Sashay into SS25 in these chic kitten heels
Kitten heels have long been comfortable and versatile. This summer, they’re getting chic and seductive too
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Comfortable shoes have been enjoying a renaissance of late. Trainers, loafers and flat sandals have been dominating summer mood boards for a few seasons. But, if like us, you’ve been growing weary of the same old silhouettes you wore last summer, you can rejoice in the fact that comfortable heels are the It-girl approved trend of the season. We’re talking wedges, mules and the most surprising wild-card style entry of all: kitten heels.
Kitten heels got their name from being ‘training’ heels for young teens and, until recently, were looked down on by the fashion ‘set’. “Kitten heels were often categorised as footwear for older women or girls trying out their first pair of heels,” says Megan Watkins, stylist at online fashion platform, SilkFred. With Y2K-inspired fashion not going anywhere, Watkins believes the rise of the silhouette is due to millennials keen to have a go at restyling their old looks for the modern times, plus Gen Z experimenting with styles that they may only have seen in ‘nostalgia’ TikTok videos.
The best part about kitten heels? Not only are they easy to wear, they’re also easy to style. The polished shoe works its way seamlessly into workwear wardrobes while adding some serious glamour to evening outfits. Low mules also make for prime summer shoes, pairing well with denim and floaty dresses, while metallic heels are a great update to your party flats.
Itching to dip your toe into this versatile shoe trend? Browse our pick of the best kitten heels on the market for chic and comfortable style inspiration this season.
The best kitten heels for work
Prim, polished and proper, kitten heels are great for work. In fact, the added comfort of a short heel makes running to catch the tube easy while adding a sophisticated edge to your work outfits, from dresses to trousers. Jil Sander’s pointed-toe slingback pumps pair well with a waistcoat and skirt combo; Bottega Veneta’s chocolate leather mules are made for summer-ready wide-leg trousers and linen blazers. Giuliano Galiano's shiny patent leather pumps are sleek and have just the right amount of edge for work. For a hint of metallic hardware, choose Valentino Garavani’s blush-hued pumps.
The best kitten heels for date night
A tiny sculptural heel, especially when paired with a sleek pointed toe, can make for a very sexy shoe. Kitten heels in all their forms will work well with your slinkiest date night look, the added bonus being that you won’t run the risk of towering over your date in sky-high heels. Go classic with Gucci’s red slingbacks or Neous’ lace-trimmed pumps with a sleek black dress for a dinner date. Aquazzura's leopard-print slingbacks are playful and chic, great from day to night, while Christian Louboutin's silver mules add a touch of subtle sparkle.
The best party kitten heels
Jeans, a nice top and a jazzy pair of kitten heels make for, in our opinion, the best party outfit. That said, kitten heels are also great with an evening dress for more formal occasions. Lean into metallics with Miu Miu’s gold-tone mules or go for that extra bit of sparkle with Aquazzura’s crystal-encrusted heels. Elsewhere, Manolo Blahnik’s suede mules with the house's signature buckle are a timeless classic, while Le Monde Beryl's knotted velvet mules are as sophisticated as they are a little bit sexy.
The best kitten heels for summer in the city
If your social calendar is filling up with drinks ar rooftop bars, weekend brunches and summer picnics, stock up on kitten heels to make strutting into each plan easy and stylish. Gianvito Rossi's blue suede mules and Jacquemus's hand-woven yellow slingbacks add a playful touch to any outfit, while Manolo Blahnik's floral iteration bring a romantic, elegant feel. Lean into the mesh shoe trend with Loewe’s 'Petal' sandals, set on contemporary angular kitten heels.
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