
The Florita reworks a traditional lace-up derby with a high-shine patent upper and a much heavier sole. Tonal laces, metal eyelets, a heel pull tab, contrast stitching around the welt, and a chunky treaded platform give the menswear-inspired silhouette a more pronounced street-style finish.
Menswear-inspired flats aren’t unusual in Ambrosio’s off-duty wardrobe. She has also worn white Gucci Brixton leather loafers with distressed denim, although the Franco Sarto derbies take the idea in a tougher direction with glossy patent uppers and substantially heavier lug soles.
A closer look at Ambrosio’s glossy black Franco Sarto “Florita” derbies, styled with slouchy blue socks to soften the shoes’ chunky lug soles (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Why Chunky Platform Derbies Work With an Oversized Sweater
The proportions do much of the work in this outfit. The oversized sweater creates volume through the upper body, the cutoffs leave the legs visually uncluttered, and the thick-soled derbies add enough weight at the feet to balance the knit rather than disappearing beneath it.
The Florita also belongs to a broader family of exaggerated lace-up shoes. Stella McCartney’s Elyse is one of the best-known celebrity examples of the chunky platform-oxford silhouette, appearing in versions ranging from glossy black patent to oxblood and metallic finishes.
Ambrosio’s styling is less dramatic, but the principle is similar: a traditionally menswear-inspired lace-up becomes the visual anchor of an otherwise relaxed outfit. The patent finish keeps the black shoes crisp, while the lug sole gives them enough presence to match the sweater’s oversized proportions.
While the Florita reflects an earlier Franco Sarto collection, you can find the latest Franco Sarto women’s shoes on the brand’s official website.
The SARTO by Franco Sarto “Florita” updates a classic lace-up derby with glossy patent leather, contrast welt stitching, and a thick treaded platform sole.