Sorry, Stilettos, But These '90s-Inspired, Prada-Coded Anti-Flats Are Hot on Your Trail
I'm one of Big Stiletto's most loyal fans. If I'm not in a training sneaker, you won't find me in flat footwear, and until recently, a chunkier heel couldn't be sourced from my closet. That is, until recently. In the last few seasons, brands like Tory Burch, Khaite, and The Row sparked an interest in block heels, developing fresh takes on the dated shoe silhouette that made me rethink my strict loyalty to skinny and often unstable lifters. Their heels were thicker and heartier and, as such, quite approachable, even at high heights. At the same time, they were just as sleek as any stiletto I'd ever seen, not to mention fresher and different from my usual rotation. Immediately, I began my search for the perfect pair.
Obviously, there are the classic Tabi pumps, which come in a variety of silhouettes, many with a thicker, cylindrical heel. But if you're not in the market for such a divisive toe shape, don't fret. Most of the below options are far more approachable in appearance, not to mention price, with a mix of high and low prices at your fingertips. Think Massimo Dutti, Zara, and Jeffrey Campbell mixed in with Gucci, Prada, and Celine.
What each of these shoes shares is a '90s look with a twinge of old Prada—the latter is more noticeable in some pairs than others—and an overall cool factor that deserves to be shown off. Wear them with tights and a knee-length wool or leather skirt or dress in the wintertime. In the summer, opt for something lighter, like linen or silk, but in a similar silhouette. You can even style them with fitted trousers for a sophisticated ensemble that still feels youthful and chic. The options are, as they say, endless.
Scroll down to find your perfect pair. I know I'll be busy finding mine.
Shop block heels:
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
My Mom Somehow Always Finds the Best Items at Walmart—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy
Yes, I was surprised too.
-
Forget Wimbledon Whites—at Centre Court, *This* Was the Summer Shoe Color to Wear With Dresses
It's not black either.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.
-
Sneakers Are the Real MVP of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—These 29 Cool Styles Are Proof
New Balance, Asics, Converse, and more.
-
Flat Mary Janes Are Cute, But If You Want to Look More Sophisticated, Wear These Instead
As seen on Anne Hathaway in Manhattan.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer Wardrobe
Imagine the chic outfits.
-
The Fashion Person's Guide to Buying a Designer Bag Secondhand
Ready, set, shop.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits: 25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the Bill
Just about everything is under $25.