As a fashion news writer, I sift through hundreds of celebrity outfits every week and, over time, I’ve developed a sharp eye for emerging trends and standout items. It's this frequency at which I work that means I've become a little hard to impress, too—ultimately, not every celebrity look is worth writing about. But every so often, an outfit comes along that stops me in my tracks. Alexa Chung’s latest at the BAFTA 2025 Film Awards after party? It did exactly that.
Between the sky-blue shade, the delicate lace, and the soft frills, I was already obsessed. But then, just as I was admiring her dreamy, romantic ensemble, I did a double take—because instead of her usual buckle-detailed heels or dainty mary janes, Chung had finished her look with clear heels. And, pulled them off flawlessly.
A leg-lengthening shoe like no other, clear heels create the ultimate optical illusion—tricking the eye into thinking your legs go on for miles. With their barely-there transparency, they blend seamlessly with any outfit, adapting to whatever shade they’re paired with. While Chung chose to style hers with a silky sky-blue set, Victoria Beckham has been known to wear hers with deep, floor-sweeping maxis, using the trend’s subtle height boost to her advantage, while the shoe has also been a firm favourite of the Kardashians over the years, too.
Though this is the first time I’ve seen Chung embrace the clear shoe trend, I have a feeling it won’t be the last. The style made an unexpected splash on the spring/summer 2025 runways back in September, appearing everywhere from Alaïa to Tibi. What once felt like a fleeting Y2K relic has now cemented itself as a key player in the new-season shoe lineup.
A model wears vinyl heels on the Alaïa spring/summer 2025 runway.
And, true to form, Chung is ahead of the curve. But something tells me she won’t be alone for long. To get ahead of spring’s most unexpected shoe trend, scroll on to discover our edit of the best clear heels below.
SHOP CLEAR SHOES:
Alaïa's Coeur shoes are fashion-person favourite.
This elegant high heels are so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.
Style with a pair of sleek black trousers or wear this with a cotton dress this summer.
These look much more expensive than they are.
These also come in half sizes, so it's easy to find your perfect fit.
If you prefer flats, this is the clear shoe for you.
Another incredible pair, courtesy of Alaïa.
I'm banking these ahead of wedding season.
Style with a maxi dress or pair with a silky set à la Chung.
While I love the simple, beige shade, these also come in black.
-
Until It's Warm Enough for Summery White Dresses, This Right-Now Alt Will Be Your Chic Best FriendThe perfect way to ease into cotton and linen.
-
Kate Hudson Talks Rom-Com Beauty, Moon Rituals, and the Good Hair Day Products She Swears ByThe actress has partnered with Joico as its first-ever global spokesperson.
-
I'm Calling It: These Celeb-Backed Shoe Styles Are Going to Be Everywhere This SpringGet ready.
-
The $25 H&M and $50 Zara Flats I'm Buying Because This Shoe Trend Is Suddenly EverywhereIt's good enough to buy in multiples.
-
The Boot Trend Everyone With Expensive Taste Is Styling Instead of Flats or HeelsWe're here for it.
-
Suddenly, Every Classy Fashion Person in Paris Is Wearing This Elegant Heeled-Shoe TrendA fresh take on classic Mary Janes.
-
The Unexpected Shoe Trend Bella Hadid's Been Wearing Right and Left During Paris Fashion WeekForget flats—buy these instead.
-
The Pretty Flats Trend Katie Holmes Just Wore Makes Jeans Look High-EndFound my next purchase.
-
I Can't Wait for People to Quit Flats and Bring Back This Elegant Shoe TrendThere's simply no better style.
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This SpringI see chic denim outfits in your future.
