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    1. Fashion
    Advertisement Feature

    The Types of Heels That Rise to Any Occasion

    The styles you'll never grow tired of.

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Photo of different types of heels
    (Image credit: Allie Holloway)
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    • Kitten Heels
    • Platform Heels
    • Pumps
    Sara Holzman's avatar
    By Sara Holzman
    In Features

    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

    (Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair)

    Alexandra Lapp is seen wearing white Bottega Veneta shoes

    (Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair)

    Shop Our Favorite Kitten Heels

    The Types of Heels to Always Wear

    NEOUS Mago kitten-heel mules
    $565 AT FARFETCH.COM

    shoe trends

    Manolo Blahnik Maysale Floral Print Mules
    $775 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    shoe trends

    Michael Michael Kors Women's Kadence Cap-Toe Kitten-Heel Pumps
    $125 AT MACYS.COM

    shoe trends

    Gucci Crystal-Embellished Slingback Sandals
    $1,120 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    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

    (Image credit: NurPhoto/Getty Images)

    Geraldine Boublil is seen wearing platform sandals outside Miu Miu

    (Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

    Shop Our Favorite Platform Heels

    Photo of platform heel

    See By Chloe Crisscross Platform Sandals
    $435.00 AT BERGDORFGOODMAN.COM

    Photo of platform heel

    Jeffrey Campbell Braided Platform Sandal
    $97.46 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    Photo of platform heel

    Saint Laurent Bianca Knot Platform
    $995.00 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    Photo of platform heel

    Steve Madden Sunnyside Block Heel
    $69.95 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    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

    (Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

    Photographer and Model Candice Lake wears Balenciaga pumps

    (Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

    Shop Our Favorite Pumps

    Our Favorite Pumps to Wear Right Now

    Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Embellished Satin Slingback Pumps
    $1,045 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    Our Favorite Pumps to Wear Right Now

    Sam Edelman Hazel Pump
    $140 AT REVOLVE.COM

    Our Favorite Pumps to Wear Right Now

    Tony Bianco Elsie Heel
    $180 AT REVOLVE.COM

    Photo of a pump heel

    Balenciaga 80mm Pumps
    $850.00 AT FARFETCH.COM

    RELATED STORY

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    The Types of Shoes We're Coveting

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    Sara Holzman
    Sara Holzman
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    Style Director

    Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.

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