For good reason, heels are a mainstay in the fashion industry. Slipping into a pair of heels makes you stand taller due to the way the shoes are formed; they are well known for their leg-lengthening effect, regardless of the actual elevation.
Consequently, you may feel stronger and more confident as a result of your improved posture. From their rich history and contemporary cultural significance to helpful styling advice for a variety of events, our all-inclusive guide has all you need to know about women’s heels.
The latest trends in high-heeled fashion are increasingly inclusive and diverse. From massive stilettos to clunky block heels, there are high-heel shoes for any occasion these days. No longer only for formal and exceptional occasions, heels are becoming a mainstay of daily wardrobes. Currently, a trendy trend is the futuristic-looking utilization of surprising materials like clear plastic or see-through lucite heels.
Fashion Trends for High Heels Throughout History
It is generally accepted that the history of high heels began in Persia in the tenth century. They were made to keep men’s feet safely in the stirrups as they rode horses. Since only the wealthy could afford horses and were spared from hard work, heels have always been associated with prestige.
Persian horsemen began to wear one-inch heels when mounting and dismounting around the 17th century. They introduced heels to Europe around the end of the 17th century, and European elites took to them.
Many people believed that wearing heels demonstrated one’s military strength and was a sign of virility. Only the nobles were permitted to wear heels, according to a 1670 French monarchy ordered by King Louis XIV. The more respectable the wearer, the redder and higher the heels, according to his liking for red shoes. Since heels were perceived as more feminine throughout the 18th century, men stopped wearing them.
They saw a brief decline in favor before returning as a mainstay of women’s fashion in the 19th century. Because of the innovative patterns and styles that designers have produced, high-heeled fashion trends have changed in recent years. The 1950s saw the invention of the stiletto heel, which has come to symbolize sex appeal and femininity.
Go-go boots, which had high heels and were often worn with miniskirts, were popular among women in the 1960s. In the 1970s, thicker soles were frequently worn with chunky heels, which remained in style. Stage heels became an emblem for that decade.
Slender stiletto heels with sleek, stylish pointed toes made a comeback in the 1980s, a decade known for power dressing. In the 1990s, clunky platform shoes made a comeback, and high-heeled trainers became a fashion statement.
Different Types of Heels
1. Stilettos
The traditional high heel elongates your legs and gives you height. The height of stilettos can vary from one to ten inches, and they usually have a thin, sharp heel. This iconic heel can liven up a double-denim ensemble or be the ideal match for cocktail wear or leggings.
2. Block
Square- or cylindrical-shaped heels with a hefty appearance are called block heels. Because of the way the heel is shaped, they are among the most comfortable kinds of heels you can wear. Slim trousers, flowy skirts and a variety of dress styles look fantastic with block heels.
3. Kitten
Cute kitten heels are a terrific choice if you’re searching for low-key heels to go with your slip dress or selvedge jeans. Short stiletto heels, such as kitten heels, go nicely with office wear, denim jeans and a variety of other pieces in your capsule wardrobe.
4. Slingback
Slingbacks help keep your foot inside the shoe by having a small strap that encircles the heel. Slingback heels give off a naked arch, giving off an extended, uncomplicated appearance. An essential item of business wear are closed-toe slingbacks. In this comprehensive guide, discover the four distinct office dress rules.
5. Ankle strap
Ankle strap heels have a strap that encircles the ankle and is secured with a buckle, clasp, or tie. They are moderate-to-high-heeled shoes. Even though they are a very adaptable shoe, ankle strap heels work best on taller wearers because they tend to shorten the legs.
6. Mules
These slip-on shoes come in a variety of heights and textures, such as suede or canvas. Backless styles of heels usually go well with midi skirts, summer dresses and day-to-night ensembles.
7. Peep toe
A peep-toe heel is a style that allows you to show off your toes while still looking exquisite. It is ideal if you want to give your feet some breathing room. Peep toes suit nicely with anything, from elegant gowns to slim jeans, and are quite adaptable.
8. French
A French heel has a narrow profile at the top and widens towards the base. Often referred to as a Louis heel, this style of heel looks great with formal wear.
9. Cuban
A Cuban heel is a low heel featuring a straight front and a curved back. Brogues, Oxford shoes, cowboy boots and loafers are frequently found with this heel. These heels go well with jeans, sheath skirts and casual maxi skirts.
10. Spool
The top and bottom of spool heels are broad, while the middle tapers in to form an hourglass shape. Boot-cut jeans and pencil skirts look great with these heels.
11. Platform
Rather than only elevating the heel, platform heels raise the entire shoe. For certain users, walking in a heel that feels shorter is simpler when the platform is larger. This heel works well with dresses that flow, jeans and cocktail wear.
12. Corset
Available in several styles, corset heels are a distinctive shoe. Most corset heels have a lace up front that corsets (like a corset for your feet) and encloses the foot on either side.
13. Cone
A cone heel resembles an ice cream cone; the wider portion of the heel is attached to the shoe’s body and tapers to a point where it becomes narrower at the tip. Wear maxi skirts and A-line silhouette dresses with cone heels.
Management and Upkeep Tips for Heels
Especially heels, they are long-lasting when properly cared for. It’s not as hard as one may believe to clean and condition leather shoes, despite popular assumptions. A quality care kit that includes brushes, conditioner, polish and a polishing rag should be all you need.
- Brush your shoes to get rid of any loose dust, debris or grime.
- If needed, give your shoes a quick wipe down with anything a little damp.
- It is recommended to allow your shoes to air dry for at least 20 minutes, or better yet, overnight.
- As directed by the manufacturer, apply your favorite conditioner. Make sure to use little amounts; if in doubt, use less.
- After an overnight rest, brush the shoes once again.
- You just need to condition your shoes once every three to five months to maintain them in perfect condition since, as they say, less is more!
How to Protect Heels from Damage
Plastic is typically used for the backing covering the tip of heels. The heel’s metal point becomes visible since it tends to scrape against hard surfaces like concrete. To make your favorite pairs last longer, replace the plastic tip with a more robust rubber one from a cobbler or just buy heel savers, which are essentially protective caps.
It will also benefit you to wear and store your heels with a bit more prudence. If necessary, use a shoehorn to put on your heels and take your time taking them off. If at all possible, try to walk more softly and slowly while keeping an eye on your surroundings to avoid needless wear and tear.
How to Store and Organize your Heel Collection
Using hardwood shoe trees instead of plastic or metal ones for leather shoes helps preserve the shoes in shape and avoid wrinkles while also wicking away moisture and odors.
The best place to keep your heels is somewhere cold, dry, and controlled in temperature. If the area is not exposed to direct sunlight, open shelves or wire shoe racks are ideal. This is due to the fact that leather may eventually fade from heat and sunshine exposure, and excessive wetness may encourage the formation of mold or fungus.
Final Words
For decades, heels have been a key component of fashion and remain so even in modern times. Although they add style and height, it’s crucial to make sure the wearer is comfortable and safe. Wearing heels can be enjoyable without sacrificing your health if you select the appropriate heel height and fit, take breaks when necessary, and maintain proper posture. Browse our most recent collections to find the ideal pair. Because you can buy our gorgeous selection online and from the comfort of your home, buying for them has never been simpler.
