The short answer: kitten heels go with almost everything. Wear them with straight or flared jeans and a sweater for an easy everyday look, with tailored trousers or a tweed jacket for work, and with a sequin mini, sheer tights and a small bag for holiday parties. The low 1–2 inch heel gives you the lift and the long leg line of a pump without the ache, which is exactly why they are the shoe of the season for work, weddings and Christmas parties. Below are 10 kitten heels outfit ideas, plus the pieces from our shop that make each one, all under $60.
What are kitten heels, and are they still in style?
A kitten heel is a short, slim heel, usually about 1 to 2 inches high, on a pump, slingback, mule or ankle boot. They are very much in style: the pointed toe kitten heel is everywhere this season, from office outfits to party looks, and it fits the old money, quiet luxury look that is everywhere right now. The appeal is simple. You get a polished shoe you can actually stand in at a party or walk in to the office.
Kitten heels with jeans: the easiest outfit
This is the outfit people search for most, and it works because the pointed toe peeks out from under the hem and makes your legs look longer.
- Outfit 1, cream heels + leopard jeans: pair The Garden Party Bow Slingback Kitten Heels ($42.99, cream or white polka dot with a tiny bow) with The Main Street Leopard Print Jeans ($42.99) and a plain black or white knit. The cream heel calms the print down.
- Outfit 2, blue jeans + a fuzzy sweater: straight blue jeans, a cozy crew neck and the same slingbacks. Tuck the front of the sweater so the shoe and the waist both show.
Kitten heel boots outfit ideas for winter
When it is too cold for open heels, a kitten heel ankle boot gives you the same shape with full coverage.
- Outfit 3, the work-to-dinner boot: The Matinee Kitten Heel Ankle Boots ($44.99, black or chocolate brown, about a 1.2–2 inch heel and a back zip) with dark jeans or tailored trousers. Brown reads warm with camel and cream; black goes with everything.
- Outfit 4, leopard boots + a trench: The Late Checkout Leopard Pointed Toe Ankle Boots ($49.99) under The Paris Drizzle Belted Trench Coat ($44.99, black or apricot, sizes S–3XL). Belt the trench, keep everything else plain, and let the boots be the print.
Kitten heels for work: old money outfits
For the office, think structured and neutral. The heel should look intentional, not like an afterthought.
- Outfit 5, tweed and kitten heels: The Left Bank Houndstooth Tweed Jacket ($56.99, navy and cream with contrast trim) over a white tee, straight trousers and cream slingback kitten heels. It is the classic quiet luxury uniform.
- Outfit 6, the black-on-black meeting outfit: black trousers, a black knit and the black Matinee boots. Add a structured shoulder bag like The Cocktail Hour Leopard Print Shoulder Bag ($29.99) for one bit of print.
What shoes to wear to a holiday or Christmas party?
If you will be standing, mingling and maybe dancing, a low heel is the smart choice. A kitten heel or a block-heel mule looks dressed up without hurting by the second hour. Then let the outfit bring the sparkle.
- Outfit 7, sequin mini + sheer sparkle: The Countdown Long Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress ($34.99, 8 colors, sizes S–5XL) with The Midnight Kiss Glitter Tights ($17.99) and black kitten heels or the black Matinee boots.
- Outfit 8, sequin top + jeans: The Champagne Tower Sequin Halter Top ($27.99, backless, five colors) with dark jeans and cream slingbacks. Dressy on top, easy on the bottom.
- Outfit 9, leopard mules for a cocktail party: The Wine Night Leopard Mules ($39.99, pointed toe with a low block heel) with a black slip dress or black trousers. If you want a heel you can stand in all night, the block heel is the steadiest option here.
- Outfit 10, old Hollywood New Year's Eve: a black mini or sequin dress, The Black Tie Satin Opera Gloves ($17.99, about 20.5 inches, 15 colors) and a pointed kitten heel. Gloves do the drama, so keep jewelry small.
How to style kitten heels so they look right
- Let the toe show. With jeans and trousers, a hem that hits at or just above the ankle bone shows the pointed toe and makes the outfit look finished.
- Match the shoe to one other thing. Cream heels with a cream knit, black boots with a black bag. It pulls the outfit together.
- Use one print at a time. Leopard boots or leopard jeans, not both, unless you are going for a full statement.
- Break them in. Wear new heels around the house for an evening before a long party.
Questions, answered
Are kitten heels comfortable?
They are the most comfortable heel for most people because the heel is low. A pointed toe can feel snug, so if you are between sizes or have wider feet, size up.
Can you wear kitten heels in winter?
Yes. Choose a kitten heel ankle boot, or wear slingbacks with sheer or glitter tights for parties.
What color kitten heels are most versatile?
Black first, then cream or nude, then brown. A print like leopard works as a neutral if your wardrobe is mostly black, white and denim.
Do kitten heels make a good gift?
Yes, if you know her shoe size. Our shoes come in US sizes, including half sizes like 7–7.5 and 8–8.5.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping is free on every order, and most orders arrive within 7–15 business days.