I Once Lived and Died by a Sky-High Heel—Now I'm All In on This Accessible Version

Don't underestimate it.

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Brooke Ely Danielson wearing kitten heels
(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

I’m all in on the kitten heel. Deep down, I think I always have been—but there was a time in my life when I believed heels worthy of wearing had to be three inches or more. These days, I’ve relaxed into my kitten heel obsession and it’s here to stay. I’d also like to note—since most of you don't know—that I stand at just over six feet at an on-the-nose six foot one inch, making kitten heels a true friend (particularly when I was single and dating, not happily taken).

Back to why I love the kitten heel, other than my height. Anything under a two-inch heel makes for almost-automatic walkability. I also like that I can wear the fanciest of kitten heels with a denim set, or a casual t-shirt and trouser, and it all comes together a little more elevated. The lower heel height doesn’t mean less sexy—actually the opposite. The short and mighty kitten heel carries a sexiness and ease while allowing me, personally, to stand and walk with grace, ease, and balance.

A few notable favorites in my closet are from brands like Manolo Blahnik, Tory Burch (shoutout to this pearl-embellished kitten heel I've had in my closet for years!), and Jimmy Choo. On a more affordable note, I was on a power walk the other day when I stumbled upon the cutest suede mules in Mango! A steal at $80. Here’s my kitten heel edit to dive into, enjoy!

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The Embellished and Personality-Driven

Brooke Ely Danielson styles embellished mule kitten heels

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

Brooke Ely Danielson poses in a pair of embellished mule kitten heels

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

The Slingback

Brooke Ely Danielson styles a slingback kitten heel with a striped top and dark pants

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

Brooke Ely Danielson poses in her slingback kitten heels

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)

The Classic Mule

Brooke Ely Danielson

(Image credit: Brooke Ely Danielson)
Brooke Ely Danielson
Brooke Ely Danielson
Contributing Editor

Brooke has held editorial positions at Shape, Glamour, and Vogue, as well as contributed to In Style, Well + Good, Mind Body Green and Aspen Magazine. Brooke has also consulted for several brands, including Aztech Mountain and Tory Burch. Brooke has also made on-air appearances on the TODAY show, Fox5 among other media outlets while in her role as the Fashion & Lifestyle Director at Shape magazine. She runs the Substack 12 Seeds.