If you’re a fan of Showtime‘s long running hit Dexter, I know you’re eagerly waiting for the premiere of its final season on June 30^th. After last season’s jaw-dropping season finale (no spoilers here, I’ll just say it ended with a “bang”), I’m definitely counting down the days until the premiere.

Actress Jennifer Carpenter who plays Dexter’s sister Deb is one of my fave characters on the show. She’s also one of the actresses I watch when it comes to red carpet fashion because she usually hits it out of the park.

Last night Carpenter walked the red carpet at the 2013 Critics’ Choice Awards in Beverly Hills in a lavishly layered mini dress by Vera Wang and slender strappy sandals. Contrary to what some fashion critics are saying about her choice of attire last night, I have to say I love her look—pairing a textured and “busy” dress with a sleek, somewhat simple sandal strikes the perfect fashion balance. So kudos to Carpenter and her stylist, because I think she looked fab! 🙂

If you have an upcoming special occasion to attend, and have a dress with a bit of layering, pattern, etc., you may want to take a cue from Carpenter’s style playbook and opt for a sleek sandal without a ton of embellishments or sky-high heel. And to make your shoe search effortless, here are a couple footwear picks that look similar, cost way less than straight-off-the-runway price tags, yet look equally as chic!

Fergie Women’s Roxane Sandal

Buy Now: Fergie Roxane Sandal

This sleek, strappy sandal will have you looking like a style diva for every event. I love the slender shape of it, and just a hint of texture with the subtle reptile print. The Roxane would look great with a combination of dressed-up looks.

Steve Madden Women’s Realov R Sandal

Buy Now:Steve Madden Realov R Sandal

Here’s another strappy sandal that will steal the show at your next upscale event. It’s a sleek style that will pair perfectly with an embellished or textured dress, and offers just a hint of bling with dainty rhinestone embellishments across the vamp. You’ll always be ready to rock the red carpet with this hot sandal!

Image courtesy of prphotos.com