It's true that trends have a life cycle (though longer than most people think); they creep up slowly over seasons, have their moment and then fade into the background. If a trend is lucky, its moment can last for years; it can even become a new classic. We're predicting that, like the ballet flat, the low heel has the ability to be a trend for some time to come — and that its moment is here. High heels will always be sexy and always in style, but quite frankly, we're tired of wearing them. So let's enjoy some of our favorite shoes collected from recent runways and start planning our next beloved, well-heeled purchase.
The Rise of the Low Heel: Fave Shoes in This Up-and-Coming Style
The Almost Wedge
This shoe packs a one-two punch: clear plexiglass/plastic accessories are another trend on the rise. Here, Stella McCartney incorporates a teeny tiny heel at the bottom of a wedge sole for a new take on an old standby. And the nude color is going to go with everything, literally everything.
Image: IMAXtree
Metallic Touch
We guess it's a "new millennium" step into the future thing, but metallic touches on clothing and accessories are still going strong. Try it in this low spike heel pump from Peter Som . It might add some pep to your step the next time you get called into the boss' office.
Image: IMAXtree
The Floral
Feminine, flirty, wearable, what's not to love about this pair of heels? We wouldn't be surprised if we saw Kate Middleton sporting this exact pair sometime in the near future. We can see them on Mrs. Obama too. If you've got a conservative event or just want to amp up your look to ladylike status, look for a pair of heels like this.
Peter Som Image: IMAXtree
Sling Back
This pair of heels, replete with a kitten heel and bright print, make us think of St. Tropez, the Côte d'Azur and a number of other fantasy locations we'd like to comfortably stroll through. A fit-and-flare dress or skirt paired with a crisp white button up would suit these just fine. Maybe a pair of ankle skinnies and a long cardi...really the possibilities are endless.
Dolce & Gabbana Image: IMAXtree
Brocade Mary
This silhouette, the chunky-heeled Mary Jane, has been showing up since 2010. If there's going to be a low-heel revolution, it's going to likely come in this shape. From Zara and J.Crew to H&M, we plan on seeing this with and without the strap. Look for studded heel details, glitter versions and patent leather varieties. This brocade take from Dolce & Gabbana is sweet and sophisticated at the same time.
Image: IMAXtree
To the Point
This oxblood color is gorgeous. The pointed-toe flat (or in this case 1/4-inch heel) is making an appearance in virtually all price points and we can't help but love the runway pairing with the long flowing bottom. So chic! We highly recommend.
Marc Jacobs Image: IMAXtree