The Types of Heels Every Women Needs for 2022

(Image credit: Allie Holloway)

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Kitten Heels
Platform Heels
Pumps

Just a year ago, many of us were ready to banish high heels from our lives completely. But as we warm up to fashion again, we're ready ready to trade our slippers for something sky-high. Whether you prefer a demure kitten heel or want to add height with a stacked platform style, follow our guide to the types of heels to get re-acquainted with. With so many options on the market there's really something for everyone. Whether you're headed to a wedding or out for dinner with the gals, details like feminine bows and florals will boost your look and your attitude. For those of us back to the office, smaller heel heights adorned with hardware and smart fabrics, like linen and leather, and totally boardroom-approved. Make room in your shoe wardrobe.

Kitten Heels

Defined by its shorter stiletto-style heel—usually around one inch high—kitten heels are not just for heel trainees. The slightly retro, undeniably chic heel height is optimal for high-heel pros, and they're suited for both work and play.

Katerina Evangelinou wears Elizabetta Franchi shoes

Alexandra Lapp is seen wearing white Bottega Veneta shoes

Shop Our Favorite Kitten Heels

NEOUS Mago kitten-heel mules

Manolo Blahnik Maysale Floral Print Mules

Michael Michael Kors Women's Kadence Cap-Toe Kitten-Heel Pumps

Gucci Crystal-Embellished Slingback Sandals

Platform Heels

While platforms were once used to add height to Greek thespians performing onstage in 220 B.C.—a higher heel height equaled higher seniority—today's stacked heel options can be worn with far less drama.

Guest arrives in red platforms during Milan Fashion Week

Geraldine Boublil is seen wearing platform sandals outside Miu Miu

Shop Our Favorite Platform Heels

See By Chloe Crisscross Platform Sandals

Jeffrey Campbell Braided Platform Sandal

Saint Laurent Bianca Knot Platform

Steve Madden Sunnyside Block Heel

Pumps

Known for their closed-toe makeup and a one-inch-or-higher heel, pumps are a classic choice with modern-day iterations that come in punchy colors and lively prints.

Photo of zebra heel pump boot on the street

Photographer and Model Candice Lake wears Balenciaga pumps

Shop Our Favorite Pumps

Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Embellished Satin Slingback Pumps

Sam Edelman Hazel Pump

Tony Bianco Elsie Heel

Balenciaga 80mm Pumps

The Types of Shoes We're Coveting

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Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.