Hey. Hey! Come back and hear me out. I promise the return of kitten heels isn't as bad as it sounds. The functional footwear so often associated with frumpiness rather than high fashion has made an unexpected comeback and is this year's must-have shoe. No, really. Being just a couple of centimetres off the ground has never been so cool.
So how did the anti-fashion shoe become this season's winning style? Well, it has a lot to do with the fact that the most influential fashion houses and many of our favourite designers sent kitten heels down the SS17 catwalks. Man of the moment, Demna Gvasalia collaborated with Manolo Blahnik on kitten heel slingbacks for the Vetements SS17 show, and for Maria Grazia Chiuri's Dior debut, the former Valentino designer presented branded ribbon slingbacks that we've already spotted on the feet of a few street style stars. Céline has created pointy mules in vivid colours for SS17 while J.W.Anderson switched up the kitten heel, replacing the point with a golden cylinder. And remember how we obsessed over Mansur Gavriel 's chunky-heeled slip-ons last year? For 2017, they've won us over again, with pastel, suede kitten heels.
Whether you prefer a mule or a slingback, a thick heel or a perfect point, it's time to cast your vertiginous stilettos to the back of your wardrobe and make way for the kitten heel. Click on to find the kitten for you.
The idea of a kitten heel is pretty alien but this silver pair from Zara would look perfect with cropped, frayed jeans and a hoodie or a logo T-shirt. Dress up streetwear or a more casual look with these statement shoes.
These elegant emerald-green pumps from Gianvito Rossi are a modern take on the classic kitten. Add life to your LBD or a simple party dress with this bright pair.
Gianvito Rossi Anna slingback kitten-heel satin pumps, £440, available at Matches Fashion
We're all about a trend that is comfortable and cool. Transform your workwear with these sophisticated slingbacks. No more twisting your ankle when you're running for the tube...
& Other Stories Suede slingbacks, £69, available at & Other Stories
These lustrous mustard-yellow satin and canvas mules are sculpted with a folded bow strap that would look just as good peeping out from a pair of flares as with a midi skirt and off-the-shoulder blouse.
No. 21 Kitten-heel satin and canvas mules, £428, available at Matches Fashion
Clean lines and pure colour are signature characteristics of Mansur Gavriel’s footwear line. Expertly crafted in Italy from the softest suede, we'd like these in every hue for our spring wardrobe.
Mansur Gavriel Backless suede pumps, £345, available at Matches Fashion
If you haven't heard of online store Uterqüe yet, it might just become your go-to for affordable accessories and wardrobe staples. These mules might not literally elevate you very much, but they will elevate your look with their contemporary cut and effortless elegance.
Okay, orange isn't the easiest colour to pull off but this pair of kitten heels is perfect for fans of colour-blocking or anyone looking to inject some fun into a monochrome wardrobe.
The modern-day Cinderella slipper. J'adore Dior indeed.
Dior Ribbon-detail kitten heels, price on enquiry, available at Dior New Bond Street
White shoes are also everywhere for SS17 so tap into two of the biggest footwear trends with these kitten-heel courts from Topshop.
Topshop Jemma Point mid heel court shoes, £59, available at Topshop
Founded by Instagram style stars Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, Attico is the new brand every fashion editor is fawning over.
Attico Pamela embellished mules, £696, available at Moda Operandi
After months and months of hiding our feet away in boots and trainers, these raffia slingbacks embroidered with flowers are the ultimate spring/summer shoe.
L.K.Bennett Mira embroidered kitten sling-backs, £165, available at L.K.Bennett
Shoes don't get girlier than this – red velvet with glittering bows. If you're going to do kitten heels, you might as well do it properly, courtesy of Christian Louboutin.
Christian Louboutin Mlle Menule velvet kitten heels, £655, available at Christian Louboutin
The bamboo-effect heel. The gold studs and pearl embellishment. The criss-cross ankle strap. We're sold.
Gucci black studded leather pumps, £795, available at Harvey Nichols
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