Whoever switched up the iconic Dolly Parton quote to read “The higher the heels, the closer to heaven” needs a reality check.
The feeling of towering elegance that comes with slipping into a pair of six-inchers is not to be understated, yet a smaller heel often serves up a more subtle power move.
Cue the kitten heel, which brings with it a divisive history. For a while kitten heels were a no-go. A shoe silhouette brought into the limelight by Noughties icons such as Paris Hilton, the Olsen twins and Lindsay Lohan, the kitten heel is arguably the most polarising piece of fashion history to exist.
Due to its shorter (some would argue stunted) silhouette, the kitten heel doesn't have the same coveted leg-lengthening effect as regular alternatives. Yet, not only are they considerably easier to walk in, but the petite pumps are a tongue-in-cheek take on smart dressing.
This reputation is inextricably linked to the breed of fashionistas who sports them, which extends to Depop aficionados, Gen Z It-girls and TikTok influencers. Case in point? Mia Regan’s Miu Miu’s kitten heel sneakers from the house’s spring/summer 2021 collection, Elsa Hosk’s kitten collection spanning Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and The Row, and Dua Lipa’s crystal-embellished Gucci pumps, a shoe also proudly owned by Alexa Chung and Dakota Johnson.
The real clincher to our pro-kitten position is that the shoes are the perfect remedy for tall girls wanting to dress up. Let’s face it, tall girls have it tough. Adolescence is already a rocky ride filled with the trials and tribulations of hormones, awkward growth spurts and hunched backs. You may be eternally grateful for those added inches of willowy height in your twenties, but teenagehood isn't kind to the vertically elongated.
Enter kitten heels in all their tiny-statured glory. The shoes add just an inch or two onto your already impressive frame, meaning you hit the happy medium between accentuating your assets while avoiding looming ominously over the crowd. Nobody will even notice your height as all eyes will be on your fabulously adorned feet - after all, life is too short for ugly shoes.
Treat yourself to an unapologetically kitsch pair of kitten heels in time for party season and join us in our adoration for the sassy silhouette.
Long live the kitten heels.
Shop now
Whistles Adella Diamante Slip On Mule
A sprinkle of diamante will elevate your evening look to new heights. Step out in Whistles' glimmering mules and spark disco fever wherever you step.
Buy now £129.00, Whistles
Arket Leather Thong Sandals
Arket’s lime leather sandals are bound to steal the limelight. Featuring a chic square toe and diamante decorated straps, the gem-encrusted green shoes are a sophisticated high street hero.
Buy now £95.00, Arket
Loewe Petal Crystal-embellished Suede Mules
There’s no feeling blue with Loewe’s aqua mules in your wardrobe. The luxury slip-ons are set with twinkling embellishment and crafted from suede, culminating in a silhouette not even Cinderella could leave behind at the party.
Buy now £1000.00, Net-A-Porter
Simmi London Erina Pink metallic Mules
Stick to a budget without sacrificing style. Simmi London’s affordable mules come in a candyfloss pink with a disco-ready metallic sheen. Margot Robbie's Barbie would approve.
Buy now £32.00, Simmi London
M&S Leather Kitten Heel Knee High Boots
Infuse your wardrobe with some Y2K charm with a pair of kitten-heel boots. This high street steal is available in sleek black, buttery brown or space-age silver to elevate and enhance any everyday office look.
Buy now £125.00, M&S
Bottega Veneta Knot Mule
Luxury lovers beware as Bottega Veneta’s lambskin mules are hard to resist. A midnight black design is propped up by a metallic gold knot that captures attention with ease.
Buy now £1210.00, Bottega Veneta
Mango Bow-heeled Denim Shoes
It wouldn’t be a true Y2K look without a splash of denim. Mango’s bow-clad kitten heels are a twee option which exudes Noughties nostalgia.
Buy now £45.99, Mango
Miu Miu Crystal-embellished Patent-leather Slingback Pumps
Embrace space-age style with Miu Miu’s silver slingback pumps. The metallic mules are delicately adorned with strands of sparkling crystals which echo the brand’s spirited glamour. Add to bag.
Buy now £740.00, Matches
Gucci Crystal-embellished Moiré Slingback Pumps
Not to be dramatic, but we’d give our right arm for these Gucci gems. The crystal-embellished kitten heels come in a zesty lime hue and are bedazzled with the house’s sparkling monogram insignia.
Buy now £764.00, Farfetch
Acne Studios Lace-up Leather Mules
Acne Studios has a magical way of taking unexpected silhouettes and making them devilishly cool. These bubblegum-toned mules come complete with a pointed profile and eye-catching lace-up detailing to let your feet do the talking.
Buy now £600.00, MyTheresa
Stradivarius Heeled Strappy Sandals
Hit the dance floor in a pair of silver sandals that ooze party-girl panache. These affordable high-street heels come in a futuristic metallic colourway and adopt a Gen Z-approved thong silhouette.
Buy now £39.99, Stradivarius
Bobbies Cindy Heels
Tap into your inner Parisian with Bobbie’s Cindy heels. A pair to cherish forever, the timeless designs can be paired with any ensemble, from a pair of casual blue jeans to a classic LBD.
Buy now £195.00, Bobbies
Gianvito Rossi Ribbon 55 Devoré-velvet Slingback Pumps
Invest in a brand that comes royally-approved. Gianvito Rossi has adorned the perfectly polished feet of those including the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex. Safe to say these velvet printed slingbacks wouldn’t look amiss in a lavish royal wardrobe.
Buy now £710.00, Net-A-Porter
Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier Embellished Mesh Pumps
It’s not every day you stumble across a pair of heels born from the hottest designer collection of the year. Jimmy Choo and Jean Paul Gaultier banded together to create these exquisite, crystal-clad pumps. The price tag reflects the luxuriousness of the rare heels, which further feature a mesh fabric and rainbow-toned jewels.
Buy now £1425.00, MyTheresa
D’Accori Saturn 55 Crystal-embellished Satin Pumps
D’Accori’s chartreuse princess pumps are ones to savour for the black tie dos. They are beautifully shaped with a pointed toe and finessed with crystals for a subtle sparkle.
Buy now £312.00, Matches
Ganni Satin Butterfly Bow Pumps
Ganni’s satin pumps are the epitome of elegance. Y2K butterfly motifs mesh with timeless black satin textures and a classic point-toe to create a modish heel.
Buy now £177.00, Ganni
Sandro Toe-Post Mules
Sandro’s cool-girl mules are seasonless staples to be worn all year round. Whether suiting up for a cocktail party or pairing with your go-to Levi’s, the mules will be a versatile shoe to keep close by.
Buy now £185.40, Sandro
H&M Pointed Kitten-Heel Boots
Kitten heel boots are back and better than ever. Indulge in these on-trend knee highs boasting a wearable wine red pigment and a patent finish.
Buy now £279.00, H&M
