How to Style Low Heels
November 25, 2024
Once divisive, low heels are back in our wardrobes again after seeing a resurgence both on the runway and in street fashion.
The beauty of the cheeky low heel is their ability to fit in among casual and formal vibes. Elevate an outfit for brunch with the girls, a date night in town - even graduation and work events. These versatile shoes give you extra height, while the shorter heel means you don't sacrifice on comfort.
After making an editorial comeback, the low heel is here to stay. Find out how to wear low heels for all occasions with our style guide.
What's on this page
What is a low heel?
A low heel is pretty much what it says on the tin - a shorter heel than that of its traditional high-heeled sister. Their height usually sits at around one or two inches, making them perfect for the working day, as they don't put too much pressure on the balls of your feet.
They were all the rage in the 1930's, when women began to prioritise both comfort and style. Because of this association with an older generation, they began to slip out of fashion over the following century. However, today they're making a revival for their timeless look, but with a modern twist.
For example, you can find low heels in various styles, including:
- Sandals
- Mules
- Boots
- Strappy heels
- Closed toe
- Wedge heel
They're also super easy to throw on to dress up almost any outfit. From leggings and a baggy blouse, to tapered trousers or a mini skirt, the low heel is often more versatile and comfortable than its taller siblings.
How to style low heels for a party
If you're looking for an easy way to style an outfit for a party, you can't go wrong with low heels. They're sophisticated enough to embellish any outfit, all while looking totally effortless. As a throwback item, they look great with '90s-style dresses, smart trousers, or jeans.
Try pairing your low heels with:
- A midi skirt and oversized top - A classic pairing, midi skirts and low heels are endlessly elegant. Update a '50s-inspired midi skirt look as a great way to dress up your low heels.
- Jeans and a blouse - Try a pair of open toe or low heel boots to put a casual spin on your outfit. You can even swap jeans for tapered trousers, leggings, or biker shorts to look effortlessly put together.
- Cocktail dress - A winning combo for parties, low heels and cocktail dresses were made to be friends. Throw on a pair of strappy slingback or sparkly low heels to make a statement.
Style tip: What style of dress goes with low heels?
Low heels are great for uplifting your favourite dresses. Midi dresses and low heels can make your outfit look more mature and intentional with this classic silhouette. You can also modernise traditional low heels with a flowy, patterned maxi dress for a contrasting look.
Our low heel picks for parties:
Lilley Vivien Womens Black T-Bar Court Shoe
A classic pair of black low heel shoes are great for all occasions - but they're especially handy for parties. The T-bar design and diamante details really help to make a statement ensuring you're ready to tackle any party.
Style tip: Pair these outfit saviours with a sparkly party dress and silver-toned jewellery.
Lunar Girona Womens Black Sandal
If you like to feel more balanced when you walk these are for you. With a low heel and a secure closure, you’re sure to stay stable with low heeled sandals. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a striking gold design perfect for the summer.
Style tip: Style these with a black flowy dress and gold accessories to make a statement.
Truffle Halla1 Womens White Heeled Sandal
These low heels from Truffle feature an open toe and mirror plated design making them perfect for a party. The block heel offers extra support rather than a slim heel.
Style tip: Show them off with a slinky ruched dress and get ready to dance.
How to wear low heels at work
Low heels are a great addition to your work wardrobe, whether you fancy dressing up your more casual items for an informal dress code, or for standard business attire. The perfect balance between formal and laid-back, low heels are a fun and classy way to add variety to your regular work rotation. Plus, they're often much easier to walk in than ordinary heels!
Try wearing low heels with:
- Wide leg trousers - The contrast between slim low heels and wide-leg trousers makes them a stylish option for work. Go for closed toe or slingback heels to really show them off.
- Pencil skirt and a blouse - Harking back to the revamped '50s look we mentioned earlier, this midi skirt combo is perfect for work attire too. Pair with a neutral blouse, or an oversized white tee for more casual vibes.
- Jeans and a blazer - The jeans and blazer combo is a foolproof way to look totally put together with little effort whatsoever. Adding low heels or boots instantly gives business casual, with a hint of "I woke up like this".
Our low heel picks for work:
Cushion Walk Ivy Womens Black Heeled Ankle Boot
These black heeled boots from Cushion Walk are perfect for work. The padded insole supports your feet and the zip up fastening allows for a quick fit. The sleek black finish and arched shape creates an air of effortless professional glam.
Style tip: Dress up a business casual outfit with a pair of jeans and a blazer, or pair with smart trousers or a dress for a more formal look.
Jana Softline Womens Black Block Heel Court Shoe
If your work dress code is more formal, these classic court shoes are an excellent option. Not only are they a great choice for work, but these versatile low heels can be styled for different occasions from parties to dressy days out! Plus, they feature a cushioned insole and offer a roomier fit for wider feet making them a comfortable choice.
Style tip: Match these with a pair of patterned or neutral tapered trousers for added height – or wear them with a classic pencil skirt.
Lilley Anais Womens Black Matte Loafer
Low heel loafers are great for when you don't want too much height but also don't want to wear completely flat shoes at work. These matte black loafers from Lilley are fashionable thanks to the tassel details
Style tip: For a casual work vibe, wear these with skinny or cropped ankle jeans, a nice blouse or a cute graphic tee.
How to style low heels for a day out
Going for brunch or enjoying a cheeky shopping day out in the city? A pair of low heels has your back. Not only do they make fantastic summer staples, but they're also great for transitional weather once we step into autumn.
Available in a range of colours and styles, low heels are ideal for creating a capsule wardrobe. Their small heel makes it easy on the feet if you're walking for longer periods of time, which is always a bonus on day trips.
You can wear them with:
- Patterned trousers and a crop top - For a seamless silhouette, pair high-waisted patterned trousers, low heels, and your favourite crop top. Or why not swap for a graphic tee?
- Cigarette trousers and an oversized blazer - Whether you're going for a co-ord look or mixing it up with neutrals, a pair of cigarette trousers and an oversized blazer are the perfect marriage with some low heels. You can also rock this look with cropped jeans.
- Maxi skirt and a jumper - When cosy weather beckons, low heels can elevate an elegant maxi skirt and jumper outfit. Ideal for evening meals and visits to your favourite coffee shop.
Our everyday low heel picks
Lilley Gemma Womens Black Ballerina
This ballerina shoe with an adjustable buckle strap can be styled with many outfits all year round! Pop them on barefoot in the summer and wear them with tights when the weather takes a turn for the cold.
Style tip: Pair with a floral dress in the summer and a midi knitted dress and tights in the winter.
Softlites Doreen Womens White Casual Loafer
Quick to slip on, these casual loafers are great for wearing during the spring and summer months. The wedged shape heel and cushioned insole makes walking easier while the punchwork details make them a stylish choice.
Style tip: Wear with your with favourite cropped trousers or a satin maxi skirt.
Lilley Molly Womens Black Chelsea Pull On Boot
You can’t go wrong with a low heel ankle boot in a classic Chelsea style. These are a great wardrobe staple that can be styled however your like and the low heel make them suitable for everyday wear.
Style tip: Try these with skinny or bootcut jeans and an open buttoned shirt.
Can you wear low heels with jeans?
Throwing on a pair of low heels with your faithful jeans is an easy way to dress them up when you're running low on time to style an outfit. Style your low heels with ripped, boyfriend, or wide leg jeans for a casual look, or opt for cropped straight leg or skinny jeans for a seamless shape. Pair with a patterned blouse, blazer, or boxy tee to complete the outfit.
Low heels have click-clacked their way back into our hearts, and for good reason. Easy to walk in and style, these low-key staples are very much in vogue again – and we're glad to see it.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.