The Going-Out Heel IS Having a Comeback, Here’s How We’re Wearing It
There is a particular pleasure in putting on a pair of shoes that has absolutely no interest in being sensible. A fine strap, a pointed toe, a heel that changes the line of a trouser: sometimes the evening begins before you have left the bedroom.
We are making room for that feeling again. Not through an entirely new wardrobe, but through the shoes that make familiar clothes feel as though they have somewhere better to be.
The most appealing going-out heels do not demand a matching spectacle above the ankle. They can transform jeans and a shirt, sharpen a loose suit or add just enough ceremony to a dress you have worn many times before. The trick is deciding which part of the outfit gets to do the talking.
The barely-there sandal: Jimmy Choo Azia 95
Jimmy Choo’s black patent Azia 95 sandal is the sort of shoe we would introduce to a pair of beautifully cut trousers. Its straps bring a delicate line to an otherwise substantial outfit.
Try it with wide-legged black tailoring and an ivory silk shirt, leaving the neckline relaxed. A small earring and a compact bag are enough. The sandal provides the sense of occasion; the rest can stay unfussy.
For a dress, consider the hem as carefully as the heel. A simple midi that leaves the straps visible gives the shoe a role in the outfit. If everything disappears beneath a long skirt, you may prefer to spend your attention—and your budget—elsewhere.
The pointed pump: Christian Louboutin Kate
The Christian Louboutin Kate in black patent leather has a 100mm heel and a sharply defined profile. It is a polished option for the reader who wants a closed toe and a little more structure.
Our preferred pairing is unexpectedly ordinary: straight jeans, a fine knit and a well-cut jacket. Keep the denim clean at the hem, allowing the point to show. The contrast between casual fabric and a deliberate evening shoe does most of the work.
With tailoring, check the trouser length while wearing the actual heel. A hem that was perfect with trainers may sit differently now. A few minutes in front of a full-length mirror can do more for the result than adding another accessory.
The quieter option: Manolo Blahnik Maysale 70
Manolo Blahnik’s black suede Maysale 70 offers a buckle-front mule with a 70mm heel. The UK website lists it at £735 at the time of writing.
We like its slightly reserved character. It has enough detail to feel dressed, without requiring sequins or a towering silhouette. For dinner, pair it with an ankle-skimming skirt and a soft jumper pushed neatly at the waist.
A mule also lends itself to a more relaxed kind of glamour. Think a long coat over an uncomplicated dress, hair left alone and one excellent piece of jewellery. Nothing needs to announce how much thought went into it.
Let texture provide the interest
If the outfit is simple, the finish of the shoe becomes more noticeable. Patent leather gives a crisp flash; suede feels softer; fine straps reveal more of the foot and lighten the overall look.
Choose the contrast you want. A suede heel can soften a severe suit. Patent can add definition to knitwear. A delicate sandal can stop an all-black outfit feeling heavy. These are useful choices regardless of what happens to be labelled the season’s essential shoe.
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