The Best Kitten Heels To Swap Your Flats For This Autumn, According to a Fashion Editor
There’s no denying the ballet flat has completely dominated the shoe world, since, well, 2022 when Miu Miu put its satin iterations on the autumn/winter runway. And even though they’ve been around for a few years now, I’ve still only bought one mesh pair that I wear now and again. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the trend, and I like them on other people, but I’ve always been a heels girl. So much so, I have a vast collection stored under my TV unit (London rental life) and they all have one thing in common: a low heel.
While my university days would see me tottering around in the highest of heels––I even had Lady Gaga-style heelless pairs––I now favour style that are less likely to cause a back injury. Which is why I’m more than happy to embrace the kitten heel. As a mule fan, a lot of my shoes already have this wearable heel height. And I’ve seen so many other fashion people wearing kitten heels with everything from jorts and mini skirts to jeans. The fact is, they go with any outfit, they’re as comfy as they are chic and they elevate (quite literally) an otherwise simple look. Which is why I’m calling it, kitten heels are about to be the shoe of the season for autumn 2024.
Whether it’s tall boots with a kitten heel, a sandal to wear to a wedding or a slingback for the office, I’ve found 24 high street, mid-price and designer kitten heels to add to your collection from the likes of & Other Stories, Dear Frances and Manolo Blahnik.
How To Wear Kitten Heels in 2024:
Sylvie ticks off three trends in one with kitten heel slingbacks, Bermuda shorts and a suede bag.
Hello, dream transitional look. Love how Adenorah has layered a polo shirt over a classic white T-shirt and elevated a mini skirt with heeled mules.
Put chunky flat boots aside this autumn in favour of sleek, kitten heel iterations. Make like Lydia and add a suede jacket and jeans for the ultimate autumn-ready ensemble.
Abi pairs her kitten heel mules with a lace skirt and classic white tee for a simple and elegant dinner look that still feels really chic.
Shop the Best Kitten Heels:
The Best High-Street Kitten Heels:
ZARA
Animal Print Leather Kitten Heel Sandals
I just bought these to wear with baggy jeans.
Mesh heels––as well as ballet flats––are an autumn hero accessory.
Arket
Slingback Leather Pumps
I would wear these with a matching burgundy bag.
& Other Stories
Chain Embellished Pumps
The ankle chain detail sold it for me.
ASOS DESIGN
Cleo Premium Leather Kitten Heel Knee Boots
These look so much more expensive than they are.
Massimo Dutti
Heeled Shoes With Rounded Toe
Anthropologie
Leather Knee-High Boots
Everyone will ask where you got these from.
H&M
Slingback Court Shoes
The comeback print everyone is talking about.
The Best Mid-Price Kitten Heels:
STAUD
Wally Suede Ankle Boots
To go with everything else chocolatey brown this season.
Reformation
Wilda Kitten Mule
Ticking off all the trends in one dream shoe.
AEYDE
Milla Leather Mules
A wedding guest favourite.
ST. AGNI
Pina Leather Slingback Sandals
St. Agni is one of my favourite minimalist brands.
STAUD
Wally Suede Knee Boots
My advice? Invest in a really good suede spray.
GANNI
Black Feminine Buckle Heeled Mule Sandales
I predict they’ll be just as popular as the ballet flat version.
These feel very Parisian.
Dear Frances
Flis Sandal Black
I have so many pairs of heeled thong sandals, but I need these.
The Best Designer Kitten Heels:
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules
Tan suede is key so don’t hesitate to add these to your love-forever shoe collection.
To wear with every outfit, forever and ever.
TOTEME
The Sharp Cutout Glossed-Leather Slingback Pumps
The colour, the heel, the pointed toe––perfection.
TOTEME
+ Net Sustain Croc-Effect Leather Knee Boots
I’ve thought about these for a while, so maybe it’s a sign to finally get them.
JIL SANDER
Metallic Leather Slingback Pumps
I would wear these with jorts and a shirt for work.
Jacquemus
Les Slingbacks Cubisto Basses Slingback Pumps
I think I’m actually in love.
Gucci
Women’s Slingback Pump
Jimmy Choo
Roccia Snake Print Pumps
These are so inclusive in sizes 1-12.