Where you wear the shoe decides which of these heels is yours: a loafer heel suits a long workday, a sandal heel or dress sandal suits an evening out, and a boot heel takes over once the weather cools.
The list runs from a low-heel dress sandal you can walk and stand in to ornate high-heel sandals where the detail is the whole statement.
1. The Sandal Heel
Ankle straps do the real work in a sandal heel, holding the foot steady so thin straps stay put through a long evening.
Burgundy suede on a platform reads richer than the usual black or nude, and white trousers give it a clean backdrop.
Book a pedicure first, since bare toes are part of the look.
2. The Slingback Heel
Slingbacks leave the heel exposed and hold it with a thin strap, which makes them lighter than a closed pump. Patent leather in burgundy, with small bows, dresses up easily and still pairs with a plain wardrobe.
I would wear them with straight-leg jeans or a midi skirt, where the strap and bow can be seen. Patent shows scuffs, so wipe it down after each wear.
3. The Mule Heel
Slide into a mule and you’re done: no straps, no buckles, no fuss. A leopard print version works as a neutral, so it pairs with plain denim, a black dress or a camel coat without much thought.
Because the back is open, the shoe can slip as you walk. Try a pair on and take a few full steps before you commit.
4. The Pointed-Toe Heel
Pointed toes lengthen the line of the foot and the leg, and a beige pair does it further by blending with skin tone. Against black trousers, the shoe looks like an extension of the leg.
This is the pair I would buy first if I owned just one heel. Choose a shade close to your own skin for the longest line, and let the trouser hem fall just over the top of the shoe.
5. The Boot Heel
Brown suede boots with a stiletto heel give height and cover the leg, which suits cooler days when sandals are out. A knee-high shaft in brown is softer than black and works with most neutrals.
Wear them under a skirt or over slim jeans or leggings so the line stays clean. Suede marks easily, so a protective spray before the first wear is worth the effort.
6. The Wedge Heel
A wedge spreads weight across the whole sole instead of a single point, so it feels steadier than a stiletto. The cork heel on striped sandals is casual and good for summer days.
I would pick one pattern and keep the other pieces solid, which makes the shoe easier to wear with what you already own.
7. The Loafer Heel
Loafer heels borrow the penny-style upper of a classic loafer and set it on a block heel, so the shoe reads as office-ready without the strain of a stiletto.
Burgundy is a smarter pick than black for a loafer heel: it still reads as a neutral, and it warms up tan trousers and a cream sweater without the harshness of black leather.
A block heel gives a wider base, which makes sense for a long workday. Keep the trousers cropped or hemmed to just skim the shoe so the loafer front stays visible.
This is the pair I would choose for business casual.
Fashionable Women’s High Heels
Pumps and dress sandals cover most of what a week asks of a shoe, so pick by occasion first and style second.
A pump suits the office, and a strappy dress sandal suits an evening out, which means 2 pairs can handle both.
Red heels and pointed-toe styles are the mainstays worth buying for years. Peep-toe booties and bright colors are more of the moment, so I would limit those to one pair and keep everything else in the outfit simple.
With a lower price, check the fit and the sole before you buy.
Wide-leg jeans and a tank top look finished with a sharp pointed-toe pump. Sky-high platforms look best when the rest of the outfit stays quiet.
Whether you’re reaching for a sky-high platform à la D’Accori’s trendy towering sandals or going the pared-back route in Gucci’s timeless slingback kittens, high heels have the ability to elevate any outfit.
— Vogue
Dress Sandals for Women
Heel height should match the day. A low-heel dress sandal is the practical choice for casual work days, since you can walk, stand and still look put together.
Ornate high-heel sandals do the opposite job. The detail on the shoe is the statement, so keep the dress or trousers plain and let the sandal carry the look.
Sandals are a warm-weather shoe, and they suit summer events well. If you can only buy one, I would start with the low heel, because it gets worn far more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What high heels are in fashion right now?
Slingbacks, mules and pointed-toe heels are the styles I would point to. Slingbacks are lighter than a closed pump because the heel is left open and held by a thin strap.
A mule leaves the heel of your foot free, with no strap anywhere, and a pointed toe adds length from the ankle up through the leg.
Can a 60 year old woman wear high heels?
Nothing in how heels work sets an age limit; comfort and stability matter more.
Wedges put your weight on the full length of the sole, so they feel more stable than stilettos, and a block heel gives you a wider base to stand on all day.
