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 for Marie Claire, where she's worked alongside the publication for eight years in various roles, ensuring the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation about fashion's ever-evolving landscape. With a degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is responsible for overseeing a diverse fashion content mix, from emerging and legacy designer profiles to reported features on the influence of social media on style and seasonal and micro trends across the world's fashion epicenters in New York, Milan, and Paris. Before joining Marie Claire, Sara held fashion roles at Conde Nast's Lucky Magazine and Self Magazine and was a style and travel contributor to Equinox's Furthermore website. Over her decade of experience in the fashion industry, Sara has helped guide each brand's style point of view, working alongside veteran photographers and stylists to bring editorial and celebrity photo shoots to fruition from start to finish. Sara currently lives in New York City. When she's not penning about fashion or travel, she’s at the farmer’s market, on a run, working to perfect her roasted chicken recipe, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork