When you think of kitten heels, you may think of frumpy, no-nonsense types who don’t care about looking stylish; alternately, you may think of young girls who are just starting to wear heels, but aren’t yet ready for higher pairs.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to belong to either of these groups to rock kitten heels in a fashionable way!
My proof? The deluge of kitten heels available for fall from all manner of fashion retailers, from affordable ones like Zara and ASOS, to high-end ones like Prada and Dior (shown above).
What’s more, kitten heels are not only cute; they’re also much more comfortable than those sky-high pumps that you have sitting in your closet: You know, the ones that you vowed never to wear again after that one night you spent barefoot at a party because you just couldn’t stand the pain anymore. (Come on, that can’t just be me!).
Still not convinced? Just keep scrolling to see my kitten heel picks, along with examples of how to style them for a variety of different occasions — I guarantee that you’ll be lusting after a pair by the time you’re done reading this article. (I know I am!)
Table of Contents
Outfit #1
Products: Jeans – ASOS, Blouse – ASOS, Trench Dress – Zara, Ring – Saks Off 5th, Earrings – Mango, Heels – Mango, Lipstick – Sephora, Sunglasses – Topshop, Backpack – ASOS
Classy and chic, this look is the perfect way to wear kitten heels if you’re looking to dress up your typical jeans-and-a-nice-top ensemble.
Begin by pairing a blouse with ruffled sleeves with some cropped kick-flare jeans; I love the drop hem on these! Next, layer on a sleeveless trench dress. Although this may seem like a difficult piece to wear, just wear it as you would wear a normal trench for an unexpected twist on a classic style.
As for accessories, I began with some quirky twisted drop hoop earrings and a fun pearl ring. Add a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and a beige-y pink (faux) leather backpack, then swipe on a soft pink matte lipstick shade for a feminine touch.
And now for the pièce de résistance: The kitten heels! I absolutely adore these black velvet ones from Mango for the way that they incorporate both feminine and edgy sensibilities. They’re the perfect trendy-meets-timeless shoes.
Outfit #2
Products: Dress – Modcloth, Lipstick – Nordstrom, Eyeshadow Palette – Bloomingdale’s, Earrings – Bloomingdale’s, Necklace – Nordstrom Rack, Bangles – Nordstrom Rack, Clutch – Target, Heeled Sandals – Macy’s
This outfit is the perfect example of how to wear kitten heels to a special event while not looking frumpy; not only is the style of these sandals very much in fashion, but their pale gold color is the epitome of sophistication.
Here, I’ve styled them with a pretty navy lace dress, whose neutral color is the perfect backdrop against which to show off the subtle shine of the sandals. In addition, I’ve added a cute pair of heart stud earrings, as well as an antique-y looking necklace and a modern bangle set for contrast.
This beautiful and versatile eyeshadow palette from Laura Mercier is perfect for creating a colorful smokey eye, while a pale pink lipstick shade helps to keep the look from going over the top.
Finish off the ensemble by grabbing an elegant black bow clutch, and you’re all set to go!
Outfit #3
Products: Shirt – Bloomingdale’s, Ankle Boots – Urban Outfitters, Jeans – Bloomingdale’s, Jacket – H&M, Earrings – Neiman Marcus, Bracelet – Club Monaco, Bag – Nordstrom Rack
When you think of the word “edgy,” kitten heels are probably the last thing to come to mind. However, even if your style is a bit rougher around the edges, you can certainly incorporate kitten heels into your look!
Here, I’ve chosen a pair of simple black kitten-heel ankle boots that can be dressed up or down — in this case, I’ve decided to dress them down by pairing them with a grungy plaid shirt and light-wash mom jeans. (Tip: Cuff the jeans just above the ankle to dress down the look even further and to show off the boots.)
Throw on a (faux) leather motorcycle jacket to up the style factor, and accessorize with a beaded wrap bracelet and a cool pair of druzy stud earrings.
Complete the look by adding a beautiful fringed saddle bag for a unique touch that is sure to make you stand out.
Outfit #4
Products: Blouse – Mango, Heels – Miss Selfridge, Skirt – Mango, Earrings – Saks Fifth Avenue, Bracelet – Saks Off 5th, Sunglasses – Topshop, Bag – Mango
This trendy, ladylike ensemble is perfect if you love vintage-inspired pieces.
To get it, put on a blouse and skirt in a matching print; I love these cute pieces from Mango, as they can not only be worn together, but also with other pieces, such as a pair of jeans or a white t-shirt, to create a more casual, pared-down look.
Put on a pair of fashion-forward white slingback kitten heels, and accessorize with a gorgeous black box bag and a chic pair of gray transparent plastic sunglasses.
For the final touches, put on some bold jewelry, such as a pair of elegant (faux) pearl drop earrings and a gold double snake-strand bracelet.
What do you think?
Are you a fan of kitten heels? How would you wear them based on your own personal style? Do you plan on incorporating them into your wardrobe this fall?
Let me know in the comments!