Queen Letizia Solidifies Sézane’s Paula Babies as Her Signature Shoe With a Chic Cap-Toe Pair in Madrid
When a royal finds a silhouette that truly works, she returns to it—and refines it. At Madrid’s Retina Eco Awards, Queen Letizia offered a masterclass in modern polish with a shoe choice that felt both timeless and now. She stepped out in Sézane’s Paula Babies—the chic mary jane slingbacks—this time in ecru with a bold black cap-toe. The effect was quiet luxury with a crisp, graphic twist.
A chic royal moment in Madrid
Letizia has been loyal to the Paula Babies all season, and this new white-and-black iteration keeps the streak going with fresh contrast. The smooth ecru leather and dark cap toe sharpened her tailored look, playing beautifully against a white Mango suit.
Why the Paula Babies keep winning
Sézane’s $215 classic has become one of the Queen’s most-worn signatures this year, and it’s easy to see why. The shoe sits on a comfortable two-inch, leather-wrapped block heel with a softly rounded toe—retro in spirit, modern in execution.
Twin straps with antique-gold buckles bring delicate structure across the instep, while the open heel nods to the broader slingback revival dominating runways and front rows. It’s a silhouette that feels elegant at any hour of the day.
Styling notes: the white-suit formula
To keep the focus on those cap toes, Letizia reached for a crisp, past-season Mango two-piece in optic white. She finished the look with new earrings by Spanish jeweler PDPAOLA—a subtle sparkle that kept everything refined and balanced.
A thoughtful rotation
Letizia’s footwear choices are strategic and relatable. In recent weeks, she’s returned to the Paula Babies in black patent, traveled in Massimo Dutti pointed slingbacks, and leaned on classic Picón espadrilles for warm-weather engagements.
That mix of accessible labels and heritage Spanish names makes her a reliable guide for trend-forward yet approachable style.
- Repeat silhouettes in fresh colorways for longevity.
- Blend high-street finds with artisanal heritage pieces.
- Opt for mid-height block heels to move effortlessly from day to evening.
The mary jane resurgence—from couture to comfort
The mary jane renaissance is everywhere, spanning luxe and performance. From Rihanna’s glossy Miu Miu pair to Hoka’s sporty hybrid, the silhouette has crossed categories without losing its charm.
Cap-toe versions, in particular, add instant structure and a polished, Paris-meets-Madrid sensibility—no effort required.
How to wear the look now
- Pair cap-toe slingbacks with white tailoring for clean, architectural lines.
- Offset their sweetness with tailored denim or a fluid midi skirt.
- Keep the beauty notes minimal: a neutral pedicure and a touch of ankle glow let the shoes shine.
- For long days, choose a two-inch block heel—elegant height with all-day comfort.
Consider this your cue to embrace elegance that works as hard as you do. If a single piece can elevate your week, it’s a beautifully made mary jane slingback. Try the cap-toe twist, share how you’d style it, and let’s inspire each other to step into the season with quiet confidence.
