A kitten heel is a shoe with a short and tapered heel that stands one to two inches high. You’ll find kitten heels on pumps, mules, sandals, Mary Janes, and boots across a range of toe box shapes. Kitten heeled shoes tend to have a dressy and refined integrity. They are a sharp contrast to the chunky, lug sole trend. 

Kitten heels waft in and out of fashion. They’re currently having a fashion moment so we’re seeing more of them for a while. They are particularly popular in the form of a low heeled slingback pump. The collection below shows a range of examples.

Kitten heels, especially when they’re extra low, can be easier to walk in than high narrow heels. That said the narrowness of the heels can feel unstable. Some of my clients feel they’re going to topple over in kitten heels. The stability of a wide and chunkier heel feels more sure-footed.

Aesthetically, there is an elegance and dressiness to a kitten heeled shoe. Although you might prefer chunkier heels because it works better with your style, comfort levels, shape of your feet, and lifestyle. And if you like both narrow and wide heels on footwear, by all means enjoy the variation.

Personally, I vote yay. I enjoy wearing a low one inch kitten heel in a dressy shoe from time to time. Typically in the form of pumps and Mary Janes, but boots can work too. Their dainty, pretty and dressy integrity work for my style and shape of my feet. I don’t have kitten heels at the moment because the comfort and stability of a wide square heel can’t be beat for my fussy feet. But I’ll wear kitten heels again.

Over to you.

Change aspects of your style when you’re in a rut. Sometimes it only takes a few changes to feel refreshed. Update eyewear, underwear, and hair before addressing your wardrobe. If that’s not enough, tackle the rest over time, starting with bottoms. 

Try a new colour and colour combination. Add a pattern and try pattern mixing. Try trendier bottoms or throw in some classics. Try a new silhouette to create updated outfit proportions. Juxtapose items. Wear fits tighter or looser. Add texture and shine.

Accessory and make-up tweaks can be effective and affordable. Instantly amp up your look with new specs, scarf, belt, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, mascara, or handbag. Elevating everyday looks or relaxing the dressy glam ones can feel refreshing too.

Greens can look great with true neutrals like black and grey. Throw Winter white and blue denim into the mix too. These outfits provide inspiration for the palette. The bottoms are jeans, but feel free to sub them with pants and skirts that are more to your taste. 

1. Slouchy

An apple green slouchy sweater is paired with wide and extra length charcoal jeans. Their roominess accentuates the slouch. Tailored black boots and oversized satchel add a dressy element to the look, and match the model’s hair. Big blingy earrings add a glam touch.

2. Flowingly Tailored

A sage green tee is semi-tucked Into a pair of cropped black skinnies. A plaid green maxi cardigan tops the lot. The black and sage in its pattern matches the black and sage in the outfit. Chunky black oxfords with matching belt add an on trend ‘90s touch. The black bag matches them. The black beret adds a charming touch.

3. Eclectic

A fluid black sweater with a high neckline is worn out and over a pair of blue wide cropped jeans. It’s topped with a drapey teal poncho that effectively showcases the layered black sweater. Multi-coloured heeled loafers add an unexpected integrity. The browns and golds in the shoes match the model’s hair. The black matches the sweater, and the red heels make a statement. The coral earrings are another unexpected touch.

4. Utility

A long sleeved black and white striped tee is tucked into a pair of relaxed blue cargo pocket jeans. It’s completed with dressier black western boots, and a belt to match. A long forest green puffer tops the lot. Its faux fur trim on the hood adds a textural element. Add jewellery, watch, eyewear, scarf and bag as desired.

I like or love every item in my wardrobe. The exception is an almost ten-year-old Philip Lim skirt. It’s a tiered navy scattered polka dot midi with a front and black slit, and jagged asymmetrical hemline. It fits perfectly and is in great condition. It swooshes when I walk and is a little longer on me than on the model. 

For years, this was my favourite skirt. I felt fabulous when I wore it, and much enjoyed the way it looked and felt. Now I feel annoyed and unpolished when I wear it. Visually, the jagged hemline looks chaotic, and not in a way that is energizing. I prefer simpler lines. The long points on the hem are a tripping hazard when I climb stairs several times a day, or bend down to pick up Yorkies Sam and Jo. I don’t remember these impractical aspects being problems before. Maybe I’m more aware of them now that I’m older.

For two years I’ve tried to like this skirt again. Yet every time I put it on, I take it off and opt for something else. Question is, will I rekindle my affection for this beautiful designer piece? I might. I might not. Should it stay in my wardrobe, or should I pass it on to its next great home?

Have you felt similarly about a favourite wardrobe item that over time became your least favourite item? If so, what happened to the item, and what do you think I’ve decided to do with the skirt?