This Spring, Kitten Heels Are the Fashion Crowd’s Favorite Shoe for Low-Key Polish
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Polished penny loafers, retro sneakers, boat shoes—there are a slew of shoes vying for our attention right now. But the one pair that’s really ticking all the boxes this season? Kitten heels. Yes, really. You might wince at slipping into anything with a heel after months of prioritizing boots and weatherproof styles, but trust us. For everyday comfort, style kudos, and low-key polish, there is no shoe better suited for your feet than a low sling-back, pump, or mule. And for spring, the best kitten heels range from ultra-minimalist to marvelously maximalist (hello, leopard print!)
The barely-there heel is also a certified fashion crowd-favorite, with styles from Saint Laurent and Miu Miu to J.Crew and Reformation topping our wish lists. Just this past New York Fashion Week, the street style set pared these back to everything from ladylike ensembles to casual-cool denim looks. The result? Timeless transitional outfit combos we’re ready to repeat.
The Best Kitten Heels, According to Vogue:
- The Anything-But-Basic Black: Aeyde Polina pumps, $425
- The Leopard-Print Pick: Ferragamo Dorye mules, $1,250
- The Pointy Python: Khaite Mia pumps, $980
- The Day-to-Night Delight: Toteme Classic satin slingback heels, $740
- The Cult Classic: Stuart Weitzman Stuart Power leather pumps, $450
- The Minimalist Must-Have: The Row Liisa pumps, $990
- The Fashion Crowd Favorite: Martiniano After Party heels, $545
- The Pop of Red: Jacquemus Cubisto slingback pumps, $820
- The Twisted Oxford: Miu Miu T-strap pumps, $1,290
For everyday ease and elegance, start with classic black styles from Aeyde, Toteme, The Row, and Stuart Weitzman. Pair them with a structured suit vest or sleek jean for a take on modern workwear. Meanwhile, red-hot heels from Jacquemus or Manolo Blahnik’s blue pair pack a welcome punch of color. On a more textural note, python-printed pumps from Khaite will you have you walking on the wild side.
Then, there’s Marc Jacobs’s punky strapped style or Miu Miu’s twisted oxford pumps that add a bit of extra prep. Simply thrown on either with a go-to LBD or a going-out top and you’re instantly styled. As for what Vogue editors’ are eyeing themselves? Animal-print pumps from Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, and even Zara rank high on our wish lists. Shop our full edit of the best kitten heels, below.
Classic Black
You really can’t go wrong with a classic black kitten heel. These staple styles from brands like The Row, Emme Parsons, Toteme, and Saint Laurent span the spectrum from daytime to evening wear and will stay in your closet for years to come.
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Black With a Twist
If you already have the basics covered, branch out to our favorite black styles with a twist—like Mary Janes from Aeyde or a scrunched shape from JW Anderson. These still feel classic, but with a bit of extra personality.
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Animal Print
Speaking of personality, why not take a literal walk on the wild side with one of these animal print pairs? Bottega Veneta’s leopard heels are already flying off the shelves, are the rest are soon to follow suit.
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Color Pop
Whether you’re a minimalist or an expert at over-the-top, a pop of color is always welcome, particularly during the spring. We love Jacquemus’s sleek red slingbacks or Martiniano’s pink take.
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Neutrals
Like black kitten heels, neutrals are also a wardrobe must—though they’re slightly less expected and often add more dimension to a look. Depending on your courage (and daily commute) a fresh pair in white is a chic option, but there are lots of great styles in the brown family too.
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Sharp Mules
For days when you’re feeling extra sharp (and chic), try an pointy pair of mules. Balenciaga’s knife heel has become a cult classic at this point, but we also love Marc Jacobs’s strappy style.
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Loafer Hybrids
A newer entry into the kitten heel category is the loafer-heel hybrid, which will put a bit of prep in your step. The trend was pioneered by Jonathan Anderson at Loewe, and has since made its way onto runways at Gucci and Miu Miu.
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