In retrospect, it was naïve of me to think I had Sienna Miller's style figured out—I've not once deemed her styling "predictable", after all. Still, after years of watching her gravitate towards boho wedges and strappy sandals, I was genuinely shocked to see that actor step away from her time-tested favourites in favour of a pretty shoe that subverts her go-tos.

Eschewing both her bohemian staples and even this season's trending heeled flip-flops, Sienna instead stepped out this week wearing the prettiest pair of Givenchy Boudoir Heels (£1050). Crafted in a mule silhouette and finished in a fresh cream hue, the shoes are distinguished by an oversized bow that sits atop the open-toe design.

While bow heels aren't dominating the conversation right now, I have a feeling that could soon change. In fact, I spotted Alexa Chung wearing a similar pair just a few weeks ago, suggesting the elegant shoe trend may already be gathering momentum.

Wearing hers to dress up her denim for a night at the theatre, Sienna's bow heels brought a touch of glamour to her jeans outfit, without making her look feel especially formal. Although the style is often reserved for party season, it feels fresh to see them worked into an everyday outfit.

If there's one thing I've learned for certain about Sienna's wardrobe, it's that she can spot a trend before everyone else catches on, and whilst she may be one of the first to embrace bow heels this season, I doubt she'll be the last. If her latest look has inspired you as much as it has me, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best bow heels to wear with jeans right now.

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If you're looking to invest in a new-season shoe that can plug a few wardrobe gaps, I've come across a surprisingly versatile silhouette fresh from the streets of Paris. Chic enough to pair with skirts and just as easy with shorts, it's firmly on my summer styling radar right now.

Courtesy of Jennifer Lopez, who this week stepped out in a divisive pair of vinyl heels, I've been completely won over by this unexpected shoe trend. Whilst flip-flops have dominated celebrity wardrobes this season, JLo instead reached for a pair of vinyl heels, styling them with thigh-grazing shorts for a sleek and coordinated look.

Worn with high-waisted, near skin-toned shorts, the barely-there shoes created a sleek, uninterrupted line that made her legs look miles long, meanwhile, her billowy, boho blouse softened the look with a feminine, romantic finish.

A few days later, I spotted JLo out again in the very same trend, this time styling the clear shoes with the season's favourite knee-length skirt trend. Sticking to the same styling formula, she chose a high-waisted skirt in a rich earthy hue, once again using the transparent heels to elongate her legs.

Working within an elegant palette of pale pink, crisp white and warm earthy tones, JLo highlighted one of the vinyl heel's greatest strengths: because the shoes are virtually colourless, they complement almost any shade.

So, if you're packing shorts and skirts for a trip to Paris—or looking for a shoe that can easily style both—take JLo's lead. Read on to shop my edit of the best vinyl heels below.

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If the season's favourite sleek, '90s-inspired flip-flops haven't been speaking to you, you're in luck. Whilst barely-there sandals have dominated for the past few summers, Zendaya has just made a convincing case for their very antithesis: the gladiator sandal trend. Stepping out ahead of a press event in New York today, the actor wore a knee-high pair of heeled gladiator sandals, reviving one of the most recognisable shoe trends of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

A world away from this season's minimalist flip-flops, gladiator sandals are defined by their network of straps that wrap around the foot, ankle and calf. Whilst the trend reached peak popularity during the boho era of the 2010s, its origins stretch much further back, taking inspiration from the protective footwear worn by ancient Roman gladiators.

Whilst Zendaya gave the nostalgic style a modern moment, pairing her knee-grazing shoes with a white minidress and long drop earrings, this summer shoe trend would also work well with longer-line dresses to play into the relaxed, boho aesthetic.

If you've been waiting for a sandal trend with a little more impact than the minimalist styles that have dominated in recent years, this might just be it. Read on to shop the best gladiator sandals below.

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If you're planning on wearing jeans with heels this summer, I'd suggest skipping last season's slimmer stovepipe pairs and instead taking your cues from Charlize Theron, who this week stepped out in New York wearing a pair of swishy Chloé Wide-Leg Jeans (£1650) with towering platform heels, inspiring my summer jeans rotation in the process.

Creating a chic summer look, Charlize paired her ultra-wide-leg jeans with a black cropped top layered beneath a lightweight black jacket. Cut with a generous amount of fabric, her long, flowing jeans skimmed over the heels, creating one fluid, uninterrupted line that made her legs go on and on.

Beyond the flattering silhouette, the voluminous cut feels especially suited to this spell of warm weather. The extra movement through the leg allows air to circulate more freely, making these jeans a comfortable choice even on the hot summer days.

Whilst Charlize's outfit brought this pairing to mind, it's actually a jeans-and-heels combination I've admired on French women for summers now. Styled with simple tanks, tees or shirts, the flowing denim adds the right amount of drama that adds a little interest without dimming the classic French-girl effortless energy.

So, if you're keen to keep jeans in regular rotation throughout the warmer months, I'd recommend investing in a great pair of wide-leg styles. Read on to shop my edit of the best pairs to buy now.

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In my opinion, Alexa Chung is at her chicest in Paris. So this week, as the style icon descended on the City of Light for a flurry of fashion week appearances, my mood board was refreshed with a healthy dose of styling inspiration. Stepping out for an evening in Paris to celebrate Pandora's collaboration with stylist Harry Lambert, Alexa reached for a timeless wardrobe staple, reminding us exactly why she'll always be the queen of elevated everyday dressing.

Opting for a modern take on the little black dress, Chung chose an elegant design featuring an on-trend halterneck, an asymmetric hem and softly pleated detailing. Then to the shoes, whilst black heels would have been the obvious choice, Alexa sidestepped the predictable in favour of a pair of white heels.

Adding a crisp contrast to her all-black outfit, the white shoes kept it from feeling too heavy for a summer evening event, without relying on bold colours or statement prints.

Perhaps it's because white shoes can scuff so easily, or because they often feel quite stark, but they've never been a style I've instinctively gravitated towards. Still, Alexa's latest look has completely changed my mind.

Styled with chunky silver earrings, a gold arm cuff and a sleek black handbag, the white heels added dimension without distracting from its clean, minimalist aesthetic. In fact, I'm convinced that no other shoe colour could have achieved quite the same effect.

Quite possibly the chicest way I've seen a little black dress styled this season, read on to shop my edit of the best white heels below.

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If you want to wear jeans with heels—and, as a denim person through and through, I find myself reaching for this combination constantly—then I have one Dua Lipa-approved styling tip for you. Instead of defaulting to classic black stilettos, opt for a more interesting neutral and style your denim with brown heels instead.

A harmonious pairing, glossy brown shoes ground blue denim, creating a balanced look without the harsh contrast that black can bring. The rich neutral feels polished and elevated whilst remaining incredibly easy to wear.

Demonstrating exactly why it's one of the chicest shoe colour trends to wear with jeans, Dua Lipa stepped out this week in the elegant combination, pairing brown heels with relaxed blue jeans and a lace-trimmed cami. By choosing her top in a coordinating chocolate-brown shade, she brought even more cohesion to the outfit whilst keeping the overall look unfussy and easy.

Where black heels can sometimes feel a little stark against casual denim, and brighter shades like red or butter yellow make more of a statement, brown feels elevated but wearable every time.

So, if you're looking for the easiest way to elevate your favourite jeans-and-heels combination, brown heels would be my first recommendation. Read on to shop my edit of the best pairs below.

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This week, what was supposed to be a leisurely scroll through Instagram came to a halt when I spotted an image of Tracee Ellis Ross that had me rushing to the Who What Wear Slack channels. Whilst stilettos have dominated my feed ever since wedding season kicked into full swing, Tracee took a decidedly more fashion-person approach, swapping the sky-high skinny heel for a sculptural cone heel instead.

Tapering from a wider base to a slimmer point, the silhouette sits somewhere between a wedge and a stiletto, lending stability without sacrificing poise, creating a heel that's not only more comfortable to walk in but also brings an architectural element that immediately elevates a look.

Styling hers with a knee-length skirt, Tracee also tapped into one of the chicest outfit formulas fashion people are gravitating towards this season.

It's no surprise that this heel shape is finding favour with some of the most stylish dressers right now. Sophisticated, comfortable and chic, read on to discover my edit of the best cone heels to shop now.

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If I'm ever looking for petite styling inspiration—and, as a fashion writer with a circle of petite friends, I often am—Nicola Coughlan is always my first port of call. Wearable and always elevated, her outfits often make their way into my group chats. And now, as we settle into summer, the actor has stepped out in the dress-and-shoe combination I'll be recommending to my petite friends all season long.

Attending an event in London this week, Nicola stepped out in a petite-friendly minidress. Designed with long sleeves and a voluminous bubble-hem skirt, the playful style elongated her legs, creating a balanced silhouette. Rather than leaning into obvious sandals or Mary Janes, however, Nicola elevated the look with a pair of sleek pointed-toe heels.

The elongated toe shape extends the line of the leg, enhancing the lengthening effect of the shorter hemline. Whilst the bubble-hem dress tapped into one of the season's biggest trends, it was the sophisticated shoe pairing that made the outfit feel especially chic.

Elegant and uncomplicated, read on to shop my edit of the best bubble-hem minidresses and pointed-toe heels below.

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Capris have their ups and downs. Even culottes have their loyal fan base. But this summer 2026 trouser trend has divided even the most stylish of fashion people. Yes, I'm talking about balloon trousers. Accurately named, these billowy trousers resemble the curve of a balloon. The tapered leg cinches at the ankle, anchoring the pant, while the waist and leg deliver an oversized look. Fashion people who aren't afraid to be extra—literally, these pants are made up of a lot of fabric—are styling these curved-leg trousers with highly specific shoe trends.

Scroll on to see how It girls from L.A. to London to Oslo style the balloon pant trend. Heads up: open-toe sandals are a popular choice, so if you're thinking about picking up a pair of these controversial pants, I recommend booking a pedicure too.

3 Shoe Trends It Girls Are Styling With Balloon Trousers

1. Heeled Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Combat the voluminous shape with a sleek and polished shoe choice. The heeled flip-flop is paramount amongst these. With an elevated finish—both figuratively and literally—minimalist shape and simple silhouette, this is a style that offsets the boxy shape whilst still complementing it.

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2. Strappy Stilettos

Style Notes: For something with a bit of visual intrigue, reach for a strappy stiletto. Balloon trousers are quite a straightforward silhouette, with an uncomplicated shape and unfussy design, so contrast this simplicity with a shoe that packs a bit more of a punch.

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3. Two-Tone Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Skip the heels altogether and reach for the most in-demand shoe trend this summer: two-toned flip-flops. Most commonly seen in a red-and-black colour palette, this trend can be traced back to last summer, when styles from The Row and Ancient Greek Sandals reigned supreme, which is good news for anyone who has held onto their pair for this season.

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As a fashion journalist, who feels as if she's seen it all, I'm rarely shocked by an outfit choice. This morning, however, as I scrolled through newly released images from last night's Serpentine Summer Party, I was genuinely taken aback. No, it wasn't an obscure haute couture creation that stopped me in my tracks. Instead, it was my long-time style icon, Alexa Chung, wearing the one shoe trend I never expected to see her embrace.

Stepping out beneath London's blazing summer sun, Chung styled a sculptural two-piece by London-based designer Dilara Findikoglu. Rendered in a soft beige hue, the high-neck design featured partially undone buttons that eased its otherwise Victorian-inspired silhouette. Paired with a coordinating knee-grazing skirt, the look felt regal, poised and suited to the elegant occasion. To complete her ensemble, Chung reached for a pair of heels, but rather than the sleek slingbacks I would have expected her to choose, the model and presenter opted for a style I'd have confidently said she'd never wear: PVC heels.

Perhaps because of their long-standing association with looking a little "cheap", transparent heels were far from the first shoe trend I expected to see Chung champion.

Part of the trend's reputation may stem from the fact that PVC is generally less expensive than leather or suede. Yet the material has its advantages. Durable and easy to maintain, a quick wipe is often all it takes to keep the shoes looking fresh. Crafted from clear vinyl, the shoes appear almost invisible on the foot, creating a seamless effect that elongates the legs and allows the outfit to take centre stage. What's more, their barely-there finish creates the illusion of longer legs, making them a surprisingly clever choice for occasion dressing.

Not coming out of nowhere, designers have been experimenting with transparent footwear for several seasons now. Valentino's PVC heels sparked conversation thanks to their clever design, which made the sculptural heel appear almost unattached to the foot. Meanwhile, Alaïa's transparent styles have long been considered a fashion person's favourite.

If anyone can convince me to give a supposedly "cheap" shoe trend a chance, it's Alexa Chung. Scroll on to shop my edit of the best Alexa-inspired PVC heels below.

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A week in the life of Victoria and David Beckham likely contains more major milestones than most people experience in a year. Between award ceremonies, runway shows, television appearances and an endless stream of events, the couple are no strangers to a packed schedule. Even by their standards, however, last week was particularly special, as David Beckham was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For such an occasion, it was no surprise that Victoria arrived in a particularly elevated look. Stepping out in a sleek, figure-skimming dress, the designer's outfit was elegant from every angle. But while the dress certainly caught my attention, it was the unexpected shoe colour she chose that actually stopped me in my tracks.

Rather than reaching for a predictable pair of black heels, Beckham opted for a rich dark-purple style—a sophisticated choice that immediately inspired my summer footwear rotation.

In place of classic black, the deep plum shade added depth and dimension to her outfit whilst creating a tonal effect alongside her fitted lilac dress.

After seasons on the sidelines, purple is enjoying a well-deserved revival. The striking hue appeared across the runways at Balenciaga, Valentino, Prada and Celine, featuring on everything from dresses and skirts to bags and accessories. Now, as we settle into summer, the colour is finding its way onto some of the chicest shoe styles available right now.

While Beckham chose her own label's Harlow Mask Halter Back 100 heels (£590), there's no shortage of stylish purple footwear across both designer and high-street collections this season. Read on to discover my edit of the very best pairs.

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Every so often, a shoe trend emerges that feels destined for greatness. More often than not, these rare trends build on an existing favourite, reimagining a familiar silhouette in an unexpected way. Another telltale sign? A healthy dose of divisiveness. The most influential shoe trends aren't always universally loved at first glance—in fact, their slightly controversial nature is often part of the appeal. Add the backing of a major luxury house and a handful of celebrity endorsements, and you've got all the ingredients of a future cult classic. For the jelly heels trend taking off right now, the stars have well and truly aligned.

Building on the jelly shoe revival that has brought translucent flats and sandals back into the spotlight over the past few seasons, jelly heels offer a more elevated take on the nostalgic trend. The look was cemented earlier this year when Chloé sent its jelly-crafted heeled slippers down the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, presenting the playful material in a decidedly sophisticated light. Since then, the rubberised style has steadily gained momentum amongst fashion insiders and celebrities alike.

With their glossy plastic finish, jelly heels naturally retain an element of "ugliness" that will inevitably divide opinion. For some, that's precisely the attraction. Our very own acting deputy editor at Who What Wear UK, Rebecca Rhys-Evans, loves a controversial shoe so much she started a column on them. In her first edition, she focused on the emerging 'princess shoe' trend and referenced these exact Chloe mules. "These shoes speak to my inner child, the young girl who used to play dress up in Disney princess costumes and wonder if she'll ever get to wear anything this fabulous in the real world when she grows up. Turns out she can! Fashion can be too serious sometimes, which is why I always welcome a trend that feels, well, fun! Sure, they might be considered ugly by the masses, but I'm still desperate for a pair," she told me.

Far removed from the supple leathers and polished suedes we've long associated with elegance, the translucent rubber material evokes memories of the princess dress-up heels many of us wore as children, creating a shoe imbued with a nostalgic, playful and intentionally unconventional quality that makes it all the more compelling.

I also find that there's a distinct sense of whimsy to jelly heels that feels suited to high-summer dressing. Just this week, model Iris Law stepped out in a pale amber pair of Chloé's now-viral jelly heels, styling them with a floral mini dress from the French fashion house.

Finished with a delicate anklet, Law's look leaned into the playful spirit of the shoes whilst showcasing how easily they can slot into a warm-weather wardrobe.

Far less serious than many of the heel trends dominating right now, jelly heels manage to deliver height and elegance whilst injecting a welcome sense of fun into an outfit.

Whilst Chloé's runway version may have sparked the trend, I've also spotted chic interpretations at Free People, Mango and ASOS. If you're as intrigued by the playful shoe style as I am, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best jelly heels to buy now.

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I'm in meetings with stylish fashion editors every day, so you can be sure I'm always paying attention to the outfits sweeping through the office. As a devoted denim wearer, I'm particularly attuned to the shoe trends people are pairing with their jeans, and recently I've noticed a common thread amongst some of the chicest women I work with.

Rather than reaching for classic kitten heels or dependable ballet flats, they're styling their jeans with peep-toe heels. After spotting the pairing repeatedly at home, I started noticing it elsewhere, too. Most recently, Olivia Rodrigo stepped out in L.A. wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses and low-rise jeans with the once-controversial shoe style, cementing its return.

Long swerved for its toe-baring finish, the divisive shoe is finally making a confident comeback. In fact, some of the season's most talked-about shoe trends are those that spark the strongest reactions. And from what I'm seeing, the most stylish people are firmly on board.

Offering a fresh way to elevate jeans, after seeing how chic they look on the women inspiring me most, I'll be taking their lead and wearing mine with denim all season long. If you're thinking the same, read on to shop my edit of the best pairs below.

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Stomping from the annals of Summer Roberts’ wardrobe on The O.C. and Mary-Kate Olsen’s off-duty wardrobe from her NYC days, the perennial indie sleaze combination that is heels and jeans have staged a comeback for summer.

For most, the idea of wearing this exact pairing will instantly conjure images of either Kate Moss stalking through the streets of Camden in a pair of towering Christian Louboutin red soles and denim so tight they appear spray-painted on, or perpetual Bel Air princess, Paris Hilton, wearing bumster-esque jeans with razor-sharp pointed toes on some bubblegum pink carpet. Call it a recession indicator or call it another stop along the nostalgia-driven trend cycle, but we’re once again entering the era of a casual heel.

Speaking to pump connoisseur Cierra O’Day, a Los Angeles-based vintage collector, model and content creator known for her penchant for late ‘90s to early ‘00s Prada and Miu Miu, she charts this return to a “craving for glamour”.

“A great pump instantly changes how I feel in an outfit, it’s like a superpower,” she adds. On the specific rise of jeans and heels outfits, she notes that it’s become a staple outfit formula because “it's one of those combinations that's incredibly simple but endlessly adaptable, the same formula can look completely different depending on the jeans and the heel,” she notes.

As for the specific heels she’s noticing emerge, she cites peep-toe heels as the defining shoe silhouette of the summer. “There's nothing better than showing off a good pedicure or some toe cleavage and they carry this subtle charm that feels nostalgic.”

This is something tastemakers like pop siren Addison Rae, California cool girl Devon Lee Carlson and the grand dame of succubus chic Gabbriette Bechtel echo in their respective off-duty looks, pairing the sleek and sexy silhouette with everything from low-rise jeans to flared styles.

But when it comes to finding the right heel for you, O’Day notes that “the key is to find the pairs that feel like an extension of yourself and your closet.” “If I wear starting from scratch, I’d buy one pair that goes with nearly everything, for me it's my Miu Miu black patent leather pumps, and a pair that just makes you smile when you wear them, again, for me it's my Prada pink satin lighting bolt heels.”

Still, the possibilities are endless when it comes to styling jeans and heels. So, whether you want to embrace your inner Lauren Conrad circa The Hills or take a more modern route similar to the ensembles of Olivia Dean and Hailey Bieber, scroll below to uncover the chicest jeans and heels outfits to wear this summer.

5 Chic Jeans and Heels Outfit to Wear in Summer 2026:

1. Embroidered Top + Straight-Leg Jeans + Strappy Heels

Style Notes: Embracing the Y2K undertones of the silhouette, Hailey Bieber embraced a full trifecta of vintage staples for this look, including a sequin-embellished DKNY top, archival Manolo Blahniks and her trusted Levi’s 501s. Though back in the day, this silhouette would’ve qualified as a humble going-out look, it’s proof that flanking hardworking denim with more chintzy pieces will always bring out its most lurid qualities. Round two at Les Deux, anyone?

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2. Bustier Top + Stovepipe Jeans + T-Bar Heels

Style Notes: Taking a more American in Paris interpretation on the silhouette, this ensemble, seen here on New York City-based stylist and Who What Wear Editor in Residence Coco Schiffer, focuses on the cardinal staples of French girl dressing. Between the ultra-stiff denim and the gracefully romantic heels, the soft blouse and whimsical basket bag fall into step as styles that will carry you from Marseille to Le Marais.

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3. V-Neck Jumper + Khaki Jeans + Wedge Flip-Flops

Style Notes: The fundamentals of wearing jeans with heels is to offset the functional nature of the trousers with a shoe style that’s intrinsically flirtatious. Subverting long-established codes of dressing takes practice, but the contrast between noughties-approved wedge flip-flops with contemporary khaki jeans and a preppy knit is exceptionally chic. Just throw on a pair of wire headphones, and you’ll have a look that will earn you a lot of compliments for the way you’ve mastered wearing basics in a way that is anything but boring.

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4. Leather Jacket + Ecru Jeans + Gold Heels

Style Notes: When drinks at a buzzy new cocktail bar is on the agenda, jeans and heels can always be called upon as a fool-proof combination. But how to differentiate the formula for balmy nights? Reaching for a pair of ecru jeans will instantly soften any look, courtesy of their neutral undertones and versatile nature. However, as previously mentioned, when a component of your look is understated and graceful, balance it out with something more bold and captivating like a pair of gilded heels. All that's left is to accessorise this look with a dirty martini.

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5. Peasant Blouse + White Jeans + Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: Another appealing element about this template is the fact that really any pair of jeans suits any pair of heels. So, even if peep-toes, Mary Jane pumps or razor-sharp heels aren’t on your horizon, take solace in knowing you’re embracing the trend with these block-heel variations. This style is currently taking over fashion capitals like New York and Paris, sweeping brands like Repetto, Le Monde Beryl and Dear Frances.

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So deeply embedded in the codes of office dressing, a tailored trouser-and-heel combination can risk feeling a little "stuffy". After all, the pairing has dominated working-week wardrobes for decades. As a result, finding a version that feels genuinely fresh requires extra consideration. Whilst black trousers styled with black heels can feel overfamiliar, and colourful shoes risk jarring with the polished nature of tailoring, Katie Holmes has just demonstrated the elevated shoe pairing that breathes new life into the classic formula.

Starting with the perfect pair of trousers, Katie laid the groundwork for a chic look. Opting for a tailored style in a deep black shade, her trousers featured a voluminous cut that brought movement to the outfit. Then, rather than reaching for classic black pumps, Katie styled hers with a pair of tall beige heels. Neither stark against the dark tailoring nor lost beneath the fabric's folds, instead, the lighter shoe shade lent an easy elegance that lifted the look.

Katie continued the refined colour story with a sleeveless top in the same beige hue, creating a streamlined, sophisticated outfit that's easy to recreate.

Chic, polished and worlds away from "stuffy", read on to shop my edit of the best black trousers and beige heels below.

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Denim skirts are set to make a comeback for summer 2026, but as with any wardrobe staple, the secret to making them feel current in the new season lies in the styling—particularly the shoe pairing. Stepping out in a distinctly French-girl-approved style that wasn't a ballet flat, Kate Moss just demonstrated the elegant alternative that makes a denim skirt look coolest.

The foundation of the look already had me ready to put pen to paper. Choosing a light-wash denim skirt in a trending knee-length silhouette, Moss paired it with a tonal jacket in a blue hue just a few shades deeper than the skirt itself. With Loewe's Large Amazona 180 bag (£3,900) tucked under her arm and a tiny dog in tow, the model's outfit was already off to an imitably cool start.

Then, in a styling move that even further elevated her outfit, Kate bypassed predictable ballet flats, instead opting for a much more elevated strappy heel. Between the delicate straps, the cage the front of the foot, the elegant slingback detailing and the poised, understated heel that subtly elevates, this shoe trend offers a timeless alternative to the flip-flop heels trend that's otherwise taking over. Timeless, feminine and unfussy, this is the French-girl-approved alternative I would recommend instead.

Whilst ballet flats remain a staple, Moss's styling serves as a timely reminder that a pretty heel is still well worth a place in your summer rotation. Read on to shop my edit of the best French-girl-inspired strappy heels below.

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I’ve always considered cropped jeans a summer non-negotiable. But after wearing mine on constant repeat lately, they’ve started to lose a little of their fresh appeal, and I’ve found myself craving new, more intentional ways to style them. Luckily, my brief style rut coincided with a new photo dump from Gwyneth Paltrow. Styling the season’s favourite denim silhouette, Paltrow elevated her ankle-grazing jeans with a trending pair of red heels, making the classic cropped-jeans outfit feel entirely new again.

Injecting vibrancy and polish in one chic step, the bold flash of red brought a distinctly summer 2026 energy to her look, tapping into the colour trend fashion people are embracing most right now.

Where classic black shoes might have faded into the background, the red heels added depth, personality and a sense of intention that made the entire outfit feel more elevated—and, in my opinion, more expensive-looking.

Feeling inspired? Read on to shop the best cropped jeans and chic red shoes to wear together this season.

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When the summer heat really sets in, there are few pieces I rely on more than a white cotton dress. Easy, breathable and versatile, it works just as well for office days as it does for alfresco dinners. But while the dress itself is uncomplicated, the styling can totally dictate the mood—and I’ve just landed on the shoe trend that makes a white summer dress look its very chicest.

Rather than leaning into delicate sandals or barely-there heels, I’m increasingly drawn to the sharp sophistication of a black pointed-toe heel. The contrast against the crisp white cotton feels striking in the most elegant way, grounding the lightness of the dress with a polished finish that elevates the entire look. What might initially sound too stark actually creates a refined balance that makes even the simplest summer dress feel far more sophisticated.

And it seems I’m not alone in thinking so. Whilst in Cannes this week, actor Eva Longoria stepped out in the exact combination. Forgoing the expected strappy sandals, she styled her white dress with sleek black pointed-toe heels, introducing the perfect amount of contrast and giving the look a more elevated, evening-ready feel that suited the glamorous setting.

Finished with oversized sunglasses and a compact black handbag, I'll be emulating Eva's look from here on out. Inspired by her elegant take on warm-weather styling, keep scrolling to shop the best white dresses and black pointed-toe heels to recreate the look for yourself.

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After seasons dominated by ballet flats, loafers and low-profile trainers, 2026 is set to mark the return of heels. And according to New York’s style set, there’s a chic new way to style them right now.

Stepping out for a Fendi event in New York this week, actor Amelie Zilber elevated her pencil skirt and classic black heels with a sleek pair of semi-sheer black socks.

Slightly unexpected, heels and socks have long divided opinion, conjuring up everything from school-uniform nostalgia to '80s-inspired eccentricity. But in practice, the look feels surprisingly modern. The sheer texture softened the sharpness of the black heels whilst adding subtle dimension and contrast to an otherwise pared-back ensemble.

Shifting the mood of her look, without them, the pencil skirt-and-heels pairing could have leaned overly polished or even a little corporate. With them, the look took on a more intellectual, fashion-forward energy. There was almost a librarian-esque quality to it, but in the very best way.

It’s also exactly the kind of styling move fashion people gravitate towards because it requires very little effort yet makes an outfit feel much more considered. In the same way white socks elevate loafers, a sheer sock can also give classic heels a new lease of life.

Newly inspired, scroll on to shop my edit of the best heels to wear with socks below.

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My love of neutrals isn’t remotely weather-dependent—you’re just as likely to find me in head-to-toe black in the middle of winter as you are on the brightest day. But when summer does come around, I sometimes feel inclined to soften my styling ever so slightly. That’s when I start reaching for the gentler, and arguably more interesting, neutrals in my wardrobe—chief among them, rich brown tones.

Less severe than glossy black but every bit as elegant, brown has become my neutral for the warmer months. And this week, I found a fellow fan in Jennifer Lopez, who swapped classic black heels for a sleek cognac-brown pair.

Finished with a glossy shine that felt just as polished as black leather, the shoes carried all the sophistication of a traditional black heel, but with a softer, more directional edge. Where black might have felt a little stark against her white and beige ensemble, the deep brown shade added warmth and depth without disrupting the light, summery palette.

Read on to discover the best brown heels to shop now.

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After years of micro-shorts being top of the summer agenda, long shorts started quietly making their presence known last year. From Bermuda shorts to jorts and softly tailored culottes, each of these knee-grazing styles has been spotted in the spring/summer 2026 trend cycle. As the perfect transitional weather solution, their laid-back energy works remarkably well with the lightweight linens and billowing blouses that typically float our capsule wardrobes in summer. So, with the UK days away from a 25-degree spell, what better time to invest in warm-weather pieces than now? But, one question needs to be answered before we do: what shoes do we wear with long shorts in 2026?

Thankfully, fashion people are all too willing to provide us with plenty of inspo. Be it celebrity It girl Amelia Grey styling a pair of calf-skimming Adidas track pants with minimalist glove ballet flats, or Jennifer Lawrence in a three-piece ensemble finished with chic Mary Janes, as it turns out, even the "wrong shoe" works. Think sleek slingback pumps dressed up with lace-trimmed satin shorts, or vibrant tailoring finished with refined leather flip-flops. Almost every shoe works with these transitional heroes, but the seven styles below, in particular, make long shorts look their most stylish.

1. Pointed-Toe Heels

Style Notes: Though I was initially unsure if heels would work, this polished look from Ebony Aroha helped to change my mind. Bloomer shorts are inherently playful, but the classic, structured slingback adds an elegance that pairs well with the pretty lace trims.

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2. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: One of this year's (and every year's) most-worn shoe styles, pretty ballet flats will soften any outfit. Leaning into the elegant nature of summer whites, Nnennae Chem uses her glove flats to ultra-polished effect.

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3. Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Simple yet undeniably effective, the humble flip-flop has quickly become a fashion person’s favourite for one reason: its ease. Whilst the minimalist style allows you to show off your latest pedi, it's also so versatile that there’s yet to be a bottom that doesn’t pair well with a flip-flop. Personally, I’ll be taking cues from Marianne Smyth and styling mine with bright shorts and a fitted tank on warmer days this summer.

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4. Mules

Style Notes: Summer's favourite "ugly" shoe, the chunky mule, is a foolproof choice, especially if you're a pared-back dresser. The quietest way to make a statement with your shoes this season, this slip-on-and-go shoe balances breezy energy with all-day practicality. Plus, they make long jorts and oversized shirts feel far cooler.

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5. Loafers

Style Notes: Pairing well with jeans, dresses and maxi skirts, it's no surprise that loafers work well with long shorts too. With a distinctly preppy polish, pairing long Bermuda shorts with ruched loafers adds an edgier finish. Keeping the rest of her look practical, Millie Holmes layers a fiery red hoodie and denim jacket over a white T-shirt. It's an unexpected outfit, but it works.

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6. Kitten-Heel Sandals

Style Notes: If you live for the summer months, you probably already own at least a few pairs of kitten-heel sandals. More secure than mesh flats or flip-flops, but dressier than a full shoe, the addition of a heel adds a chic edge. Take Marylin’s softly tailored culottes and funnel-neck windbreaker. Sure, the combo would look fine with trainers or ballet flats, but the heel makes it sleeker.

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7. Boots

Style Notes: My personal favourite way to style long shorts has to be with a tall boot. There's something inherently cool about this high/low pairing, and whether you opt for fashion-forward biker boots or a knee-high style, this look isn't afraid to play with proportions. If Sofia Mcoelho’s combo of camo-print shorts and slouchy, suede boots is a touch eclectic for your taste, the pairing works just as well in classic colours and shapes.

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I have to be honest, I’m very much a flat-shoe fashion person most of the time, but on those occasions that I do decide to throw on a heel, I can guarantee you it will be a very simple black one. Polished, put-together, and, most importantly, expensive-looking at any price point, I’ve only ever invested in classic black heels. But with summer 2026 on the horizon, I’ve decided to look for fresher heel trends to elevate my otherwise minimal outfits. And trust me when I say that the heel trends that I've found are already giving my flat shoes a run for their money.

Now, of course, this doesn’t mean that I’ll be investing in heel styles that are hard to style or feel too out there for my pared-back comfort zone. But it does mean that I’ve spent the last few weeks searching for non-flat shoe trends that feel as fresh for 2026 as they do timeless enough to last in my wardrobes for years to come

My first port of call? The runway, of course, and the spring/summer 2026 shows were filled with a myriad of chic heel styles that are set to dominate the upcoming season. And you’ll be pleased to know that they all come minimalist-approved. From elegant high-vamp iterations that are perfect for the office to playful PVC styles reminiscent of my early-2000s childhood, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the seven standout heels trends that everyone will be wearing this summer.

Keep scrolling to discover the seven heel trends set to dominate summer 2026 (and beyond).

7 Heel Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear In Summer 2026

1. Flip-Flop

Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear UK, then you’ll know just how much we adore a flip-flop in summer. But for 2026, this classic sandal is getting an elegant update in the form of heeled silhouettes. Much more suited to formal occasions than my regular flat-shoe iterations, I’ll be reaching for this polished sandal trend for weddings, garden parties and dinner dates alike.

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2. Snakeskin

Style Notes: With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that still remains muted and versatile, snake-print heels dominated the spring/summer 2026 runways with everyone from Mugler to Elie Saab hopping on the trend. Over the past few years, we’ve seen leopard, cow and even deer print take over the footwear market, but as a minimalist, the understated and sleek vibe of snake print makes it by far the most compelling high-heel choice.

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3. PVC

Style Notes: If you’re into the playful jelly sandal trend that’s also making a comeback this season, then let me introduce you to the shoe styles' chic older cousin. Enter the PVC heels. Reminiscent of the vinyl styles that dominated the late ‘80s and early 90’s, this heel trend is officially back for summer 2026, backed by the likes of Simone Rocha, Loewe, Leonard Paris, and so many more.

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4. Two-Tone

Style Notes: If you know that you’re unlikely to branch out from your neutrals this summer, then the two-tone heel trend thats set to dominate 2026 is for you. Not only does this shoe style feel more elevated than your typical one-coloured heel, but the high-contrast nature of the trend will look expensive and intentional at any price point.

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5. Barely-There

Style Notes: If you’re a minimal dresser, then you’ll be happy to know that barely-there heels are trending again for summer 2026. Classic, incredibly easy to style and inherently polished, you cannot go wrong with investing in a pair of these versatile heels to keep in your wardrobe for many seasons and years to come. But the best part? This '90s-inspired shoe style looks expensive at every price point, meaning there’s something suited to all budgets this summer.

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6. High-Vamp

Style Notes: Sandal season is officially here, but if you dislike getting your feet out around the busy streets of London as much as I do, then I have the perfect shoe trend for you. The high-vamp heel trend, defined by its obvious lack of toe cleavage and higher coverage around the front of the foot, echoes the chic power-dressing silhouettes that defined the 1980s. To me, it's the perfect heel style for those of us who prefer that sleeker, more sophisticated look, lending itself well to office and evening dressing.

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7. Statement Stiletto

Style Notes: From edgy metallics to bold floral applique, statement stilettos were spotted all over the spring/summer 2026 runways from the likes of Chanel and Weinsanto. Wearing this eye-catching shoe style might initially feel rather daunting, but trust me when I say they're actually incredibly easy to style, due to the fact that this statement shoe will stand out on its own, needing only the simplest of basic layers to go with it. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward heel that you’ll rely on for special occasions, no matter the time of year.

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As far as personal style muses go, Bella Hadid has long reigned supreme for me. Blending '90s and Y2K nostalgia with model-off-duty ease, her playful approach to dressing has long influenced my own capsule wardrobe. And with the Cannes Film Festival in full swing, the most stylish celebrities have been making a splash on the Côte d'Azur. Bella is a regular attendee, but this time, it wasn't her who caught my attention. Instead, it was Demi Moore, in a sleek capri-legging-and-pointed-toe-heel combination, who took my breath away.

Pictured attending the Nespresso X Brut Party, Demi served as a walking juxtaposition to her character in The Substance, proving (once again) that style gets better with age. Favouring a sculptural Magda Butrym blazer, she turned to the season’s revived capri leggings to lend her look a distinct fashion-forward edge. Elegantly finished with the heart-shaped Alaïa Cœur Leather-Trimmed Pumps, the outfit had a playful sophistication, creating a look that not only felt directional but worthy of stopping the scroll.

It felt like a combination I’d spotted before, and it's one Bella herself favours. Attending sister Gigi Hadid’s birthday in New York this April, she too chose capri leggings and pointed-toe heels for an unfussy finish. Wearing hers with a skintight draped halterneck top, the pairing looked just as cool as Demi’s.

With summer around the corner, it's a combination that will quickly become one of the hardest-working in your wardrobe. From polishing the simple peasant blouse to quietly refining a lightweight funnel-neck windbreaker, it's definitely a combo worth saving for inspo, especially if current celebrity styling is anything to go by.

Read on to shop the capri leggings and pointed-toe heels to wear now and well into summer.

Shop the Capri Leggings and Pointed-Toe Heels Combo

If your summer moodboard leans more sleek minimalist than eclectic grandpa, then you might want to bookmark Daisy Edgar-Jones’s latest look.

Skipping over the bubble hem dresses and attention-grabbing shades that have dominated this spring, the actor instead built her outfit around an eternally chic little black dress. Clean, simple and completely unfussy, it served as the perfect '90s minimalist-inspired foundation for her pared-back summer styling.

In another smart styling move, Daisy also swerved the technicoloured jelly sandals that are everywhere right now, opting instead for a timeless pair of beige square-toe heels. Chic, without trying too hard.

Free from excessive colour, embellishment or frills, this classic dress-and-heel pairing has an innate elegance that works time and time again. For anyone drawn to minimalist dressing, there are few combinations that deliver the same level of polish while still feeling relaxed and undone.

Poised, polished and uncomplicated, read on to discover the best black minidresses and beige heels to shop now.

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Figuring out how to make an evening-ready outfit look its most polished? It all comes down to the shoes. The right pair can totally transform a look, and when it comes to evening dressing, few styling choices work harder than a sophisticated heel.

So, if you’re looking to refresh your footwear rotation with a pair that will elevate every outfit you own, allow me to point you in the direction of the chic shoe trend that's already made it's way into Victoria Beckham's rotation.

Stepping away from classic leather and soft suede styles, Beckham instead styled her sharp three-piece suit with a pair of sleek croc-effect heels. Finished in glossy patent leather with subtle embossed texture, the shoes added depth and interest without distracting from the clean lines of the outfit.

Whilst various animal prints tend to trend year after year, croc print has always felt a little more timeless than the rest. Meanwhile, whilst they'll always be more interesting than a simple black court shoe, I find that they're versatile enough to work with almost everything in your wardrobe.

Feeling inspired? Keep scrolling to shop the chic shoe trend that fashion people are turning to for instantly elevated evening looks.

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If you’re thinking about bolstering your wardrobe with an elegant shoe trend, might I point you towards a pair of satin kitten heels? Defined by their modest heel height and finished with a soft, light-catching sheen, they bring an easy elegance to every outfit. It’s easily one of the chicest styles to have on your radar right now.

Making my case, Jennifer Lawrence stepped out this week in a timeless black dress layered under a longline brown coat, grounding the look with a pair of satin kitten heels. More refined than ballet flats and Mary Janes, yet far less formal than a towering heel, this in-between adds just the right amount of sophistication to her understated ensemble.

What sets satin styles apart from their leather or suede counterparts is their softness and subtle luminosity, which feels especially suited to spring and summer dressing. While Lawrence paired hers with an ankle-grazing hemline, this is a trend that translates just as well to tailored trousers or relaxed denim.

A shoe trend I’d confidently recommend to almost anyone. Scroll on to discover and shop my edit of the best satin kitten heels available now.

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Some trends stem from the runway, but the reality of what people actually wear can only be spied out in the world—on the way to work, at the supermarket, in a bar, or scrolling through social media. The biggest takeaway I've noted for spring? The love for trainers is finally retreating, swapped out for kitten heels, mules and even sky-high stilettos. The 2016-era trend has clearly left its mark and fancy footwear is firmly back on the agenda.

Growing up in Essex, during a time when a platform and six-inch stiletto was the appropriate shoe to wear even inside the local pub, this revival is one I've been waiting for. Albeit a far more refined version—mules, block-heeled ballet pumps and kitten-heeled sling-backs is now leading the charge. Polished being the key aim, with heels paired across everything from jeans to pencil skirts and silk mini dresses that wouldn't look out of place at any wedding.

Scroll on for the heel-clad outfits worth recreating this spring for every occasion, just in case years of trainers and ballet flats have left your inspiration in need of a nudge.

6 Spring Outfits with Heels to Wear Now

1. Pencil Skirt + Shirt + Slingbacks

Style Notes: If it's a head-turning outfit you're after, Caroline Lin's butter yellow and blue combination is a particularly strong contender. Pencil skirt, shirt and slingbacks may all be officewear favourites, but it's the small styling details that make it anything but. Cool would be an understatement.

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2. Suede Shorts + Stiletto

Style Notes: The trickiest part of dressing in spring is the temperature shift—near-freezing in the morning, sweltering by noon. Liv Madeline offers one particularly stylish solution: suede shorts. Legs out, yet somehow warm. Made all the more impactful with a sharp stiletto. It is, after all, the era of the high heel (again).

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3. Jeans + Trench Coat + Heeled Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: Practical yet polished, this is the look I'm adding to my everyday spring outfit moodboard. Chances are you already have many of these elements hanging in your wardrobe too. Logo-adorned vintage baseball cap included.

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4. Mini Dress + Zebra Print Mules

Style Notes: Heading to a spring wedding, an evening dinner or a date night? Julie Serjent Ferreri makes a strong case for the mini dress—butter yellow, still very much in the colour conversation, elevated only by an attention-grabbing shoe. Proof, if you needed it, that animal print is always a wise idea.

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5. Jeans + Shirt + Snake Print Heels

Style Notes: Few outfits vary in style quite like jeans, a leather jacket and heels, but Aimee Song's take feels especially polished. Brown jeans over everyday blue, a trending pink shirt in place of classic white, and snake print pumps that make a far stronger case than block colour. An outfit I'll be copying for the office.

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6. Leather Jacket + Sheer Trousers + Two Tone Pumps

Style Notes: Granted, sheer polka dot trousers may not be the most obvious office choice—but if you're after an evening look that's genuinely unexpected, consider Vic Montanari's take a very welcome upgrade on the all-black outfit. Grounded by the two-tone Chanel pumps that chic women have actually been lining up for. Myself included.

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If you keep a passing eye on fashion crowds, you’ll have noticed the new Chanel heels are well acquainted with the style set by now. Defined by their high vamp silhouette and available in a spectrum of of-the-moment shades, the style made its debut in Paris this past October and has been gaining momentum ever since.

For all their appeal, however, they’re not the easiest shoes to style. As anyone with a penchant for statement heels will know, finding the right outfit can be tricky. Which is why I was so surprised to see them looking their absolute best when paired with the decidedly low-key denim trend. Stepping out this week, Michaela Coel gave her Chanel pumps a low-key spin, teaming them with ultra-relaxed, low-rise jeans finished with a chunky cuff. Tempering the polished natural of the shoes, the casual jeans brought a relaxed energy that makes the four-figure heel feel entirely wearable.

Leaning into the contrast, Coel completed the look with a cropped white button-down and a longline leather trench.

Inspired by the combination I didn’t see coming—but now can’t stop thinking about—scroll on to shop baggy cuffed jeans and heels below.

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I have to be honest, I’m more of a flat shoe girl than anything else, but on the odd chance that I do throw on a heel, I can guarantee you it will be a black one. Polished, put together and most importantly, expensive-looking at any price point, I’ve only ever invested in black heels. Well, that was until now, when I recently spotted all of the stylish celebs I follow in a heel colour that I at one time wrote off as dated. Enter the white heel trend.

At one point considered “tacky” and “cheap-looking” by fashion insiders, white heels are officially making a comeback for 2026. Recently, I spotted Zendaya styling a white lace dress and long coat with tonal court heels, proving that this once dated colour is not only back as a key shoe colour trend for spring 2026, but also that it can look elegant, especially when worn with other neutrals. And she’s not the only one.

Both Halle Bailey and Jasmine Tookes have also been spotted sporting white heels with their expensive-looking spring outfits. There’s just something about this colour that feels fresh and elevated for 2026, but as a neutral it remains endlessly versatile and polished. And with the weather finally starting to warm up here in the UK, I’ve been majorly inspired to invest in a pair of white heels for all of the upcoming events I’ve RSVP’d yes to.

If you, too, are considering adding a pair of white heels to your spring outfit rotations, then look no further. Below, I’ve collated an edit of the best white heels that I’ve spotted on my search to suit every budget.

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We know that clothing trends tend to move at the speed of light, but I’ve always found that shoes typically take a more leisurely path. Every so often, though, styles we’d once written off as “dated” make a sudden resurgence, and then they're everywhere. As we quietly head into spring (apparently!), everywhere I look, there's one ‘90s shoe trend breaking through the noise. Promising to add a sophisticated edge to our new-season capsule? The thong heel.

The humble flip-flop's dressed-up sister, thong heels have emerged victorious in spring 2026. With a minimalist Y-shaped strap, fashion's chicest dresses are opting for the barely there silhouette to add a casually pared-back finish to their looks. For spring/summer 2026, the runways were filled with toe-baring designs in both wedge and kitten-heel form.

From brown croc kitten heels at Christopher Esber to eclectic furry iterations at Gucci, designers dived headfirst into the trend. And naturally, the street-style set is never far behind. From Hailey Bieber's minimalist style (finished with polka-dot capri leggings and a staple black top) to Kendall Jenner's elevated leather platforms, I'm seeing thong sandals paired with everything this season: think billowing dresses, tiered skirts and, of course, every iteration of jeans around.

But don't just take my word for it; the data backs it up. Searches for "thong heels" are up 40% this month on Google, and I predict it's a shoe trend that will be everywhere by the time summer hits. Scroll down to shop my pick of the best pairs.

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At 5'2", heeled shoes have always been less of a choice and more of a necessity in my wardrobe. From the moment my mum decided I was old enough to wear them, they became my default. Any extra height wasn't just a bonus; it felt essential, especially when everyone else was wearing heels too. Then came the Covid years and almost overnight, everyone shrank a few inches. Comfort became the priority, but what started as a practical shift quickly evolved into a full-scale style movement. In what I like to call 'The Great Leveller', ballet flats, trainers and loafers worked their way into every corner of our wardrobes, and not just for ease. There was a nonchalance to wearing flats that we all wanted to emulate, no matter how glamorous the rest of the outfit, putting heels on the back burner.

This season, however, the mood is starting to shift back, and I'm not mad about it. Don't get me wrong, I've loved these flat-footed years, but there's something about the understated elegance of a slight heel that can never be replaced. In what feels like a natural continuation of our noughties fashion obsession, heels have teamed up with jeans to present a stylish paradox that allows us to hold onto the off-duty nonchalance we found in flats and balance it with some subtle glamour.

So if, like me, you miss the sleek elevation of a heel, or, like me, you're worried everyone else will be wearing them and don't want to be towered over by your peers, then I have the answer. Below, I have compiled five chic ways to style heels of all heights with jeans, so you can work them back into your wardrobe again with ease. Read on to shop the edit.

5 STYLISH WAYS TO WEAR HEELS WITH JEANS THIS SPRING:

1. HEELED MARY-JANES + STRAIGHT- LEG JEANS

STYLE NOTES: The Mary-Jane, with its block heel and preppy girlishness may be entry-level in terms of height but carries serious style points, especially when worn with denim. A pair of straight-leg jeans modernises an otherwise vintage look, bringing perfect balance and allowing you to lean either way. @emmanuellek_ has kept things feminine but modern with cropped knitwear and a straw tote.

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2. STILETTOS + SLOUCHY JEANS

STYLE NOTES: Stilettos are defined by their thin, tapering heel, but the chicest way to wear them is with a pair of jeans that adds volume and offers just a hint of the shoe underneath. A slouchy pair of jeans, whether they be a wide straight or wide-leg, will contrast perfectly. Just ensure the hem of the jeans meets your instep for the desired silhouette.

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3. HEELED SANDALS + BARREL-LEG JEANS

STYLE NOTES: Sandal season is slowly approaching, as is the season of light denim washes. Together they harmonise to create an effortless, laid-back effect. To get even more specific with our heel and denim combinations I would recommend barrel-legs with heeled sandals. The volume of the jeans feels statement while the barely-there nature of the strappy sandals is pared-back and minimal.

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4. HEELED BOOTS + SLIM JEANS

STYLE NOTES: Heeled boots for spring might sound like an oxymoron, but with sleeker styles in lighter fabrics emerging, this is not only possible but incredibly stylish when paired with the right pair of jeans. Pointed boots in suede or thin, buttery leathers that have a glove-like fit are what we're looking for to create a streamlined effect so that we can pair them with slim fit jeans. The overall finish is polished and elegant, and allows for a contrasting silhouette up top like an oversized jacket or shirt.

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5. HEELED MULES + INDIGO JEANS

STYLE NOTES: Kitten heels, particular kitten heel mules, are the epitome of elegance, and therefore pair best with the smartest of jeans: indigo. Opt for a slim or straight for a sleek, polished look, or wide and barrel-legs for an edgier take. The dark uniformity of the indigo will keep the outfit measured and minimal, allowing you to introduce textures such as suede and leather via outerwear and accessories.

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Standing at 5’4”, I’m just on the cusp of calling myself a petite dresser. And although I can very much get away with shopping both in and out of petite ranges, as someone who works in fashion, I’m constantly being asked by my well under 5’3” friends for styling tips. Their most asked question? How to make their legs look extra long in leggings. Now, it’s all well and good to simply opt for a cropped silhouette, but when that’s simply not an option, there are a number of well-known shoe styles that you can opt for to give your legs some extra length. And last weekend, the group chat was abuzz as I circulated an image of Nicola Coughlan that showcased a petite-girl-approved styling hack: pairing full-length leggings with court heels.

Spotted here in the UK, Nicola ditched the typical trainers and loafers to pair her black leggings with high court heels. Not only does this formal shoe style look effortlessly cool when paired with the relaxed leggings, but the combo is also suited to elongate her frame—proof that sleek heels are the trick to styling leggings for petite women. Adding a khaki-waisted funnel-neck jacket, square tortoiseshell sunnies, and a Mulberry Scotchgrain bucket bag (£695), I can tell that this off-duty chic look is one that both petite and non-petite fashion enthusiasts alike will be recreating this season. And whilst we wait for the weather to warm up here in London, it makes for the perfect transitional outfit.

Keep scrolling, as below, I’ve rounded up my edit of the best leggings and court heels on the market right now, all of which, of course, can be mixed and matched to recreate Nicola’s chic petite-girl-approved styling combo.

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I’m calling it: it’s time to tuck away your boots and welcome strappy sandals back into the fold. The sun is finally out, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a footwear refresh. Right on time, Alexa Chung already delivered the summer shoe inspiration I’ll be weaving into my own rotation from here on out.

Encouraging me to style my jeans with something a little more interesting than the usual boots or trainers, Chung stepped out in straight-leg denim teamed with the prettiest heeled sandals.

Despite leaning into the odd element of embellishment, Chung’s look remained characteristically unfussy and chic. She layered an ornate jacket, decorated with intricate bird and floral motifs, over the outfit, the hem grazing her knees and revealing a mid-wash pair of stovepipe jeans beneath. Peeking out below? A pair of lilac heeled sandals in a trending mule cut. Whilst the mule finish brought a lightness to her denim outfit, the lilac shade nodded to the colour trend set to take off this season, the combination of which made her denim outfit feel impossibly chic.

While ballet flats and Mary Janes dominated last year’s street style scene, Chung’s heeled mules felt like a slightly more elevated alternative. She finished the outfit with oversized statement earrings and a black leather bag tucked into the crook of her arm.

A little more dressy, but just as easy to style, these shoes will be my go-to denim pairing now that the weather is on side. If you're inspired, too, read on to discover and shop the chicest straight-leg jeans and heeled sandals below.

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From Addison Rae opening her self-titled debut album, Addison, with the lyrics “Take a bite of the big apple”, to Lily Allen closing her magnum opus divorce record, West End Girl, with a song titled “Fruityloop”, it seems like popular culture is obsessed with all things seed-y. And where music goes, fashion soon follows, with Chanel’s apple heels quickly becoming a breakout star in its own right.

Whilst visiting Sydney to celebrate the launch of Rhode into Australian beauty juggernaut Mecca, the skincare model and mogul attend the launch wearing a pair of heels that paid homage to her home state of New York. (Yes, she was born in Tuscon, Arizona, as her husband’s viral song “Yukon” hints at, but she was raised upstate in a cosy town by the Hudson River.)

The slingbacks in question featured all the bearings of the French maison’s signature design, from the two-toned colourway, thin strap and contrasting toe cap. However, in the reigns of creative director Matthieu Blazy, the style was given a more contemporary update to feature a sweet little apple perched on the heel.

The shoes actually debuted as part of Chanel’s 2026 Métiers d'art show, which itself was a love letter to the city and the chic Manhattanites that inhabit it. Set in a downtown subway station, the collection featured obvious homages to the borough, like the Empire State Building being rendered into a flippy skirt and flap bags that took the shape of the squirrels that dart through Central Park. (And that’s not even mentioning the half-zip polo jumper that opened the collection.)

Of course, it’s not the first time fashion and food has intersected, especially where footwear is involved. In the first Loewe show following the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan Anderson brought some joyfulness and joie de vivre back into the craft-led Spanish house with strappy sandals accented by cracked eggs, bars of soaps, melting candles and even rose buds.

But for Blazy, this shoe is just another feather in the cap of an artist who seemingly can not be stopped—at least when it comes to creating pieces that fashion’s obsessed can’t stop fixating over. The shoes also come on the heels of his new cone heels from his spring/summer 2026 range for the house, proving that he knows a thing or two about taking women to new heights in his creations.

Is it too late to put Charli XCX into these during the press run for her upcoming film, The Moment, and get her to do the viral dance that accompanies her Brat single “Apple”? Or, have Kristen Stewart, who declared she’s “committed” to directing a Twilight remake, wear these when making the project official in an homage to the book’s original cover?

Either way, we know all too well the effect Hailey Bieber herself has on influencing our wardrobes, so even if not for the love of the style, its connotations and the context that surrounds it, you can rest assured that this fruit-bearing heel is bound to get a lot of airtime. Rotten Refined to the core…

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I get paid to monitor celebrity style, so I take the task of identifying celebrity-loved emerging trends very seriously. And with Paris Haute Couture Week drawing the world’s chicest dressers into one tightly packed location, I’ve been street-style spotting to my heart’s content. Among the swirl of couture and street-style looks, one shoe trend kept catching my eye.

Easing last season’s ballet flats and predictable court shoes out of rotation, fashion people in Paris—and also Los Angeles—are turning to curved heel shoes on repeat right now. Sculptural yet understated, the silhouette feels primed to thrive in 2026.

I first spotted the trend on Victoria Beckham, who stepped out in Paris wearing a sleek pair of black satin curved heels just yesterday. Styled with a longline jersey dress, her look was characteristically restrained, with the softly arched heel adding enough intrigue to elevate the ensemble without tipping into excess.

Soon after, Alexa Chung wore the same sculptural silhouette, pairing her curved heels with a butter-yellow dress trimmed in theatrical fringing. Balancing drama and ease, the heels echo the movement of the dress without feeling costume-like.

Then came Margot Robbie. Carrying the trend across the Atlantic to the Californian coast, I spotted Margot in a gothic black lace dress, a deep pair of aviator sunglasses and classic black curved heels.

With endorsements from some of the industry’s chicest, it’s clear this is a shoe trend finding its feet. Scroll on to shop the curved heel pairs I’m backing for 2026 and beyond.

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When heel trends come and go, it’s usually silhouettes that take the hit. Kitten heels replace sky-high stilettos, pointed toes edge out rounded styles—but the colour palette tends to stay familiar. This season, however, I’ve noticed a shift. One heel colour many of us had long written off is making an unexpected return.

It’s a colour trend we haven’t seen embraced for several seasons—and one that fashion people have long approached with caution. With their unforgiving finish and knack for showing every scuff, white heels have traditionally been dismissed as impractical at best, passé at worst. And yet, this week, I spotted not one but two of my enduring style icons embracing the once-dated trend.

First up: Sabrina Carpenter, who stepped out in ultra-tall platform heels rendered in a gleaming optic white. She anchored the look with a longline black layer, allowing the shoes to command attention—and proving just how impactful a crisp white heel can be when styled with restraint.

Soon after, I clocked Rihanna elevating her sleek black leggings with a pair of sharp, pointed-toe white heels. Leggings and heels can be a tricky pairing to master, but the high-contrast combination worked brilliantly here. The bright white against inky black created a striking silhouette that made the look feel intentional and elevated.

Of course, white heels come with a caveat. As with all white garments, their chicness hinges on keeping them pristine. Save them for dry days, handle with care, and enlist a trusted cobbler at the first sign of wear.

Inspired by the white heel revival, celebrities are already championing? Scroll on to shop the chicest pairs to buy now.

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We’re not even at the end of January, yet the early signs of a defining 2026 shoe trend breaking through are already hard to ignore. Casting back to the spring/summer 2026 runways, Chanel set the tone—offering a fresh riff on its iconic cap-toe design. Rather than the classic, sharply defined contrast, the house introduced a more modern interpretation: heels finished with what looked like a subtle dip of colour at the toe.

It didn’t take long for the fashion crowd to take note. Since then, a steady stream of stylish celebrities has embraced the emerging look—reviving the traditional cap-toe heel in the process.

Spotted on the very same day, Jessie Buckley stepped out in Chanel’s new dipped-toe heels, opting for a high-vamp style finished as if the toe had been lightly dipped into white paint. Worn with a monochrome outfit, her look was innately elegant and entirely unfussy.

Moments later, I spotted Tessa Thompson's take on the trend. The actor chose a more traditional interpretation of Chanel’s cap-toe, rendered in warm beige with a chunky block heel and mule silhouette, finished with a glossy black toe.

Now, I can’t help but see this trend gaining serious traction this year. It has the reliability of a tried-and-true classic—Chanel’s cap-toe heels have been in circulation for as long as we can remember—but with a subtle update that gives them a distinctly modern edge. Add to that the renewed energy at the house under Matthieu Blazy’s appointment and a growing roster of celebrity endorsements, and it’s clear: the chicest heels of the season will all feature this elevated detail.

If you’re as compelled as I am, read on to shop my edit of the best dipped and cap-toe heels to invest in now.

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No matter how hard I tried to resist, it seems vinyl heels are officially enjoying a comeback. Emerging as an unexpected hero on the spring/summer 2026 runways, the once-divisive shoe cropped up at Simone Rocha, Loewe and Maison Margiela, amongst others—signalling an imminent return. And now, Amal Clooney has taken them for a spin too.

Stepping out in a pointed-toe pair finished with a gleaming gold accent, Clooney’s choice finally reframed the trend in my mind. Styled with a chartreuse Versace minidress from the label's spring/summer 2022 collection, the translucent detailing subtly elongated her silhouette, while the metallic point added a dose of glamour—elevating the look without competing with the dress’s bold hue.

I’ll admit it: I’ve long dismissed vinyl heels as a little “cheap”-looking, perhaps due to their plastic fabrication. It also doesn't help that my first encounter with them dates back to the early 2010s, when their skinny jeans pairings hardly did them any favours.

Fast-forward more than a decade, and the trend is experiencing a notable revival, and with Amal on side, I think I might be too.

While Clooney’s gold-accented pair may have been my awakening, there’s no shortage of chic clear heels worth considering this season. Scroll on to discover the styles I recommend below.

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If your New Year’s resolutions included elevating your everyday style, allow me to share the chic footwear swap I just spotted Jennifer Lawrence endorsing.

Making a considered styling switch, Lawrence stepped away from your average ankle boots and flats, instead pairing her sleek navy cigarette trousers with a shoe trend that refreshed the timeless trouser. Sidestepping predictable pairs, she opted for a tall black heel finished with a subtle asymmetric cut-out.

The little flash of skin created by the cut-out design brought a sense of lightness to her look, stopping her tailored trousers and black wool coat from feeling overly formal or serious—a clever styling move that adds interest without detracting from the clean silhouette.

As cigarette trousers (and cigarette jeans) continue to gain traction this season, I’ve been on the lookout for elegant shoe pairings that make this streamlined shape feel modern and wearable. Jennifer’s under-the-radar heels might just be my favourite take yet. Polished but not predictable, it feels in step with the looks I'm channelling for back-to-office January dressing

If you’re ready to give your cigarette trousers a fresh spin, read on to discover the chicest asymmetric heels to pair them with below.

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Now that we're officially at the tail end of December, my brain has done that inevitable thing it does every year: quietly closing the chapter on what we've worn over the past 12 months and skipping ahead to what 2026 might look like.

Fashion-wise, there are already a few clear signals. Luxury has continued its shift away from overt logos in favour of texture, craft and shape, whilst trainer trends—once dominated by chunky silhouettes—are moving into slimmer, softer and more refined territory. These aren't seismic changes, but subtle ones, and they're already shaping how we'll get dressed next year.