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Kitten heels have a reputation for being fussy and old-fashioned. They used to be the shoes you begrudgingly wore to a job interview at a conservative office or dinner with a traditional older relative. But in the past year, the tiny-heel silhouette has suddenly started to feel stylish again.
Paired with midi skirts, kitten heels make for a professional, pulled-together outfit that you can wear from morning to night. They look even better with roughed-up jeans — styling is all about contrasts, after all. Scroll ahead to see our favorites, whether you want to spend $60 for a Manolo look-alike or $600 on the real thing.
The Manolo-BB Dupe
The heel isn’t quite as refined and the cut at the toe covers more skin, but otherwise, this is a great, inexpensive version of Manolo Blahnik’s BB pump.
The Shoe That’s Sweet But Not Stuffy
If You’re Curious About Leopard
Take a page from this street-style star’s playbook and try a low-key accessory like these heels.
If You Don’t Like Flashy Shoes
Anna Wintour and Kate Middleton both love wearing unassuming beige kitten heels.Original Price: $198
If You Love Flashy Shoes
A Stylish Pair That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune
When you don’t want fast fashion but you can’t stomach the $600 for Manolos, these Diane von Furstenberg slingbacks are a good midpoint.
Because You Love Rachel Comey
The Expensive Favorite
This shoe has sold out consistently for six years in a row, which means there’s a legion of Manolo Blahnik fans who can attest to its power.
The Street-Style Pair
In the photo at the top of this story, Annina Mislin’s minimal yellow sweater-and-skirt combo get a little extra nudge from these Prada heels.
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