The Types of Heels That Rise to Any Occasion
The styles you'll never grow tired of.
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.
Shop Our Favorite Kitten Heels
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.
Shop Our Favorite Platform Heels
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.
Shop Our Favorite Pumps
RELATED STORY
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

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.
-
The Best Taffeta Shorts to Wear Now and Into FallOnce reserved for evening, the high-shine fabric is proving to be extremely versatile.
-
I Beg You, Please Do Not Try to DIY Your LiposuctionA dangerous beauty trend is gaining traction online, and the risks are... substantial.
-
Hailey Bieber Is Already Wearing Kylie Jenner’s Viral $200 Metallic BikiniShop her sparkly suit.
-
These Plus-Size Dresses Are So Chic, I Planned My Entire Birthday Around ThemFrom a casual lunch with my husband to a party fit for a princess.
-
Kaia Gerber Goes Sheer, Cindy Crawford Satin—But They Share the Same Taste in One AccessoryThe mother-daughter duo subtly matched their looks for the premiere of Gerber's thriller 'The Shards.'
-
The New Zara SRPLS Collection Is Full Of Wardrobe Staples and Summer’s Most Romantic StylesOutfits made for frolicking in wildflower fields.
-
Princess Elisabeth Pairs Princess Kate's Favorite Shoes With One of 2026's It-Girl Color Trends for a Royal WeddingThe future queen of Belgium's wedding guest outfit is right on time.
-
Forget Clothes—Margot Robbie's Silky Dôen Set Confirms Summer 2026 Is All About LingerieShe paired the Taylor Swift-approved brand with the hybrid Mary Janes trend and Chanel accessories.
-
Katie Holmes's Hamptons Style Includes a Sheer Shirt and One of 2026's Biggest Footwear TrendsRumored boyfriend—artist Jason Bard Yarmosky—was the ultimate accessory.
-
Alexa Chung Found the Chicest Shoes to Wear With Bermuda ShortsConsider this the easiest way to dress up the summer staple.
-
Loeffler Randall’s New Capsule Is Made for Long WeekendsAnd 'Marie Claire' readers can exclusively shop it 24 hours before everybody else.