The It-Girl Shoes All the Cool Fashion People Are Wearing
Kitten-heel pumps are the fashion set's latest obsession. The shoe style is having a moment, and it's easy to see why. After seasons of ballet flats, chunky loafers, and sneakers, fashion's pendulum is swinging back toward more polished shoes. Once associated with a traditional idea of dressing up, the style has found a new audience among fashion people, who are wearing it with everything from straight-leg denim to tailored trousers. The appeal is in its versatility. Kitten heels can feel understated and practical by day, then just as right for dinner or a night out. They're shoes that don’t need much styling to make an impact, which may be precisely why they've become such a favorite.
There are plenty of ways to get in on the trend, depending on your personal style. The Row makes a case for keeping things simple with minimalist leather pumps that will work with just about everything in your wardrobe. For something with a little more personality, Toteme's animal-print versions add interest without feeling over-the-top. And if you're looking to introduce some color, Herbert Levine's satin styles offer a playful alternative to the usual black or brown. Each takes a slightly different approach, but all make the same case for kitten-heel pumps as everyday shoes worth investing in. It girls are gravitating toward the latest styles on the market that are more personality-driven, whether it's a standout color or beaded embellishments.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear. She oversees luxury and runway content, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte and Allure. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.