Safe style bet Rachel Bilson left wardrobe writers scratching their heads this week when she was snapped walking out in a pair of Martin Margiela ankle boots.

The former OC star visited a production office in California on Wednesday before hooking up with a female friend for some shopping.

Her tan-coloured love it or loathe it footwear selection, featuring an unusual heel and open toes, immediately became the hot topic of conversation in fashion forums around the globe.

On the New York Post website, Jarett Wieselman pondered: "I love the wide-mouthed top but theres something about the formation of the heel that leaves me a bit cold. Thoughts?"

It seems readers agreed, with one noting: "If you squint just a little they resemble pigs hooves."

It is doubtful Martin Margiela will be troubled by the review however – the elusive maestro, who keeps his identity fiercely guarded, was this month profiled as "fashions invisible superstar" by the Independent.