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.
-
Here It Is: The New It-Girl Way to Wear Jeans and a Pair of HeelsSofia Richie gets it.
-
I Hate to Say It, But It's Time to Set Aside These 5 "Dated" Sneaker TrendsThe new guard of It sneakers.
-
This "Ugly" Shoe Trend Is Officially Back From 2016—But This Time, It's BetterSpotted in London and NYC.
-
Everyone Cool in New York Is Wearing This New Sneaker Instead of Loafers, Ballet Flats, and BootsIt's the hardest-to-source sneaker in fashion right now.
-
These Are the Surprising Shoe Trends Gen Z Is Styling With Everyday Outfits for the Rest of 2025Niche, weird, and unconventional.
-
Click Here for Proof That This Sophisticated Shoe Color Works With Both Jeans and DressesVersatile and chic.
-
These Easy Outfit Formulas Make Even Fall's Most Polarizing Boot Trend Look CoolSee the inspiration inside.
-
This Is the Luxe Fall Shoe Trend Every Fashion Person Is Already Wearing on RepeatCount these inspo pics as proof.
