Confession: I’ve never been very good at wearing heels. It can seem as though some editors literally live in them, however for me, aside from being partial to the off low-heeled black boot, I’ve always reached for loafers and lace-ups. This tendency certainly hasn’t been helped by 2 years’ worth of working from home, through which shearling slippers have become my shoe style of choice. Yet, with work events starting back up again and London Fashion Week just round the corner, I’ve conceded that it might be time to dip my toe (literally) back into my ‘heeldrobe’. It’s a thing, ok?
Luckily for me, many of this season’s biggest shoe trends just happen to lend themselves to this purpose rather nicely. Nope, not a stiletto in sight. At the easier end of the scale is the kitten heel, aka one of the more foot-friendly options out there. I nabbed a pair of animal print Manolos in a sample sale the other month and I’ve worn them constantly with both jeans and smart trousers for various social occasions. There’s also the Mary Jane, with its chunky heel, supportive strap and retro charm. I bought this pair from ASOS back in November and can confirm that I can walk in them for a whole evening without wanting to saw off my own feet.
I also have to give a shout-out to the platform boot, which is one of my favourite ways to rep a heel while it’s still feeling wintery outside. It’s sure to add a ’70s twist to any outfit. So if you’re looking to ease yourself back into heel-wearing this spring, allow me to guide you through the 5 styles that will make you life that little bit easier. Scroll down to see and shop my edit.
The noughties icon has made a comeback this season, and it’s never looked better. From Mach & Mach’s glittering mules to Mango’s pop of orange, the kitten heel is sure to be a shoe staple this spring.
Chunky-heeled and with a good dose of school-days styling, Mary Jane heels are not only having a moment in the spotlight, but they also happen to be very comfortable. Style with sheer tights and a mini skirt or do an Alexa with cropped jeans and white socks.
Often overlapping with kitten territory, the slingback shoe is one of those styles that will never really go out of fashion. I’ve had my eye on Arket’s diamante-studded pair, which will add glamour to a classic pair of black tailored trousers.
Harking back to the 1970s, the platform heel is certainly no shrinking violet. While it might not look practical, experience shows us that often the added height at the font can often make for a comfier shoe than, say, a stiletto. Seriously.
The block heels has been hanging around for a few seasons now, but it very much comes into its own when it comes to easing yourself into heel-wearing. I have my eye on Bottega’s glossy tangerine-hues mules, which are sure to add feel-good vibes to your new season capsule.
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