Black Pumps Are Out—Everyone Is All-In on White Heels
They're a warm-weather staple.
As warm weather approaches, my closet is making its annual transition toward my spring and summer staples, including my shoe collection. While I make it a point to keep up with spring’s biggest shoe trends, there is one style I return to every year: white heels.
While they are a bona fide wardrobe staple, white heels are everywhere right now, a trend that started during the Spring 2025 show season. At Aläia's New York Fashion Week show in September, models walked the circular runway at Manhattan's Guggenheim Museum wearing minimalist strappy sandals and controversial (yet cool) heeled flip-flops. At Bottega Veneta's presentation in Milan, sandals were replaced with full-coverage white leather mules. Finally, at the cool-girl favorite brand Courègues, triangle-shaped heels and plexiglass design elements added modern structure to the classic wedge sandal.
White heels take center stage on the runway at Courréges, Aläia, and Bottega Veneta.
Fashion insiders also love white heels for their versatility, a fact that Marie Claire’s editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike wholeheartedly co-signs. “I love wearing a white heel as an unexpected neutral in your look,” she says. “It can function in the same way a black shoe can, but it pops against black pants or blue jeans, adding dimension to the overall outfit.”
To demonstrate just how chic the best white heels can be, I searched the web for ample outfit inspiration to curate my own personal Pinterest board of emulatable looks—all featuring a pair of white heels. Keep scrolling to shop some of my favorite pairs to master the looks for yourself.
Versatile White Mules
Mules are the chic way to add some lift to any look.
One scroll through Instagram will show you almost a dozen white mules to shop this spring. There's a reason this style is so popular: they're comfortable and easy to style.
Sleek White Wedges
Wedges were a major trend at New York Fashion Week, and the look is showing no signs of slowing down.
When I envision a "summer wedge," I recall the raffia styles of my youth. This year, however, fashion insiders are trading the woven look for more futuristic silhouettes.
Classic White Pumps
You can never go wrong with a pair of pumps, and white ones are a timeless summer shoe. Keep it simple and shop for sleek styles that prioritize versatility over fluff.
Minamalistic White Strappy Sandals
Take the cool route and opt for a pair of delicate strappy sandals.
Minimalists, this trend is tailored for you! Sandals with barely-there straps are in vogue this summer. They're sleek, stylish, and perpetually cool.
Ladylike White Slingbacks
Slingbacks are such a classic silhouette, especially when they come in white.
Trust me, as someone who wore a pair of white slingback heels on my wedding day: they're definitely worth the investment. Look for styles with feminine details like mesh, a glossy finish, or 3D flowers.
Cool Heeled Flip-Flops
Flip-flop heels are officially back for the new season.
Yes, you read that right: heeled flip-flops are cool. The '90s-inspired silhouette is surprisingly versatile, and I love how they look paired with an all-white outfit.
Retro White Mule Sandals
White mules are the easiest sandal to style.
If you love the look of a mule yet want to showcase your pedicure, choose a mule-style sandal. This season's top selections feature charming design details like 3D pearls and delicate bows.
