All About Slingback Heels: How to Choose and Style
The slingback heel is a popular shoe style that has stood the test of time. Featuring a feminine, polished and tasteful design, it is loved for its effortless elegance and wearability. Matching well with an array of heel types, these stylish shoes promise a flattering stature boost, as well as a secure fit and a comfortable stride. Thanks to their high capacity for reinvention, they continue to be relevant season after season. Whatever the occasion, it is likely that there would be a pair of slingback heels that would suit your personal style and sartorial needs perfectly. In this guide, we will show you how to choose the right pair and style it well.
Defining The Slingback Heels
Instantly recognisable by the straps that wrap around the backs and sides of the feet, slingback heels have evolved to become a timeless style staple that deserves a spot in every woman’s wardrobe.
Loved for their effortless elegance and wearability, the tasteful open-back heeled design offers breathability and a secure fit, promising a comfortable stride and a flattering stature boost. These well-loved shoes also retain a subtly sensual and less-formal appeal, which makes them suitable for both dressy and casual settings.
Typically designed with a closed-toe upper, slingback heels continue to be relevant season after season, thanks to their capacity for reinvention. From open-toe strappy styles that are appropriate for warm weather and vacations to glamorous gem-embellished versions, there is always a pair of slingback heels that will suit your personal style and sartorial needs. This versatile shoe style can also be paired with a variety of heel types — kitten, stilettos, block heels, sculptural — so there is truly a slingback heel for every occasion.
How to Style Slingback Heels
The versatile shoe style can adapt to many different silhouettes and aesthetics, which means it will pair well with pieces that you already have in your wardrobe.
With jeans
While jeans are usually thought of as a casual, off-duty garment, slingback heels can instantly dress them up. Since slingback straps leave the backs of your ankles exposed, they will help balance out straight-leg jeans and similar loose-fitting cuts. Opting for a pair with pointed toes and slender heels will streamline the silhouette further — they will elongate your legs by introducing clean lines. Depending on the wash of your jeans, the colour of your slingback heels also matters — white would strike a pleasing contrast against dark-wash jeans, while lighter washes would look better with deeper hued shoes. If a denim-on-denim moment is what you are after, then a metallic finish can help break up the outfit with shine.
With pants or trousers
Pairing the classic bottom with slingback heels will yield a failsafe, polished look. When it comes to styling wide-leg trousers specifically, pointed toes are the most flattering option — they will sharpen the loose, voluminous silhouette. Most heel types, from kitten heels to stilettos, will work, and your choice will depend on the occasion and desired level of comfort. To experiment with the look, you can opt for textured finishes. Shiny metallics, for example, can either glamorise an outfit or complement edgier pieces like cargo pants. Another way to enhance your look is by paying attention to the details — slingback heels with accent details will peek out from under your trousers as a distinctive touch.
You can find more tips on styling wide-leg pants here.
With skirts/dresses
The feminine appeal of slingback heels is accentuated when they are worn with dresses and skirts. The clean-lined shoe style grounds flowy garments while also adding to their allure — the peek-a-boo effect of the open backs is subtly sensual. Since skirts and dresses are airy in nature, open-toe styles are another complementary option that will frame the feet in a flattering way. Dainty, strappy designs are perfect for date nights — higher heels will work great for fancy dinners, while kitten heels are perfect for more casual settings. You may also want to take the skirt length into consideration — pairing higher heels with shorter hemlines will help elongate your legs, for instance.
With shorts
Shorts may be your go-to choice for a casual weekend, but they can also be dressed up with slingback heels. Buckled straps add polish, and will match well with laidback takes on classic tailoring — think structured shorts and a button-up with the sleeves rolled up. Choosing a pointed-toe silhouette will help highlight your legs even further, especially when it is elevated on heels of a modest height.
With socks
Prim and proper as they are, slingback heels are often associated with the preppy aesthetic. Wearing them with socks is one way to evoke this association, and there are multiple ways to work the combination into different types of ensembles. Lacy, frilly socks will yield a coquette-esque look that softens sharp slingbacks, while coloured socks introduce a bold, distinctive element to the feminine, dainty style. A pair of crisp white socks will highlight the clean-lined appeal of slingbacks — the key is to experiment intentionally, but a good starting point is mid-calf length socks that have a slight slouch to them.
Slingback Heels for Different Occasions
Versatile as they are, slingback heels will work for a variety of occasions and settings — from 9-to-5 attire to special events. It all boils down to picking the right silhouette, and paying attention to the features that will best enhance your outfits.
Casual
When it comes to finding slingback heels for casual wear, it is crucial to choose a pair that will still be comfortable. Kitten heels are the perfect height for this, as they offer a subtle height boost without causing discomfort. You can also experiment with different designs and details — they will add character to your ensemble. A fuss-free way of styling them is with slouchy trousers — a pointed-toe pair will still peek out as an eye-catching element of your look.
Professional / Workwear / Formal Events
The elevated, minimal profile of slingback heels is a popular choice for workwear and formal events. Their open backs imbue the shoe with a sophisticated allure that sets them apart from traditional pumps. Pointed-toe slingbacks in neutral hues are the safest options for a professional setting — they will put a subtle finishing touch on your outfits that also gives them a tailored look.
Evening / Party / Wedding
Classy as they are, slingback heels are the perfect choice for evening engagements and dressier occasions. Details make all the difference — tasteful adornments will spruce up your outfits and give them a standout factor. For a night out, tapered profiles are the instinctive choice as they will elongate your frame in a flattering way. Subtle detailing along the back can further elevate the overall look. If open-toe styles are your preference, eye-catching adornments like bows will dress them up for parties and weddings.
How To Choose The Right Slingback Heel
When choosing a pair of slingback heels, there are a few things to keep in mind. The best way to ensure they fit properly is to try them on. If the slingback straps slip off your heels with the slightest movement, the shoes are not a good fit. However, the straps should not be too tight either — if they squeeze the back of your heels or pinch your skin, they are also a poor choice.
It is important to pay attention to the vamps of your slingback heels as well. High vamps provide more coverage, grip, and a better fit, while lower vamps offer less support, which can lead to discomfort.
TIP
Opt for slingback heels with elastic straps that stay in place, or buckled straps that are adjustable, allowing you to customise the fit to be snug.
How To Keep The Straps Of Your Slingback Heels From Slipping
The most common issue with slingback heels is that their straps tend to slip off easily when the fit is poor. Therefore, it is important to try them on and ensure they fit well before making a purchase.
Even then, slingback straps can loosen over time with wear. A quick and easy solution is to place ball-of-foot cushions in your shoes, which help keep your feet in place, pushing them back into the straps and minimising slippage. Alternatively, you can use adhesive straps on the inside of the heel straps for extra grip, which can make a big difference.
For a more permanent fix, you can take them to a cobbler to have the straps shortened for a snugger fit.
Exuding a refined femininity and elegance, the slingback heel is a must-have shoe style for modern women. Matching well with most outfits, from the casual to the formal, these versatile shoes can be worn for a wide range of occasions — you just have to find the right pair for your purpose. Hopefully, this guide has made it easier for you to choose your next pair of slingback heels and has inspired you to be more experimental when styling them. If you are interested in adding to your collection of slingback heels, we invite you to explore our curated selection of this well-loved design. We are sure that you will be able to find a pair that is destined to be a new favourite.