Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you—Sabrina Carpenter is having her moment.
Last year she wrapped her first successful North American arena tour, released her sixth studio album, hosted a Netflix Christmas special, and even squeezed in a Tiny Desk performance before New Year. However, one thing continued to stand out throughout her meteoric rise to global fame— those iconic knee-high go-go boots.
The go-go boots, paired with her shimmering mini dresses inspired by 1960s modernist (mod) fashion, signaled more than just a nod to nostalgia or a clever way to elongate her five-inch frame. It cemented Sabrina as the new pop star to watch, one where her fashion sense is just as much a part of the show as her music.
For decades, artists have understood that the right look can amplify their popularity, turning music into a multi-sensory experience. Legends like Michael Jackson, Lil’ Kim, David Bowie, and Madonna used their wardrobes to push boundaries—making gloves, glitter, lipstick, and leather jackets just as memorable as their songs.
Today’s artists are tapped into the same level of creativity. Enter: Doja Cat’s futuristic outfits and experimental hair and makeup looks, Harry Styles’ feather boas and sequined jumpsuits, and Billie Eilish’s oversized t-shirts and bandanas. Sabrina’s risque lingerie and rhinestoned go-go boots fit seamlessly into this aesthetic, proving her outfits aren’t just tour costumes, they’re an extension of her identity. Her blend of retro and contemporary styles tells a story about who she is while shaping how people perceive her brand.
Since she started wearing the go-go boots, fans have experimented with their takes on retro fashion. Videos from her Short n’ Sweet tour have gone viral on TikTok with hashtags like #RetroWithSabrina where fans recreate her signature look. In discussing her Short n’ Sweet tour, Sabrina highlighted that one of the reasons the go-go boots style was chosen was because she wanted to channel style icons like Cher, Twiggy, and Brigitte Bardot. These iconic performers weren’t just celebrated for their talent—they were trailblazers who used fashion as self-expression.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Cher was known as a pioneer of high-fashion stagewear, becoming synonymous with daring, glamorous outfits that pushed boundaries. Her shocking outfit reveals while performing are mirrored in Sabrina’s shows, like during her infamous skirt drop for the song “Juno.” Supermodel Twiggy brought mod fashion to the forefront with her pixie cut and bold, structured dresses—elements that clearly inform Sabrina’s look. And Brigitte Bardot’s cinched-waist silhouettes, tousled curls, and sultry femininity are a constant source of inspiration for Sabrina’s style, right down to the blonde waves. Sabrina’s hair stylist Scott King told ET that “Brigitte Bardot is always the inspo” for her hair, “We just love a fluffy blowout,” he explained.
By channeling these icons while adding her own twist, Sabrina pays homage to their influence and reimagines their aesthetics for a new generation. In a Vogue interview, she explained her other approach to stage styling: “First comes comfort, then what we can do for the girls, and then, ya know, how can we make this feel so unique?” She reiterated that her wardrobe choices—from babydoll peignoir sets to garters and those unmistakable go-go boots—enhance her stage presence and also allow her to move comfortably on stage while still exuding confidence. In this way, the boots serve as a visual representation of her music’s core themes: embracing fun, living fearlessly, and staying unapologetically true to yourself—even if it means standing out.
Other modern artists have similarly embraced footwear as a reflection of individuality. Beyoncé turned silver disco cowboy boots into a trend during her Renaissance World Tour and continues to reimagine the country-chic style. Her reinvention of the classic cowboy boot cemented a new cultural moment through fashion and highlighted how two distinct genres of sound and style can create something entirely new. Both performers have shown that their choice of shoes is more than just footwear; it’s a statement about feeling strong, sexy, and unique, whether in the spotlight or in everyday life.
Sabrina Carpenter’s go-go boots are proof that iconic fashion always circles back, reinterpreted by those who understand its appeal. In a world where style and substance are inextricably linked, Sabrina’s rise is a reminder that great pop stars aren’t just heard—they’re seen.