Everything About Kitten Heels: A Guide on Choosing & Styling Them
From its origins as royal footwear to its brief but brilliant resurgence during the 1990s, the kitten heel is an undeniable fashion icon that will always be relevant for its ease-of-wear, versatility and feminine charm. As this distinctive shoe style steps once again into the spotlight, it has been refreshed with new silhouettes and details. Well-suited for the lifestyles of 21st century women, they make for fabulous everyday shoes. Whatever the occasion, kitten heels are likely to be a good choice — in this guide, we will show you how to choose the right pair and style it well.
What are kitten heels?
Measuring just 1 to 2 inches (5 to 6 cm), kitten heels are low-heeled shoes typically characterised by a thin and straight — or slightly curved — heel shape. However, more recently, they have been refreshed and can now be found in new shapes and styles. Categorised between heels and flats, kitten heels offer a modest lift without compromising comfort. This makes them a fabulous everyday option for women who are always on the go.
(Read related: Types of Heels)
This popular shoe style has become a fashion favourite as it promises all-day comfort and effortless style. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about this modern style icon.
History & Evolution of Kitten Heels
The origins of kitten heels can be traced back to Louis XIV, the former King of France, who wore shoes with small red heels to appear taller and more authoritative. This distinctive style was so closely associated with royalty that it became forbidden for anyone outside the court to wear them.
The style evolved over time, experiencing an unprecedented wave of popularity in the 1950s. Young girls — who weren’t quite ready to wear tall stiletto heels but wanted to get accustomed to them — started wearing low training heels. As these young girls were often called “kittens” in American slang during that time, the term “kitten heels” was coined to describe the shoes associated with them.
Kitten heels hit their peak in the 1960s, partly due to Audrey Hepburn, who famously wore them in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This era, with the rise of the Beatnik and Mod subcultures, embraced the comfortable yet chic style of kitten heels, rejecting the more restrictive stilettos.
Although their prominence faded in subsequent decades, kitten heels remained a beloved wardrobe staple for their elegance and practicality. They saw a brief resurgence in the 1990s, and with today’s fashion leaning into nostalgia, kitten heels are once again poised for a comeback.
Why choose kitten heels?
The multi-layered appeal of kitten heels is unmatched. First and foremost, they offer undeniable style. Kitten heels often feature pointed toes that exude sleek elegance, adding a chic, feminine touch to any outfit.
Moreover, unlike stilettos, this style boost doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. Typically no higher than 5 cm, kitten heels provide just the right amount of lift to accentuate your legs. Thanks to their low height, there’s minimal pressure on the balls of your feet, making them perfect for all-day, everyday wear.
Lastly, the timeless sophistication of kitten heels ensures they are suitable for a wide range of occasions, from formal events to intimate dinners. There is a variety of designs available to suit every mood and style. The next section offers a guide to the different types of kitten heels, along with expert tips on how to style them.
Popular types of kitten heels
There is a whole array of kitten heels to choose from, and these are the styles that are finding their way into everybody’s wardrobes.
Popular Colours
Neutrals: Black, White, Beige/Nude
The most approachable introduction to kitten heels is through the classics — black, white and beige are suitable finishes for almost any occasion. Neutral hues complement the understated character of kitten heels, making them the perfect choice for every day.
Silver
Their wearability might make them appear sensible, but kitten heels can also be glamorous. Mirror-like silver accentuates the sleekness of the low-heeled profile and elevates it for nights out and parties. Silver also goes surprisingly well with neutrals, which makes silver kitten heels a versatile yet striking statement accessory you can pair with your wardrobe staples.
Red
Where experimenting with colours might feel intimidating, red emerges as a sophisticated option that highlights the sultry appeal of kitten heels. Ranging from bright cherry red to deep burgundy, adding a pair of red kitten heels to your outfits is one way to make them instantly alluring.
Popular Designs
Slingback kitten heels
Defined by thin straps that extend from the sides and go around the backs of the ankles, slingback kitten heels are a popular silhouette. Their open-back design enhances the leg-lengthening effect of kitten heels and also makes them more breathable at the same time. In terms of appearance, buckled straps give kitten heels a polished look that will work well for formal functions and elevated occasions.
Kitten-heel mules
For maximum slip-on ease, the backless design of mules pairs especially well with the comfortable heel height of kitten heels. The covered fronts of kitten-heel mules help them look presentable enough while still being a breeze to put on and take off.
Strappy kitten heels
Combining the comfort of low heels with open toes, strappy kitten heels can be dressed up or down. Strappy designs introduce feminine flair to dainty kitten heels, imbuing them with a flirty character that will go perfectly with dresses and skirts.
Pointed kitten heels
To balance out the modest height boost that kitten heels provide, pointed toes help streamline the kitten-heel silhouette. This prim style sits in between traditional pumps and flats, making them extremely versatile.
How to wear kitten heels for different occasions
Office / Workwear
Heels are a must-have in any workwear wardrobe. If you are looking to switch things up in your work-shoe rotation or simply not the most confident when walking in stilettos, then kitten heels are a sensible and stylish option.
Whatever the office dress code (formal or casual) and whatever the nature of your job (desk-bound or on-the-go), there’s always a place for a pair of kitten heels. For a tried-and-true combination, style classic black pointed-toe kitten heels with high-waisted straight-leg pants and a tailored blazer. For a less formal look, simply dress down with a pair of jeans or denim skirt and opt for a fun pair in bold red or striking animal print design.
Casual
A pair of high heels may not always be the first choice when it comes to dressing for a casual day out, but kitten heels would certainly work well for relaxed settings. Effortlessly chic and comfortable, they tick all the boxes, making them a great go-to option for off-duty days.
Pair a pair of slouchy jeans and a classic white top with either pointed-toe or open-toe kitten heels — complete this cool dressed-down outfit with your favourite sunglasses. If you are going for a preppy look, wear your kitten heels with a pair of socks.
Wedding & Wedding Guests
Whether you are the bride who wants to walk down the aisle in comfort and confidence, a busy bridesmaid running errands on the big day, or just a guest who wishes to look stylish and put-together, our selection of low-heeled kitten pumps will rise to the occasion. From intricate embellished designs to minimalist silhouettes, there is a shoe for every bridal aesthetic.
TIP
It is important to consider the length of your outfit, particularly for full-length dresses and gowns. You would want to choose kitten heels that are high enough to prevent the hem of your dress from touching the ground.
Prom & Party
When it comes to proms and parties, kitten heels are a great choice. Get ready to turn heads and dazzle the crowd with crystal-embellished and glittered pairs. You may also want to consider kitten-heel mules — they will complete your ensembles with poise and polish while offering ease of wear. For a dressy yet understated option, velvet kitten heels would add a soft, luxurious touch.
Graduation
While pumps and pointed-toe stilettos are undoubtedly the favoured footwear choice for a graduation ceremony, kitten heels are an unconventional pick that will set you apart from the crowd on this special occasion. You can be assured of steady strides as you walk across the stage — the prim and feminine silhouette of the kitten heel is also very suitable for this formal event.
Blending style and function, the kitten heel really can do it all — if you find the right pair for your purpose. We hope that this guide would be useful when you are choosing your next pair of kitten heels and that it has inspired you to style kitten heels more creatively and for a wider range of occasions. If you are looking to introduce kitten heels into your shoe collection, we invite you to explore our stylish selection of this popular feminine shoe style. There will definitely be a pair that will suit your unique style personality and preferences in our curated collection.