Go to Google. Search “Gen Z high heels.” Result? Frenzy, to say the least…
A new topic of controversy has landed in the fashion-sphere, and it starts at our feet. A generational debate has been persisting over the summer months, with social media sites and news outlets covering the duel that is Heels vs. Sneakers, specifically in regards to going-out outfitting.
What’s there to fight about, you ask? Differing concepts of comfort, confidence, and more. Newcomers to nightlife have embraced casual styling, equating confidence to comfort. On the flip side, vets of the scene recall tight dresses and sky-high heels as the ultimate signifier of a good time. They stand at opposite ends of the spectrum, and look at each other with bewilderment when it comes to what really makes a night-out look.
Is there a middle ground? Will we ever know generational fashion peace? Fear not: The kitten heel is here to save the day.
After a long drought, in which platforms and flats ruled over all, the heel has re-entered the chat, and in a more approachable, accessible way than ever. With a lower height and endless fun shapes, the it-girls have grown to love this classic silhouette. They’ve not only started wearing them out on the town, but they’ve incorporated them into their everyday rotation, pairing them back to even the most lounge-forward styles. It feels fresh, new, and exciting, three words we love here at FP.
I know you’re probably thinking, How is that possible? Heels and sweatpants? Don’t sweat (wink)…we’ve been taking notes.
To test our theories, we sent our very own it-girl, Styling Assistant Camy Lindsay, into our sample closet to play dress-up and give us her take on how to make kitten heels your new go-to shoe:
STYLING 101
Rewriting the Book on Kitten Heels
By: Gwen Attridge
Dust off your pumps–we’re doing it the FP way.
SUNUP TO SUNDOWN
“This look is great for work and play. Pairing the longline short with a kitten heel feels like such a sophisticated and modern proportion for this fall! I added a cashmere cardi, leather jacket, and oversized sunnies to elevate even further. Loving how the orange and hardware on these heels contrasts with the leopard and brown tones!”
SPICED-UP SPORTY
“For this look, I used a lot of menswear/sporty inspiration! Really playing up all the stripes. I love contrasting something super femme (a kitten heel) with something unexpected– I would say this is my general formula overall for outfitting kitten heels. I think the unexpected is what shifts them from "old lady" to Carrie Bradshaw. This pair, specifically, has a beautiful shape that feels so luxe!”
MINI TO THE MAX
“I'm so into a mini skirt back to a kitten heel á la Miu Miu. It feels so flirty and perfect for elevating your going-out look. Pair with socks and a tiny bag for extra cool girl points!”
WRONG SHOE THEORY
“So excited about kitten heels and sweatpants! Again, harping on that unexpected factor–some call it "wrong shoe theory" and it works fantastic. It’s important to get in some skin so the outfitting doesn't read too heavy, so adding the sporty bodysuit with a peek of hip. Love how fresh the metallic feels here too– it really stands out against an otherwise neutral palette.”
Who knew heels could beat the fancy allegations? Leave it to Camy to completely convince us that we could wear them with anything.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for your average, everyday pair, ask, “What would Camy do?”
Wear a kitten heel, obviously!
Happy styling! <3
So the next time you find yourself reaching for your average, everyday pair, ask, “What would Camy do?”
Wear a kitten heel, obviously!
Happy styling! <3
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