As the new season kicks in, we can confirm that, yes (YES!), the heel has returned.
Not a chunky, fugly tyre-tread heel. Not a sky-high wedge. Nor a heel with a platform sole. We’re talking about the return of the slender, pencil thin, gorgeously elegant stiletto. Rejoice!
And, at the same time, whaaaaaaaat? It’s been seasons, no, years, since
we braved a stiletto. So eager were we to sport foot-friendly flats, heels were all but banished from the fashion landscape.
Oh, how we lapped up the Lanvin Pilgrim flats, the sporty hybrid Marni numbers, Céline’s fuzzy furkenstocks, Prada’s brogue flatforms and Stella’s lug cork soles. And, let’s face it, we’re still witnessing the cult of Gucci’s sliced loaf – the flat, backless golden-snaffled slipper that continues to top the charts.
We’ve simply been sporting orthopaedic footwear for too long, hence
heels look interesting again. Whether it’s merely a case of fashion’s inevitable pendulum swinging back to something more sexy, or a reflection on the world – some kind of subconscious effect of seeing
more women in power – it’s happening.
And we’re calling it: heels are definitely the next hot must-have. See Miu Miu’s skinny, slightly scary, stilt-like heels; multi-strapped ones by Altuzarra – and Loewe, or Balenciaga’s crystal-embellished inward-slanting stilettos.
So, how to tackle the new heels? Because there are new rules this time
around: it’s not all Martinis and Mad Men, the heels-and-pencil-skirt stereotype is a thing of the past.
We’re wearing them differently now – with a wide-leg culotte or ankle-skimming mididress. Even distressed boyfriend jeans. It’s about mixing the super-seductive with effortless cool.
Prepare to park your slides and slip into something a bit fiercer going
forward this season with our gallery below:
Stilettos - Grazia
stiletto-heels
Give your raw hem jeans even more edge with tassled heels and a bold lip.
Aquazurra Wild Thing Suede Fringe Heels, £490, [Matches[(http://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Aquazzura-Wild-Thing-suede-fringed-sandals-1052536)
stiletto-heels
Pair these leather heels with a black suit - perfect for the transition from work to drinks...
White Bow Heels, £69.99, Zara
stiletto-heels
Come Autumn we'll be craving layers and velvet so why not think ahead and invest in some triple-strap heels now?
Velvet Lacey 100 Heels, £575, Jimmy Choo
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We're already hunting for A/W 16 pieces, starting with these floral-printed stilettos.
Floral-Print Shoes, £485, Malone Souliers
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You can't put a sartorial foot wrong with a pair of black stilettos. We particularly love these cut-out heels by LK Bennett.
Black High Heel Cut-Out Shoes, £225, LK Bennett
stiletto-heels
Minimalism seems to be taking a back seat this season so pick up a pair of leopard print numbers. Finish with a red lip for maximum impact.
Hazel Pointed Toe Pumps, £224.19, Sam Edelman
stiletto-heels
Why not opt for a khaki shade? Sway from monochrome and prepare for A/W 16 with these Dune heels.
High Heels In Khaki, £75, Dune
stiletto-heels
Brighten up your summer wardrobe with these rainbow inspired suede heels.
Colour Block Heels By Christian Louboutin, £575, Net-A-Porter
stiletto-heels
Why not toughen up your look with these caged heels? Pair with a killer LBD and you're set.
Cage Stiletto Heels, £365, Loriblu
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